Tell them you’re happy as you are

QI’m coming up to 70 and still work full time. I really love it and I don’t want to stop. But my family are very unsupportive and all think I should ‘slow down’. They worry that I’m not preparing myself for my old age as I have no hobbies and I’ll be lonely later on. I wonder if what they’re really worried about is that I’ll make demands on them!

Fleur, Bristol

AI think you need to have a conversation with them. Explain that your work is your hobby, this is what you enjoy and that, as you decide to slow down, you’re sure that you’ll find things to do. Tell them you appreciate their concern, but for now you’re happy with things just as they are.