OVER 70 YEARS OLD

You might face the loss of a partner or friends, and a perceived loss of your place in society. For some there’s the prospect of moving to a care home – or the fear of it. For those with dementia who have some insight into their condition there might be the sense they’re losing their independence.

Fear of death is generally not a big problem. “You don’t tend to see that in older people so much,” says Dr Alex Bailey, who works in the old-age faculty at the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists. “People with a long life experience have generally come to terms with that.” Or built resilience against it.

Ill health, on the other hand, does lead to anxiety – especially if the illness is a threat to independence.

There might be financial worries, particularly about the cost of care. “You might not be confident in the ability of your family to steer your life. How much do you trust your kids, for example?” Bailey asks. “There can be a fear of being seen as a burden, as well as the fear of physical and mental incapacity, and of being left alone. Loneliness is rife.”

HOW TO REBOOT Keep your social network as active as possible, Bailey says. “We’re social creatures.” Communities are full of opportunities to socialise: seek them out.

Even small daily moments of interaction help, such as chatting to bus drivers or shopkeepers. This is a great time to take up a new hobby or physical activity – especially one that involves meeting others.

If you tend to worry at night and it’s affecting your sleep, learn to put your brain into neutral. Try altering your breathing to slow your heart rate – breathe out for one second more than you breathe in, for instance. Psychotherapy can also be beneficial in this age group.