Virtually at the same stage of life as you.

Bought bikes at Xmas for the same reasons.

Wife and I both got Specialized Elite Low-Entry models. Put 60 plus miles on them so far and am very happy.

It's a hybrid model with a front shock,nice.

And I would evaluate how you swing your leg over the bar getting on and off. I can do it now, but I want to keep this bike for ten years, and the thought of swinging that leg every time on and off led me to the "low entry" version.

35 years ago we called them "girls' bikes", but I'm very happy with my choice.

Just try one in a bike shop .

good luck