Dear LPG,

I am very aware that I am getting older.  For one thing I am suffering more little aches and pains than I did before although it is hard to work out if  this is because I am overdoing it when it comes to  lifting items of furniture and similar things,  or because I am beginning the process of suffering from arthritis and such ailments.

I can say that my pains are not ongoing and also that I still tend to be the family member that helps out with a lot of relatively heavy lifting when one of the frailer members of the family need help.  I suppose that I am newly retired and the family assume that I have lots of time on my hands as a consequence.  So, over the past few months I have become the most willing family member to call when such help is needed but, at the age of 65, I am aware of cousins and siblings who are of a similar age and who will always mention issues with their backs whenever the request is made for such help.

As I said I do feel the odd ache these days but put them down to the muscle pains that such an activity would usually leave but I am making the decision to join my family piers and leave these little jobs to the younger members. 

I urge others of a similar age who always find themselves the friend or family member to go to when something needs shifting, to step back a bit and let the younger ones take the strain regardless of age or how much pain you are aware of. 

KA, Sydenham