Shirley Tart: Our golden oldies show young kids a thing or two

Then there's Anne Reid. Corrie's first TV wife is still a great romantic in a gritty, northern-type way. She is 78 and is putting the zing into Last Tango in Halifax.

According to a co-star more than 30 years her junior, Anne (fabulous in Dinner Ladies as well) is also a party animal, always raring for a late night out even after hours of filming.

For the age record, jokey Brucie keeps his 85-years-young sparkle by tackling gruelling TV schedules, and Cliff Richard is still rocking all over the world aged 73.

Now I know I sound preoccupied with the age game. But actually, I'm feeling very happy about the age game this week.

I mean, have you seen Joan Collins lately? Absolutely fabulous at 80 doesn't come close. And talking Ab Fab, Joanna Lumley at a mere 67, stays a stunner while the Queen is still fast-tracking, looking gorgeous and laughing more than ever as she heads towards her 88th birthday. I know I've wandered down this road before but there are dozens more high profile examples of growing younger as you get older.

Keeping reasonable health is vital, of course. And a few bob to cushion yourself against money worries certainly helps. But I reckon that attitude, spirit, keeping involved – copying the Queen and laughing a lot – all play a big part.

I'm especially chuffed that the other day an experienced aesthetic nurse at a respected skin clinic looked me straight in the eye and said: "If you came to me and asked what I thought was wrong with your face, I'd say 'nothing.'

Quite a compliment for me at 72, I am sure you will agree.

"I'd only think about any sort of treatment if something was really bothering you."

What a very, very, very nice (young) man.