As I was thinking of going back to work tomorrow, I was struck by the sense of comfort I felt. Maybe reassurance is a better word. I've been getting up and going to work, 5 days a week, for just under 50 years now and the rhythm of work and weekend is deeply woven into my senses of well-being and purpose.

I can see that when I retire I am going to have to establish a routine and a defined goal to nourish that need for order and purpose. Getting up whenever and lazing around and hither-thither is not going to work for me. I feel worse, rather than better, at the end of the day.

No wonder so many people live only a few months or a year after retirement. I think our bodies and minds need to have some structure and some intent, an involvement with life and attunement to the ebb and flow of events, to remain healthy.

I shall have to cogitate on this.