If you are mid to late 50’s

I am 52. Had my kids quite early, so they are young adults, one working and one in last year of uni. I have a lot more time to myself, go travelling, walk a lot, and am out three days a week on my own or with DH. In some ways I feel like I am having the time of my life.

Am in good health though I have some extra weight around my belly which refuses to budge. Not overweight though. DH is 56 and not in quite such good health thanks to a genetic condition. Will probably retire in a couple of years or scale down, and then work on his health.

What I did not anticipate was housing costs in London, which have meant that both DC still living with us. That is difficult sometimes, though also fun sometimes.

I’m 56 and had ds at 41, he turns 16 at Christmas. Yes it’s easier in some ways now he’s more independent, but he is quite a busy boy and we spend a lot of time at football training/matches. He is in GCSE year and needs help organising revision, he also does a lot of drama and wants help with learning pieces, auditions etc.. so life feels really busy! Teens can be just as needy as toddlers but just in a different way!

Obviously we can have nights out without needing babysitters which is great. And he goes out with mates, tomorrow he’s travelling 2 hours on the train to London by himself to meet a friend down there. In a few years he’ll be leaving home, it’s a weird feeling.

and dd will be much more independent

When she’s taking her GCSEs and applying to university or for apprenticeships, or whatever the 18+ equivalent may be? She’ll need you more than ever …

I had DS at 43, and am now 68. For lots of reasons, we're only just started to plan our retirement. Physically, we can still do and enjoy everything we did 10 years ago. There are some health issues, but nothing that limits us very much.