A short while ago, eldest sprog was trying to persuade hubby and I to move nearer to her so she could help look after us in our dotage years. While we thought this was a lovely gesture she surreptitiously threw in ‘realistically you probably only have ten more summers.’ 

During a recent visit to a long-missed friend, we mulled over and disclosed this recent revelation, only for Maureen to exclaim that moving into a bungalow could effectively shortening our lives by a further 40pct. The reason being that various medical problems could arise with the lack of regularly climbing or descending stairs, leg muscle strength keeps arteries flexible, equalling healthier heart, body and brain – mind you I think its too late for the last one for me. 

So, it seems, that we may only have six summers left – and for people over a certain age, bungalow legs are not to be confused with bungalow Bill. Well perhaps ditch the treadmill and replace with a Stairmaster, but it proves that old adage ‘use it or lose it’ may well be validated. Something to chew over.