You’re Looking Very Well

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As always I have had a lot of much-needed help. I am greatly indebted to Alison Hawkes for her editing and comments throughout my writing of the book. I am also indebted to Julian Loose, my editor, and Kate Murray-Browne at Faber for their comments and encouragement. My thanks also go to my agent, Anne Engel, and to all of those who gave up their time to talk to me.

When we are young we do not think about being old; it is simply not part of our agenda. So when we age we are not prepared for it and it can be quite a surprise. It has come as a shock to me. How can a 17-year-old, like me, suddenly be 81? The only obvious features, if I do not look in the mirror, are that I now walk so slowly that most people dash past me on the pavement, and I have retired from my university job. I find it hard to come to terms with both. But I also forget names, words and faces. I recently forgot several things I had meant to do, and was worried that this was age-related and might indicate the start of dementia. I intended to ask my psychiatrist at my next appointment related to depression. I went to see him and then laughed when I remembered, as I cycled home, that I had forgotten to ask him.

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