I AM IN MY 70S AND LIFE FEELS LIKE A STRUGGLE

Dear Coleen

I’m a woman in my 70s and think I’ve hit a bit of a late-life crisis, which has only been made worse by Covid and lockdown. I’ve always been an outgoing, fun person, but over the last couple of years, I’ve lost my spark and worry constantly about my life, my family and what’s left of the future.

Over this time, I have lost my best friend to cancer, another close friend of mine to Covid, and my son’s marriage broke up, which led to a rather bitter divorce and arguments over arrangements for our grandchildren.

It all feels too much sometimes and I’m hoping you’ll give me some advice on how I can get my spark back and feel more positive about life. I should add, I’m happily married, which is something to be thankful for.

Coleen says

I think Covid is probably a big part of how you feel and there are millions feeling the same. The situation has made many people anxious and worried about the future, and made them think more about their own mortality. I’ve certainly experienced those feelings over the past year.

Your age probably has something to do with it, too – I think there are certain stages in life and landmark birthdays when you do take stock and think about what you’ve done and what’s still to come. And losing close friends of a similar age also focuses your mind in a similar way.

Look at the positive things in your life and focus on those – your marriage, your grandchildren, hobbies and friends, and start to plan things now that life is opening up again.