We all long to retire, but is it the dream that we envisaged or a nightmare of boredom and loneliness? We could live for another 25 years; so here are my top tips of making it an exciting and fulfilling time.

Helping Others
Doing some kind of voluntary work gives you a sense of purpose and makes you feel wanted. It can be revolve round your interests i.e. helping in your local primary school, working in a charity shop, driving people to hospital appointments or just giving your time to talk to people who are unable to get out and about.

Write about your Life Experiences
Investigating your family history is fun and if you write about the people you remember within your family's past you will provide an archive for future generations. How many times do we wish we had asked our grandparents about their lives?

Embrace the Internet
Do not be scared of modern technology. Get your grandchildren to help. It can be fun and connect you to people outside your normal day to day life. This is especially great if you are not so mobile. Joining an online cafe or Facebook can provide you with new friends and interests.

Live in the Present and Enjoy it
Life evolves and moves on and the younger generation have to live their lives according to their rules. If you take an active interest without criticising too much then you will be part of their lives because they want to be with you and not because they feel obligated.

Ladies that Lunch/Coffee
Make sure you get out and about each day and meet your friends for lunch or coffee. Keep up with the local news so that you will have lots to natter about.

Join a group
There are lots of local interest groups around. Check with your local library or the internet to find one that suits you. It could be gardening, knitting, photography etc.

Do something outside your comfort zone
Once in a while do something that makes your heart race. Take a hot air balloon ride or go on a scary fairground ride. Push yourself and see how much you enjoy the feeling of achievement.

Jay's book, Oh My Giddy Aunt! is available now from Amazon.