Life has been full of ups and downs this past year. My husband died this time last year and I retired from teaching in February this year. My post is in two parts:-

1. Are there any other Fifty something widows/singles out there? What things can I do on my own? Holidays? Cinema? Etc. I'd Like to go on a cruise holiday on my own but if I don't feel comfortable I'll be stuck. Has anyone tried this? I'd love to hear your experiences.

2. Has anyone tried/got a hot tub and what's the verdict. Are they worth it? Now I'm home alone, I am really enjoying my garden and thought they sound lovely.

I can answer no two as there is a really good way of trying an inflatable tub rather than invest in thousands. If you really get into using a tub then you can get a proper one but this has really been a good buy for us.

We got one of these three years ago and love it .

It is easy to set up and maintain. For the money I think they are excellent value for money.

I would also invest in a good net and also a spa vacuum

http://www.lay-z-spa.co.uk/product/4/bw54112-2013-lay-z-spa-vegas-hot-tub

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003Z9ROA2

We spend hours in ours in the evening and it is quite easy to play with the dogs as it is the right height to retrieve a ball and throw if for them whilst sitting down !

Worth every penny in our experience.

We still haven't justified getting a real tub yet.

Certainly looks good. Thanks for the link.

One of my friends is in her late sixties (although very fit active and sociable) and is currently working her way through a bucket list =)
She recently did a cruise on the nile on her own. It is on a reasonably small boat and you get put on a table with the same people every night (not sure if this is how the large p&o type cruises work) but it meant they forged a real friendship from early on. There were other people on the boat who were single and they all became really friendly with one another looking out for each other. If you are worried about being lonely then this sounds like the perfect way to enjoy a cruise without being on your own amongst thousands of others on the commercial cruise liners.

As for hot tubs, ive been in one a few times. Was nice but just that, nice.nothing more and nothing less, but way too expensive to warrant the few times you would go in it before the novelty wore off.

Have sent you a PM.

There are companies catering for singles of many age ranges, you'll have to do a search on that one. However I think you should do it, no point regretting things in life, far too short.. So stry googling now :-)
My friend went in a single holiday last year, 2 weeks in Tunisia and she has a fab time and made some friends.

Hot tub, would love one but wonder how often I'd use it? The Layz ones which Lucy has recommended is say are the cheapest way of seeing if its worth spending big bucks on. I know a few people with them and they prob don't use them as much as they should or thought they would..

Apologies for the poor spelling and grammar, this iPhone is a nightmare!

Thank you all. You have given me confidence. Maybe a short cruise to start with.  As for the hot tub - I thought the same, the novelty may wear off.

Update:  I've talked myself out of it :)

I think hot tubs are on eof things your friends like you to have because they can come and use it occasionally I am sure most people dont use them enough to warrant the cost :)