Do you work now? I would see about inexpensive county continuing ed/recreation center courses, community college, etc., take a photography or arts sort of course, cooking maybe? Could you maybe look for a roommate to live in your house with you, share the house costs and become friendly with? I lucked out and made a good friend by joining the Friends of the Library for the branch near me in Washington, DC.

I'd maybe make a plan, think about selling your house in 4-5 years when real estate is recovered a bit for a smaller, less expensive condo sort of place in a more "dense" community with pool/gym and other features like that where people might gather? It is getting harder now, with the Internet, to meet people in person I think. I would get out a bit more, might even go to the store event for a bit, not to "meet" anyone but just to get use to going out on your own a bit more; harder to meet people if you don't go out much and allowing the social anxiety to get a hold/grow, even if just by habit, is not a good idea?

I was worried about the old/alone/sick thing and now make sure I go to a doctor often enough so he "knows" me a bit and have taken charge of my health and am actively working on my fears for the future, so I am more prepared?

I belong to an online group that has in-person possibilities too?

http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/g...al.asp?gid=449