In my case as a large city dweller, I often use events at the library where many talks of my interest are offered -- with a chance to mill about with others, tho I (like others) find many come with their own bunch while there are others just to socialise around games (checkers, scrabble etc) and some specialised ones like Death Cafe. I go wherever there is a decent chance to initiate some conversation.
So Monday I'll be attending retired people in lifelong leaning on Democracy with material to cover over over 14 presentations by Participants over 3 months. I've signed up for a three more like Physics, News of the 2-weeks etc.
Also there are a few Meetup.com run events that are publically available often free like Skeptics, walks, Humanists, Philosophy. The choice is vast, many have offering in large US cities.
I type in the browser to find what's available with search terms that suit me: other day I wanted to see if I could offer free /volunteer tutoring to new comers.
In the past there's been meetup for people with cats, as I have one. Or walking in snow in local parks, or even started my own to meet over coffee to talk about topics of stress management/ healthful eating etc.
My reason to participate is less to do with Learning and More to do with striking a friendship. So if that opportunity is minimal, I have no use -- after all one can learn on their own in one's den over the screen! BUT leaning attitude is also an indication of being open to new experiences=Curiosity. The most human trait that defines us -- and we pay dearly (in diseases and early disability both mental or physical) when we let it starve.
Hope you find what is Enjoyable and gives a sense of accomplishing what's worthwhile in your life! Good luck!
@sisyphus Thanks so much for the specifics.
Lots of good ideas here, and I find some solace in knowing there are others for whom the possibility of connecting is as important, if not more so, than the topics themselves - lots of learning to do, to keep on doing, even if on my own, but the forum for learning with those equally curious provides a certain "soft landing" for even making the effort.
Best wishes to you too on this journey.