How to not give a shit about getting older

‘Find hobbies you love. Life shouldn’t just just be about work! I go to the Rio Cinema once a month and water aerobics at Clissold Leisure Centre.’

‘It might sound boring, but I’ve always found eating healthily and getting a full night’s sleep keeps me in good spirits. Not too much alcohol either!’

‘Don’t underestimate how good spending time with people is for you. I go to church and spend time with lots of young people in the community.’

‘Don’t let setbacks get in your way. I love line dancing. I learned it in Vegas. I’ve even got cowboy boots. I’ve been ill so haven’t been for months, but I’ll be back!’

'Try everything. For me, that means drag-racing. My son’s got a car that I drive, because if I did more than 60mph in my own, it would fall to pieces. I’ve also done parachute jumps; if I had the money, I would do them every week because it’s so wonderful up there. And I’ve been go-karting and abseiling. I want to go and abseil the Cheesegrater next – that’s around 50 floors. I’d encourage everyone to do it: don’t be scared! It’s also good to be around other people. I volunteer with lots of organisations, for the simple reason that I might need them myself one day, and I let my neighbours use my allotment. The only thing I say is that they can’t grow cannabis.' Remember it doesn’t hurt to be grateful for being alive. Be polite. Be interesting, not boring: if you start talking about your health, people are going to glaze over.