How to make friends in your 50's

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I find myself socially light in that I had one best friend for many years that I broke away from due to awful treatment and I haven't pursued friendships since.
However, I feel sad that the only company I keep is my partner in real life.
I have enjoyable chats with people online and I feel like I have something to offer to others but I just can't figure out how to make that first step in friendship.
Anyone else out there in my shoes?

Can you join some groups with a shared interest? I’ve made friends over the last few years with people from my book group, walking group, art group, yoga class.

You have to throw yourself into everything. Join lots of hobby groups, make the first move, keep suggesting coffee..

Join an assortment of group activities. Try everything but also be prepared it takes a lot of work and time to build new friendships. I’ve seen one article saying it’s something like 200 hours to make a friend. (Nope can’t find it) Certainly from my experience, you need to give things a good six months for things to progress from mere passing nods in a class to a coffee and chat on a regular basis type friendship. (Very small sample group of one - me! So not highly scientific)

Join groups for things that you are interested in. It will take time, at first you will be on the edges. Offer to help with things for the group. After a while ask if anyone fancies going to an event outside the group meeting.
It takes a bit of time and effort and can’t be rushed.

I'll be moving 300 miles in the next year. Recently widowed. Planning on dogwalking and other things with him, U3A (I'll be 64), church, birdwatching, and going along to village events, especially those with cake! Pub quiz perhaps too. I know people won't come knocking on my door so it's up to me to get out there.

Thank you everyone. Time to join some groups then!

Have a look on Facebook. Ours has a few friendship groups you can join. Or WI? Netball? Archeology club etc.

I made loads of new friends when I took up a new sport.

You need to be prepared to ask people out though, so to speak!

Volunteering, sport, music groups, say yes to opportunities to spend time with people and stick your neck out a bit, even if it feels a bit awkward, or the activity wouldn't be your first choice.

I've had two or three best friends that things fell apart with, so I felt a bit doomed, but now aged 50, I have a great social circle and more offers and invites than I have time for.