Having thought her life would follow a fairly typical path, an unexpected change forced Sherry to start from scratch and embark upon a radical new career, just as she was beginning to enter her later years. Hers is a story of survival, one that involves caravans, cats and a considerable caning.

Ernestine is the very definition of a glamorous granny. Her hair is always neatly tied into a long, steel grey braid that stretches down her back. Her cap, top and leggings all match, right down to the colour of the frills on her socks. But it’s not dresses that the 84 year-old Ernestine likes to wear. It’s lycra.

Patrick has found a way to flourish through even the toughest of times. Early in his life he made a decision to stand up for what he believed in and that decision cost him his career, his livelihood and his passion. But he soldiered on, still fighting for his beliefs, until he finally fulfilled his dreams in his late 70s.

Anne devoted almost her whole life to learning a very particular set of skills, only to decide, after many, many years, to chuck it all in. To start again on something completely different. Hers is a story that laughs at the notion that we need to start young in order to achieve our heart’s desires. Quite the contrary, as Anne can tell you for herself, it’s never too late to start doing what you love.

Graham is a true daredevil, even in his old age. In his quest for adventure, he’s crossed more than 15,000 miles of ocean and spent more than 400 days at sea. Over the decades he’s worked towards one specific goal, bit-by-bit edging ever closer. Until finally, aged 72, he took one final swing at his lifelong dream.

Shirley manages to do something that many of us find surprisingly difficult — she knows how to have fun. She’s become completely devoted to her hobby and in the process, she’s built a group of friends that stretches right around the world. Her story is an important reminder that play is a crucial part of life, whatever our age.