I missed work dreadfully when I retired - I was a college lecturer teaching computing and so spent most of my professional life with teenage boys. I realise that for some people this would be their idea of hell, but I loved their humour and irreverence. I now make sure that I don't move only in age-exclusive circles. I have belonged to the same book group for 9 years, and I am the oldest by 30 years, often reading things I would not have chosen for myself. For me, the vital bit is keeping on learning. I go to a weekly French class where I struggle a bit, but keep on plugging away. I also belong to a choral society, never having had any musical experience at all. I am still not a very good sight reader but am improving. To those of you who think you can't sing because you used to smoke - I was a heavy smoker for years and learning to sing properly has really done wonders for my lung function. Of course I can never undone the damage but it really helps you to make the most of what you've got. I refuse to feel sad about getting old - I've already outlived both my mother and grandmother and intend to make the best of what's left. I want my grandchildren to remember me as a fun, lively person who was up for anything.