I cannot claim to be an expert on this subject, I am not even seventy yet, and unlike Talbot Kirk, I have no plans to sail to Brittany at that age! However I offer a few points for consideration:

1 The older you get the longer it takes to get fit, so it is important to keep reasonably fit during the winter. Swimming, canoeing, even hard gardening work will help, but at all costs avoid back strain. Heavy digging probably causes more slipped discs than any other activity. A recent issue of Gardening Which suggest simple warming up exercises which seem worth considering as a daily practise, whether gardening or not. A number of different authorities recommend a brisk walk of at least a mile each day, in addition to any exercises.

2 Many of those who have led an active life suffer from arthritis in late middle-age. I had this problem, but the doctor couldn’t help, nor could ‘alternative’ practitioners, but one suggested that I take cod liver oil. After only three weeks the stiffness and pain largely disappeared. When sometime later the symptoms reappeared a further course of oil worked again, and now I take it regularly for all types of arthritis, but it is so cheap and easy it is well worth trying. Incidentally, good modern brands such as Boots own, kept refrigerated, are so bland as to be almost tasteless, and nothing like the frightful rancid muck that those of my generation were forced to swallow as kids.

3 Diet is another personal matter, but it is only prudent to follow a reasonably prudent diet. As is well known this usually means a predominance of fresh or lightly cooked fruit, vegetable and whole bread and cereals, high in fibre and vegetable protein, and not too much red meat, sugar and junk food pap.

4 Regarding smoking and drinking, I don’t know of any DCA member who smokes, nor of anyone who drinks except in moderation (one unit of alcohol per day may be beneficial).

It could be that a combination of all the above, all in moderation works best. Even if it doesn’t do you any good, it won’t do you any harm! Why not try it?