Just need to ramble....

My Mum used to say"Never worry worry till worry worries you!" but it's difficult not to isn't it?

I've had many sleepless nights worrying about things that never happen so I try not to think too much about the 'what ifs' now.

I am also knocking on the door of 70 and while I embraced turning 60 with great pleasure, reaching the next decade is a completely different matter. I recognise everything posted above and try to keep things in perspective by telling myself on a regular basis to get a grip. Doesn’t always work, of course.
It is good to talk about theses shared concerns and perhaps keep them from taking any joy from the present moment.
Life, eh ?

Make the most of every day.
If I had known how my life would change I wouldn't have enjoyed the times I did have.
Worry (or just accept) when it does, time enough then.

Oh Tanith I do sympathise. It’d be so useful to have an ‘off’ switch for a bit, wouldn’t it?! I’ve been thinking about care in later years too. I love my MIL, but she is quite a burden to our family now (that’s a horrid thing to say I know, but it can’t be denied) She refuses to go into a care home, but needs an increasing amount of help and support. I worry, as you say, about my being a burden. Husband very much the “make the most of life now” type - which is obviously good; I’m a worrier and over-thinker!

Another who will be 70 this year, I’m also filling my head with ‘stuff’ that might never happen. At the moment I’m worrying/wondering if I’ll be able to cope if OHs illness gets worse and how I’ll manage not to be a burden in my later years to my family .
I know it’s rediculous but my head won’t switch it off and now OH has noticed my melancholy mood and he’s worrying that he is wearing me out so I need to ‘snap out of it’ ASAP can’t have him worrying about me worrying?

I too am looking at 70 soon, can’t kid myself Any longer that i am merely middle aged. Still when/if I get to 80 i will look back at 70 as relatively youthful by comparison. Just as I look at 60 now.
Happy birthday.

Only one life , yes, and it seems you have lived it the way you wanted to. So, keep on doing just that. Also , as a teacher just think how many lives you have touched and influenced.