SHE’S given us a “lorra” laughs over the years, but for Cilla Black, growing old is clearly no laughing matter.

At an age when most women are looking forward to making the most of their retirement, the veteran singer and TV presenter says she doesn’t want to live beyond 75.

“I don’t want to go on forever. I don’t want to live beyond the age of 75. That would be a good point to bow out. I was reading about an age pill that has been developed which they claim will make you live longer. That is not for me.”

The 67-year-old former Blind Date host confessed her fears of growing older came from looking after her mother, Priscilla, who developed acute osteoporosis in her later years and was unable to hold up her head or feed herself because her bones had become so brittle.

“Unfortunately – and I do mean that – her heart was strong. The result was that she lived much longer than she wanted to. I remember asking her doctor if she could do something to relieve my mother’s suffering. I’m not talking about euthanasia. I just wanted the pain to stop for her. But the short answer was no.

“Those final moments left a lasting impression on me. I would not want to linger like she did.”

But ballroom dancer Penny Brion, 88, of Bourne-mouth says she felt her life began when she was in her 70s.

“It is a wonderful time. You’re children have grown up and you have more freedom to try new things – things you’ve always wanted to do. I started dancing in my 70s. And it’s not that I’ve enjoyed particularly good health either.”

Penny who has survived two strokes, a heart attack and has osteo-arthritis in her knees, says it’s important to stay active at all costs.

“I go for a walk everyday, I can still do 20 high kicks and if I can’t get out I will do 20 laps of the garden. It helps to take your mind off your health problems if nothing else!”

Glamorous grandmother Hazel Wilson, 66, of Creekmoor in Poole, says she was shocked to hear that her the Liverpudlian star was hoping to bow out at 75.

“She’s our icon – she can’t do that. Doesn’t she know that 75 is the new 35?,” she jokes. “I’m sure Cilla has her reasons but it’s important for her two sons and grand children that she is around for them for as long as possible. I certainly plan to continue living life to the full for as long as I can so come on Cilla keep going for all our sakes!”

Nurse Leslie-May Harrison of Poole agrees; “Age is just a number – it’s your state of mind that counts. I’m 55 but I feel 21 inside! My mother is in her 80s and she still gets out and about. One of my patients is 83 and she is an amazing woman – she has such a wonderful outlook on life. You need to get up, get out and get seen. Age should never stop anyone from enjoying life – in whatever way that works for them. Life is a gift so it’s important to embrace it.”

I miss my dad terribly, but at 81 his life had run its course

My father died shortly before his 82nd birthday and to be completely honest it was something of a relief.

Don’t misunderstand me, he was a wonderful man and a loving father. I loved him very much and I miss him dreadfully. Nobody could have asked for a better dad.

But his health had been failing for years and the quality of his life was poor.

He spent most of his time visiting hospital and feeling ill. He did still get joy from his family and his grandchildren but life had become a battle.

To be blunt his life had run its course.

Nothing prepares you for the news that your father is dead.

And I will always regret not being with him at the end.

But looking back over the three years since his death I’m not sorry he died when he did. Not least because my mum’s life was becoming seriously compromised.

When I think about him I remember the good times, the happiness and the laughter – not the ailing old man.

I’m hugely grateful that he met my seven-year-old son. He still talks about granddad with great affection and wonders what life is like in heaven. The video of him singing while my dad plays the piano is something I will always treasure.

My mum is now 82 herself but her life is very different. She can’t walk very well but in every other respect she is in great health. And critically her mind is more alert than mine, despite being 34 years older.

My son, if he goes to university, will graduate when she is 95 – I’ve told her I expect her to be present.

Nick Rowe