Many will tell you it is not rational to fear death. Why worry about non-existence, they ask. They are right, but I still do. It’s only natural I guess, an innate part of us that some can overcome but many, myself included, can’t. Some suggest we seek solace in the legacy we leave behind us after we’ve gone. Children perhaps, the memories others hold of us, the ripples of the good we have done. Yet I have no children, memories will too die with those who hold them, and ripples fade away to nothing over time. Anyway, even if I could console myself a little in that way, I’m not sure how much effect it would have chasing away the fear of death.

So, what to do? Especially as, entering my 60s, I’m aware that death is no longer the distant prospect it once was. My answer is to remind myself that time spent worrying about it is precious time wasted for no purpose. It will make no difference to the inevitable end of my life, just sap the pleasure I can enjoy in the meanwhile. The one little piece of good I can draw from the occasional pang of fear is to see it as a reminder to make the most of what life is left to me. I would like to think that will be many years, but I need to be conscious that I may not be so fortunate.

I’m lucky that I am retired now and can focus on making the most of the time remaining. I hope that, when the end does come I can look back on my life with some satisfaction, or at least the minimum of regrets.