I'm 51 and single also...I have been in and out of ER a couple of times. I do computer contract work and each time I think I'm done working someone calls and asks me to come back to work again. It's hard to turn down the money so I go back. Each time I ER, I go through a few weeks of adjusting to life without work...I have that "what now" feeling. That feeling quickly goes away for me if I have something I do on a regular basis...sort of like work, but fun. For me it's working out every day. I alternate days of running with days of weight lifting at my health club. The rest of the time I do all of the other stuff that I never seem to find time for when I'm working...reading, watching movies, gardening, housework, fixing and improving things around the house, riding bike, playing piano, watching "bad television" and not feeling guilty (ha!), etc. And don't be afraid to feel bored occasionally...that can lead to new hobbies if you keep your eyes open for new interests. I'd much rather be a little bored than stressed out from work. The nice thing is that you don't have to feel like you have to cram everything into the usual 2 day weekend. So what if you don't get something done today...you always have tomorrow. It's a great feeling being able to take your time on things also. When I go to my health club I never feel rushed when I'm ER'd.
Congratulations on your ER...I think you'll enjoy it!