SOME years ago I wrote a book “When I’m Sixty-Four” (yes, from the Beatles’ song) sub-titled 1,001 things to do at 60+.

The idea was to encourage older people to make the most of the extra years of active life most of us can look forward to on passing the age of 60 by keeping active in mind and body.

With the exploits of 85-year old Darlington cyclist Alex Menarry in riding Land’s End to John o’ Groats (Echo, Sept 19) I may have to pen “When I’m Eighty-Four” in a few years’ time.

Thanks to the wartime diet, rationing, a carefree, active outdoor childhood and – above all – the NHS, millions of us older citizens are continuing to lead busy and useful lives into our 70s, 80s and 90s.

The key factors are: eat and drink sensibly, exercise daily (walking is good!) and above all find something that motivates you, a full or part-time job, hobby or voluntary work.

Don’t just live longer my friends, but enjoy the extra years granted to us.

Chris Foote Wood, Darlington