As an admirer of Tim Dowling’s contributions over many years, I am sorry to read that he considers himself to be facing the end of middle age and that he will soon be old (I’m nearly 60. Here’s what I’ve learned about growing old so far, 8 June).
Perhaps I can encourage him. At 46 I still considered myself young. Took a master’s degree at 47, went into politics at 50, got elected at 52 and ejected (too pro-European) at 60, retired from the day job at 65, emigrated (again) at 66, learned a new language (French) and started a new business at 70.
I am only now, several years later, beginning to countenance that I might, just might, consider myself “elderly”, and only then because I was lucky enough to get my Covid jabs very soon after they were available. All I can say is: so far, so good! Chin up, Tim.
Veronica Stiastny
St-Romain-en-Viennois, France
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