Marlow retirees had the chance to meet TV personality Dame Esther Rantzen when she attended an open day at a retirement living development this month.

Dame Esther is at Churchill Retirement Living’s brand ambassador and says retirement years “should be anticipated in a positive way”.

She said: “It was a pleasure to meet the Churchill owners at Peel Lodge, and to see the thriving, active community that is starting to take shape there.

“Growing older is something to be celebrated. Older people have so much to offer.

“Older people should be supported so that they can find out what’s on offer for them and enjoy life to the full.

“I believe wholeheartedly in keeping your mind active as long as you can.”

In 2012, Dame Esther founded a new charity called The Silver Line with the aim of combating loneliness in isolated older people.