to want to do activities and meet people - but I'm 51 so should be joining the WI and flowering arranging, apparently.

[Pamboughtalamb]

Recently out of a l/t relationship - DCs flown - and want to have some fun. Not normally a group person and not been particularly energetic in the past and a bit shy, but now just want to get out there and do things.

Had a look on the boards at the library and at the local sports centre but everything where I might meet people seems geared to much younger people or those with children. I don't just want to go swimming on my own. Tried a walking group and the people were lovely, but mostly in their 70s and 80s.

The lady at the library said most people "like you" bake a few cake at the WI or join the flower arranging class. Then she whispered, "There's not much excitement to be had at our age, is there?"

AIBU to want an alternative to cakes and flowers?

Another one here saying don't dismiss the WI. Our branch has almost exactly the same demographic as MN, I would say and is definitely not full of old fogeys either.

Volunteering? Political activism? There's lots out there.

Volunteering for Guiding has been mentioned ... but have you heard of the Trefoil Guild? It's part of Guiding, but it's the activity section for grown-ups. www.trefoilguild.co.uk/

I agree with the suggestion of volunteering. You can find so many places that have a fantastic mix of ages and backgrounds and cam be really sociable..

I am much older than that and don't flower arrange or belong to WI, although I think they have a lot of younger members. Zumba is really good. Try a badminton or tennis club - if you think you would like it. Google 'volunteering' with your town or county and lots will come up.

I think meetup.com was mentioned further up. I joined this a few months ago and so pleased I did. Joined mainly socialising groups, for people of all ages, it's great to have a mix. We go for meals, pictures, theatre trips, out on the town, quiz nights, day trips, even looking at a trip to New York next year. Well worth a look Whereabouts in the country are you if you don't mind me asking?

What type of thing do you like?

What about something like St. John ambulance? Can learn first aid, meet other people and if you want get out and about on duties

HootShoot, have just looked up buns and roses. It's right on my doorstep, may have to go check it out now. Would never have occurred to me to join the WI if you hadn't mentioned it (DSIS joined, but she lives out in the sticks and is a retired pastry chef. My eggless sponge looks more like a pancake and although I'm currently trying to knit, it's all mostly holes).

You'll have to let us know how it goes! I don't know the group but they profiled them on the WI website and I loved the name!

Badminton groups are usually fun and friendly. They tend to be mixed ages too.

Around this time of year you get clubs offering tasters such as tennis, sailing, climbing, indoor ski slopes and so on. They may run regular ladies' social sessions during the week or you can book a short course of group lessons before committing.

How about googling SPICE. It's a group for adults of all ages but mostly attracts those in their 40's and 50's. They are a national organisation but have regional groups.

They organise dinners, walks, sports nights, weekends away, adventurous days out, wine tasting etc. I was a member for several years and loved every minute of it. I met some really interesting people and you can pick and choose what activities to do. It's not a singles club but does attract lots of single people but is open to anyone, single or couple.

Erm, I'm 35 and about to join the WI. Not sure what the problem is with it! jam and Jerusalem it ain't anymore....Recent monthly meetings have included burlesque dancing and cocktail-making here.

My mother isn't single, but wanted to go to Iran and joined a tour group led by two academics.

That sounds really interesting. I'd love to go on trips like that - anyone know where I can find out about them?

I learnt to scuba dive in my early 40s and there are plenty of people of all ages in the club. I've made quite a few new friends. Look for your local club on the BSAC website.

We use a local pool one evening a week for training and go to the pub afterwards and have other regular social events. We also go diving in lakes and the sea too (day and weekend trips).

ZOMBIE THREAD

MIL (77) is a member of U3A, she attends classes/lectures and also leads classes (retired English teacher specialising in Shakespeare). There are classes/groups all over the country.

You could also look at dance classes, you're never too old to learn!

Another couple of posters have suggested volunteering for Girlguiding (& someone suggested Trefoil Guild, which is fab, but in terms of age, it should be noted some areas do not [currently] have younger Guilds - we don't have one in my County, fr'ex, but I think we're geographically the second smallest in the country [pretty sure we remain the most ethnically diverse though & are fairly hefty number-wise...] & would be easy to travel to somewhere that does...) & I so SO much 3rd that suggestion.

I've met an astronaut; I have friends all over the world & I've travelled abroad; I've seen my MP grilled by 7-10yos on everything from bullying through social housing to women in sport & the media; I discussed skin-bleaching, representation & racism at the House of Lords with Floella Benjamin...

I've done all sorts of things, but the very absolute hands-down best thing I get to do is spend time making a difference in the lives of the girls & young women I work with. And I'm not being an egocentric weirdy claiming I do - they [come back &] tell me, their parents tell me, and we see the changes.

This year a child who'd never spoken a word in a school play not only volunteered to be narrator for our Christmas performance, she did a brilliant job & she managed to look up at the audience not just stare at her script.

Every Unit is a bit different, too; and obviously each age group is HUGELY different, so you'd be well within your rights to ask to visit a few Units. You can say you want to see how it fits with your work schedule if you're worried people will be weird about it. You also don't have to commit to going to meetings every single week - as long as you're clear about when you'd be there & what you're offering/able to do. (Of course, as everyone already in guiding knows "jobs only [take] one night")

www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/

Bother. Caught by the Zombie Thread. REALLY wish the Zombie Warning stayed on after the first post resurrected it!!!!!!!

OP I'd really recommend checking out Park-Run and any beginners running groups, they tend to be inclusive of all adults but some will be of a similar age if that's what you're after specifically :)

Oh wow. Dead thread! I wonder how OP got on???