I'd encourage a club. Personality and family life make this more or less relevant but most people need others to hang around. Also good for other household members who are used to alone alone.

In Australia we have clubs called 'mens shed' which is basically a community hall full of tools and retired blokes get together to chat and make stuff. That's always sounded good to me.

Search for local communities and clubs near you. And consider something he can do in another 10 years ongoing so they can keep at it with the same community.