If it wasn’t for my cats, my life wouldn’t be worth living

DEAR DEIDRE: THE family fun times have ended and if it wasn’t for my cats, life wouldn’t be worth living. 

I live in an isolated cottage and the nearest shops are 20 miles away. My parents lived in a nearby village, but they have both passed away now.

I’m a woman of 67 and my son lives on the other side of the country. He has three girls so he’s busy and I only see him twice a year.

I drive but with all the bills going up, it is hard to pay for petrol to get me into town. I have shopping delivered these days.

My brother and sister live 80 miles away and occasionally we meet for a meal in a pub but that’s it really. I sometimes get to the end of the week and realise I haven’t spoken to a soul.

Apologies that this sounds so miserable but I guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself.

DEIDRE SAYS: You may feel stuck but you can improve your outlook. Check out restless.co.uk, it’s a positive website for the over-50s to help improve your life.

If you own your cottage, renting it out and renting something closer to the town may help, or consider retirement living where you have your own property but people nearby.

Your son may have some alternative ideas.

You can also contact Silverline (thesilverline.org.uk, 0800 470 8090), who can take your call and listen to your concerns.