Standing the test of time

Many things change as we age. Most of us are notably stouter at 40 than we were at 20 — I certainly am — and as we approach and overtake the three-score year marker, it isn’t unreasonable to expect a bit of creaking at the knees.

In compensation for the physical indignities of ageing, nature blesses us — well, in most cases — with the psychological and emotional maturity to deal with them. You may no longer feel up to running a marathon, but the knowledge that there are plenty of other ways to spend those few hours that will bring as much pleasure to help us to bear this loss nobly.

Add to these factors changes in our lifestyle and differences in our level of disposable income and time available to spend doing those things we choose to do for