I’m Brian – not Bridget! – Jones and this is my diary. It’s about what really matters in life – staying healthy, keeping your finances on track, setting goals and making the most of time. It’s about seeing the world, engaging with modern society, enjoying leisure and being with family and friends.
Am disappointed with my National Trust membership
I joined the National Trust not long after my 60th birthday. On and off over the years I’ve thought of joining but never got round to it but something happened in my brain when I turned 60 and I thought now was the time. A kind of older person version of when Harry Enfield’s KevinContinue reading “Am disappointed with my National Trust membership”
Perspectives – to Botox or wrinkle
Sometimes it feels to be a good to be a man, especially when I trawl the internet for perspectives on turning 60. This article by beauty director Valerie Monroe on the Oprah.com website highlights the issues women face about their face. As a man I don’t give mine a second thought, hardly look at itContinue reading “Perspectives – to Botox or wrinkle”
Turning 60 – Perspectives
Enough of me, it’s time to see how others are tackling the milestone of turning 60. From celebrities such as Gary Lineker and Nigella Lawson who have both turned 60 this year to the less well-known like myself and others blogging about ageing. When you Google ‘Being 60 – how does it feel?’ it seemsContinue reading “Turning 60 – Perspectives”
Home learning courses galore!
I want learning to be a key part of my retirement life. For years I’ve wanted to speak French – I spent a couple of years making slow progress on an evening course then abandoned it. I’m also interested in developing my range of digital skills including Search Engine Optimism. There’s plenty of fun stuffContinue reading “Home learning courses galore!”
Our divided country – public v private
In one of the bleaker days of our Covid year I heard the news of the Wales lockdown and the impact it will have on the livelihoods of those running small businesses. Some of the stories of livelihoods that will be lost – as a result of the ridiculously named ‘fire-breaker’ – in the retailContinue reading “Our divided country – public v private”
We’re planning 2021, more in hope!
We’re going to start planning 2021 tonight. Amazing really after the fruitless exercise of planning 2020. I’ve hardly looked at the big year planner wall-chart I bought this time last year. It’s not even on the wall anymore, the only things that continued to happen were the annual due dates for insurances, tax that kindContinue reading “We’re planning 2021, more in hope!”
Me and my lawn
At what age does a man become obsessed with his lawn? This past year I’ve spent more time thinking about, my lawn then ever before. It occupies about half of my back garden, is about at 40 feet long by 20 feet wide and with the sun shining, all freshly mown and neatly edged it’sContinue reading “Me and my lawn”
Sending my poo to the NHS
I used to imagine that turning 60 enabled you to access all sorts of discounted stuff on account of your senior citizen status. Apart from free prescriptions, there’s nothing much I’ve been able to save so far. That’s partly because there isn’t a lot and partly because Covid has closed some of the travel andContinue reading “Sending my poo to the NHS”
I’ve just started taking Vitamin D supplements
I bought them from Amazon, they are gummies that look and taste not unlike my favourite sweets, wine gums. It’s all I can do to stop eating the whole jar! The good news is these sweet treats are actually good for me and that the Government has just decided to advise us all to startContinue reading “I’ve just started taking Vitamin D supplements”
Six tips to make you optimistic
I’ve been consciously trying to stay positive these last few weeks. News of the resurgence of the virus, depressing talk of more lockdown and the cancellation of our winter break have all put this to the test. I found this article on the increasingly ‘go-to’ restless.co.uk website for the over 50s by Elise Christian reallyContinue reading “Six tips to make you optimistic”
Some Useful Links
The Centre for Ageing Better – A UK-based Lottery-funded project which works to create change in policy and practice to improve housing, health, employment and communities.
The Oxford Institute of Population Ageing – Useful research and an interesting blog
Later Life – A range of courses helping people prepare for retirement
British Heart Foundation – 20 retirement transition tips from Britain’s leading heart charity
Age UK – an interesting article about preparing emotionally for retirement
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