Depends what you mean by older person lol, i’m 57 yrs young and been divorced twice, I would probably make contact with your friends and explain how controlling your ex was, and apologise for letting that person come between you and them, real friends will be forgiving, as for meeting people, well there is always clubs in most communities and if you want to try online dating there are sites for older people ( keep your wits about you though ) I’m on some of them and never had any issues. Hope this helps & best of luck, i’m sure you will be fine.

True friends wouldn’t judge & still want to be your friends and would see through whatever your soon to be ex would say. Same thing happened to me so I was happy to let them go. As for making new friends I’ve not tried, it’s hard when your not a club type of person. My pleasure is going out to quiet places and walking. Stay strong and see this as time to try new things, you never know what’s around the next corner 😃

I would say, Stay strong keep going change your life in starting a new job or new hobby and maybe going out with people that you would never consider going out with before for a drink and for friendship and you will make a new life for yourself

Well you have made a good start by posting on here. Join in with other discussions and you will soon make some online friends that in turn can lead to real life friendship and more, I can testify to that 🥰.
Have a look on http://www.Meetup.com for local groups that do activities in your local area, many walking groups etc.