Andy Murray said: “As you get older, things are a little bit tougher to manage than they are when you’re younger”, after selfishly succumbing to an agonising hip problem and not going on to win Wimbledon. He is 30.
Those of us who are not world-class sportspeople may take heart from this.
If someone trained to peak physical fitness starts feeling his age after 30, there is no shame in the rest of us noticing changes in our every day lives to compensate for getting on a bit.
Such as getting fractious if a tea or coffee is not provided at a certain time.
I remember being quite shocked at my mother’s insistence on a mid-morning coffee wherever we happened to be or whatever we were doing.
She would snap at anyone who suggested she might wait half an hour.
Blimey, I used to think, she must be addicted.
Now, if I don’t have access to a cup of tea within minutes of waking, my day is ruined.
Similarly, my one cup of strong, black “proper” coffee must be taken before lunch and after the third tea. Or else.
Also, making strange “oooomph” sounds at regular intervals, usually when bending down or rising from a low seat.
I have noticed it recently when getting in and out of my car, much to my surprise.
The first couple of times it happened, I actually looked over my shoulder to see where the noise was coming from before realising it was coming from me.
Next up, spending huge amounts of time faffing with reading glasses.
As a former non-wearer of specs, I constantly forget I need them, so go through the palaver of looking at labels on clothes, food packaging etc, doing very bad swearing when I realise I can’t see what they say, then searching the top of my head, in my handbag and on various household appliances for a pair.
And starting to fantasise about being asleep in bed even as you are getting ready for a night out, especially if you have a good book on the go.
Welcome to my world, Andy.