+1 on considering a hybrid.

Wider tires for a more comfortable ride, more comfortable upright riding position, some offer a front suspension that can be locked out for roads and unlocked for unpaved trails, they'll have all the attach points for racks, cages, etc and will make a decent cruiser should you wish to.

You sound like you're just about a year behind me on a similar bike trajectory - I'm fift....fif....of a certain age, my knee and ankle are used up for running, I was getting fa......f.....to a certain weight and needed a new, regular low impact exercise hobby. I went into a bike store on a whim and test rode a bike and now I look forward to riding mine whenever I can.