...to live your life to the full

Bookbite's resident life coach Vera Waters offers ideas for new things to try, while we list useful websites and books to help you get started

It is never too late to do something new. As we get older we may find ourselves getting into an inflexible routine. It is so easy to forget that we have reached a time in our lives when we are 'wise and wonderful' and, as a consequence, have a great deal to offer.

Our minds need to stay flexible - like a parachute, they keep working only if they remain open!

Now is the time to take up that new interest, the one that you considered for years but never got round to. You were so busy getting on with life, earning a living and taking responsibility for others. Now is the time - your time - go for it!

Have you ever wanted to sing? So many choirs are in need of new members. You would be with other people with similar interests and you don't need a partner.

Why not volunteer? It's a great way to meet new friends, learn new skills and make your local area a better place to live. Charities are always looking for helpers. Your library will have details of charities that are based in your area. It's likely that their work will cover many different things, such as the arts, health and caring for local people. They will be happy to hear from you.

Why not explore your local area and beyond? Organise a trip with a few neighbours and friends and try shopping in another town, a market town perhaps. Visit the art gallery in a local city or wander around a local museum. It can be so enjoyable, with laughter on the way.

How about growing your own vegetables? If you don't have a garden, why not get involved with a community garden or apply for an allotment? Even with a window box you can grow far more than you may think. During and after the War, people grew food to survive, and home growing is again popular. Gardens, back yards, patios and balconies can be home to pots of herbs, salad leaves, carrots and spring onions. Potatoes can be grown in a larger container, or a strong bag will do. If you prefer flowers, they're easy to grow and make a cheerful display.

Your local library is well worth a visit. Events held there provide opportunities for people to meet each other. There might be authors and other speakers invited to talk to reading groups, while notices displayed in libraries give an interesting update on what's happening in your area.

We live in an age of computers. If you haven't done so already, why not join the 'silver surfers'? Classes for beginners are held at most libraries, or why not take up the offer of low- or no-cost computer training at your local UK online centre?

Walking groups are based all over the country, with walks designed to fit every person's pace - from very short, slow and 'ambling' to long-distance rambling. Choose from countryside walks, or city walks mixed with anecdotes from local history. Members often chat as they walk, so it's a great way to socialise, too.

Finally, why not choose a new interest each year and borrow books or join groups, clubs or courses related to your new hobby? Try anything from photography to Polish, interior decoration to Indian cookery, or badminton to blogging.

Have you a hidden talent or something you want to try for the very first time?

We all have so much to offer...

Now is the time - your time - go for it!

About Vera

Vera Waters has worked in the Health Service, and been a counselling consultant and adviser to the police. Now a life coach and inspirational speaker, she has written four books and two CDs, in which she encourages her readers to find the confidence to cope with whatever life has to offer.