If your problem now is largely one of loneliness or boredom, why not think about trying one of the many social and recreational groups in Croydon?
There are groups catering for all kinds of leisure interests, from art and animals to walking and winemaking; church groups; sports clubs; women's organisations; senior citizens' groups; lunch clubs, day centres and pop-ins for the elderly. Perhaps there is a community centre near you? They usually offer a number of different kinds of groups, catering for different age-groups and interests. Details of all these groups can be obtained from your local library or searching the Croydon Online database.