Online groups can be a genuinely useful entry point, especially for people who find in-person introductions harder.
Where to look
Facebook groups specifically for solo agers or aging alone, Meetup groups organized by interest and location, and organizations like AARP that run dedicated online communities.
The goal: convert online to in-person
Treat online connection as a stepping stone — look for local members of a larger online group and suggest meeting in person for coffee once you've built some familiarity.
Be cautious sharing personal financial or location details in open online groups — keep specifics for connections you've vetted over time.