Not everyone has friends and family nearby to help them in retirement. However, there are other resources available to help:
Age UK https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ is a UK-wide charity which has various support options available including footcare, shopping, handyman, driving, lunches and activity centres. All these services differ from area to area so check with your local Age UK office.
u3a https://www.u3a.org.uk/ gives you opportunities to develop your interests, make new friends and have fun with special interest groups; they differ area to area.
Your local areas will also have other specific community groups. Two such in Wandsworth are:
Furzedown Project https://www.furzedownproject.org/ which is an activity and social hub for anyone over 50.
WOPF - https://www.wopf.org.uk/ who have speakers once a month and campaign for older people in the borough.
We run our very own community group, Café Connections, https://www.onestoporganisers.co.uk/cafe-connections/ online twice a month (so location is no barrier) with a speaker once a month and a discussion topic once a month.
One Stop Organisers: Here to help your older loved ones live their best lives.