charitable work might help you couple of days helping out at a shelter etc though from the prev posts ive read on here they seem to be in the main run by religious orgs in your country good luck

I'm retired also and in the beginning it's difficult to find a new groove, a new way of life. Unlike you, I'm a loner, a homebody. I'm satisfied staying home watching TV and having the occasional drink, also this site is very interesting and I've "met" some good people. The current replies here are all good, have some coffee with @justkip, seems like a good guy

Don't know if you can play music but if you can't get yourself one of these and learn, great way to keep yourself occupied.

My advice would be go out and join some groups. If you have any interests or hobbies I’m sure there are clubs you could join, and there you will meet like minded people. You could also do some charity work by volunteering, lots of them around and you would be helping others and also benefitting yourself. You say you are happy engaging people in conversation so it shouldn’t be difficult for you to make new friends. I wish you a long and happy retirement, I have been a retiree for some years and find friendships and keeping busy are the ingredients needed for a happy one.