A retired butcher was found dead when a friend arrived at his home to take him to hospital, an inquest heard.
Andrew Sheriff, 78, lived at Belchalwell, near Blandford, with his wife, Margaret, a retired administrator.
The inquest, held at Bournemouth town hall, was told a friend of Mr Sheriff's arrived to take him to hospital on Wednesday March 4.
He was unable to find him so contacted another friend and they searched the property.
Mr Sheriff was found unresponsive. Inquiries have revealed there are no suspicious circumstances.
A post mortem examination revealed the cause of Mr Sheriff's death to be hanging.
Assistant Dorset Coroner Brendan Allen adjourned the inquest until July 14 to allow for further inquiries to be carried out.
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