This time has alerted me to the fact that I am getting old. I only turned 70 a few short months ago, celebrating with my family and friends, and am now brutally reminded of it daily. Being isolated as a 'vulnerable person', I've had a taste of full retire

This time has alerted me to the fact that I am getting old. I only turned 70 a few short months ago, celebrating with my family and friends, and am now brutally reminded of it daily. Being isolated as a 'vulnerable person', I've had a taste of full retirement. I now know why I've resisted it.

A librarian, who passionately loves her work, I miss interacting with colleagues, helping people use technology, advising readers, inspiring children to seek the information they need, or discover exciting books to read. Library clients want to find interesting videos, research family or local history, or explore e-resources on their special interests, opinions, likes and dislikes. I miss them.

While I have work to do, books to read, yoga to practise, walks to walk and Zoom to connect, I can't visit my grandchildren interstate, plan a trip, swim in my local pool, go to a concert or theatre, attend a yoga class, socialise, eat out, or enjoy a facial. For the first time in my life, I know what it is to feel old, dependent, irrelevant, unappreciated, not needed. Yes, Zoom, email and the phone keep me connected to family and friends (even yoga) but it's just not the same.