Christine Webber

I’ve written about volunteering before, which is something that is so good for us as we age.

It’s hot as I write this, and though generally I’m reluctant to mention the weather because it invariably changes before the column appears in print, I’ve decided to risk it because I want to raise concerns about hydration. In any event, this topic is relevant not just in the summer months but all the year round.

Today, I want to write about maximising happiness. Many psychologists talk about “being present in the moment”, and that’s a big part of it. But so is opening our senses in order to fully recognise joy, contentment and gratitude while it’s happening.

I was talking to a highly intelligent, busy and resourceful man the other day who has a job which involves responsibility for hundreds of people. He looked and sounded exhausted; more than that, he seemed worn down with life’s uncertainties and the state of the world.

Are you someone who is suffering from a respiratory virus with a cough? Is it dragging on? And just when you think you’re feeling better, does it appear to start up all over again? Well, join the club! There’s a lot of it about, as they say.

The other day, a friend asked me how best to improve energy levels as we grow older.

Two things happened this morning that brightened my day – and I realised, not for the first time, just how much we need such highlights in winter.

If you’re a regular reader of this column, you’ll know that I’m always going on about what it takes for us to stay as young as possible for as long as possible.

Have you noticed that when a group of people of our age get together, at some point someone will mutter: “Life is so complicated these days” – and everyone will agree.

Recently, I asked my grandson when his new school term would begin. He told me, but then laughed and said: “I’m changing the subject, Granny Chris, because I’m trying not to think about it!”