Hi malo,
I've been full-time for over a year (and part time/not so intensely earlier) looking for ways to build social connection. Yes it does sometimes sort of freezes me, but then soon I begin to look for ways to develop connection -- with everything from lectures and book clubs and events at local libraries and community centers in the big city of Toronto in Canada. In fact I even joined some mental health groups even tho I don't have a clear mental health problem but would like to share my perspective on what helps with mental health.

Too many men rely on their spouses, even though friendship is to provide a level of connection that spouses often cannot; it's an add-on for healthy and wholesome human development. And it matters not is it man or woman, young or old, but whether EACH enjoys and finds it Mutually rewarding. It can be interests, skills, wisdom, experience that people bring so that Each finds it's an Equal relationship.

On national radio loneliness issue was covered; here's the link that shows many American references it draws upon. Hope it's helpful
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/who-loneliness-health-stigma-1.7035081