‘Ripe’ being the Latin definition, denoting having mature knowledge and understanding, suggesting a time of growth, fulfilment, positivity and new beginnings. All I can say is poppycock.

In my 70th year, now retired and struggling not to sink into shambolic eccentricity and trying hard not to let it have a psychological impact. Now often known as silver splitters which highlights an increasing number of older couples choosing to separate after many years together.

I’ve found this period of my life difficult to adjust to, sensing I have lost my way, akin to missing the children when they flew the nest. I miss feeling needed, feeling productive – but the first healing step has been to realise this whilst trying to understand myself.

Hubby’s cheery disposition is a good foil to my solitary joyless tendencies, although his bread making would be an affront to Aggie & Kim, flour everywhere, but I couldn’t imagine sharing a threadbare nest with anyone else. Hubby may feel differently.