5 WAYS TO STAY STRONG AND FIT

Dame Joan Bakewell’s roadmap to living your best life for as long as you can

SPREAD THE WORD

As you get older, you need good friends. They don’t just happen: you have to find and keep them. You may be shy: but they may be, too. You’ll both benefit when you come together. I’m in a book group, and have friends who enjoy visiting museums, theatres and cinemas.

GET UP AND GO

Have a hobby. There are loads to choose from. I present Portrait Artist Of The Week on Sky Arts: plenty of the painters who join in are amateurs over the age of 50. Or take up serious cooking, or sewing. I find that what I learned when I was young won’t do any more. Recipes have changed, so have clothes, so consult your Nigella Lawson and Mary Berry (her passion fruit and orange cheesecake is delicious) and experiment… those new friends will be happy to come round and share when life is back to normal.

HELP OUT

Look around and you’ll see there are plenty who aren’t as lucky as you and need help. And there’s no shame in finding that helping people makes you feel better; it’s a natural response. Try volunteering at a food bank, the local hospital or museum; offer to take the housebound out in their wheelchairs. See if the local nursery school would like to adopt a granny or grandpa. Once you’ve taken the initiative, you’ll find more opportunities open up.

SHAKE A LEG

Even in your 70s, 80s, 90s, you must exercise daily. I bought an exercise bike in my 88th year and try to do two sessions of 10 minutes each day. Daily walks are just as good. Appropriate supplements are wise: I take omega 3, glucosamine, zinc and vitamin D. Under doctor’s guidance, I take a daily statin to help keep cholesterol down. Check which activities or supplements are correct for your own size and lifestyle. Make a daily plan and stick to it.

KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY

There’s a whole world to reach from your armchair: emailing family and friends, shopping online, following the news. It’s often hard for brains that are slowing down and a spirit that groans at passwords and search engines. I try asking a grandchild, though they’re not always patient. Ask your library about classes, or hire a techie. A new skill bestows new confidence.