Look after her child in our 70s?

It’s possible that your daughter has already thought about childcare and plans to use childminders, or perhaps her company’s creche if it has one. She may be intending to get her own place. The point is, you simply don’t know, and you won’t unless you talk with her. There’s no reason why this conversation needs to be confrontational; keep it relaxed and explain that you are concerned about how she is going to cope. Ask how she plans to juggle work and a baby.

At the same time, let her know that, in view of your health, you and your husband doubt you’ll be up to doing much in the way of childcare.

Hopefully, if she hadn’t thought about it, this will spur her to planning now. If she does react badly, though, be prepared to gently remind her that the decision to have a baby was hers and that she shouldn’t have assumed you’d upend your lives to this extent.

Looking after children is exhausting at any age