Why is it so hard to find a meaningful relationship??

I'm 43. Had quite a lot of problems in the past that made relationships difficult, it was a case of right person wrong time. I have found a handful of really precious connections in my time but they all fell through. Now it seems so unlikely to find something sincere and meaningful yet to be perfectly honest, I do long for that. I can't seem to replicate what I found with people in the past. Where should I look? What should I do as I hate internet dating.

There’s loads of opportunities - such as going out during the weekend - look for places that allow people to meet (e.g. societies, clubs, bars, etc…)

What has changed in your life (other than age), that you can't seem to replicate what you found with people in the past?
Some geographical locations just don't lend themselves to meaningful connections. Such as Dubai. Pls don't say you live in Dubai. I've heard rumours that half the women there are Russian or Ukrainian prostitutes. Probably not true... but it doesn't have a good reputation regardless.

No I'm actually in Cambridge England. What has changed is that the world is just increasingly soulless and closed off. Also I don't frequent where I used to, bars pubs and a sports club as I feel lacking in the energy to go there alone like I used to when I met people.

Have you not maintained your old connections / friends? What do they do?

Not really I drifted apart. School was very hard for convoluted reasons. Then came back to my hometown after uni. Lost most of my connections, they have kids etc. Less inclined to randomly go out now and also don't drink anymore.

I can relate to some extent. I messaged a friend from school last week. Hasn't replied, which is a shame. But I also didn't message him for over a year either, so, understandable. He's got a kid & I'm sure has his plate full.
A large part of the reason is that I've made new friends in the meantime, and also moved on with my life.
Your bio says you're 43 though, so I'm a bit confused. When did you go to uni, and for how long? Most people are done with uni by 25 at the latest, so what happened to the other c.20 years?
You can't force connection. Write to them. Ask if they would like to spend time. Offer to help, and try to be a useful part of their life, instead of just 'hanging out' without any real purpose. Having kids is demanding. But like I said, don't try too hard because it will come off weird.

Yeah I need to make new connections I guess I need to try evening classes etc. Don't like the gym much and it's not that social.

Exercise can be social. Not all exercise is done in the gym. I used to do capoeira for instance - and Brazilians are often very social. Exercise is also very good for your mental wellbeing.
This is a great video why: We Need to Rethink Exercise (Updated Version) - YouTube

No I'm actually in Cambridge England. What has changed is that the world is just increasingly soulless and closed off. Also I don't frequent where I used to, bars pubs and a sports club as I feel lacking in the energy to go there alone like I used to when I met people.

You don’t have to drink alcohol but you do have to make greater effort. Event functions, websites like MeetUp/me have all kinds of groups.

What's up with your profile pic and username. Let's start there.

I hardly use those IRL