But there comes a time when neglect begins to show, when you find you have to take a size larger than the last time you bought a new dress, when your muscles seem to be set.

I have exercised all my life and I am convinced that if the muscles all over the body- which are put there by nature to form a natural corset, bra and general support- are kept toned and supple as in youth, they will retain their elasticity and keep the figure young.

I don't set aside certain hours for my exercises- they are always with me. The few moments waiting for the kettle to boil or the bath to run- that’s when I stretch, relax, bend and swing. There is no time to overdo it, but these gentle day-in, day-out movements are enough to keep the muscles strong and happy."

Oh Eileen. If only I was as perfect as you. Though I often find myself pretending to be a ballet dancer when I lean over the dishwasher and stick my leg in the air behind me, the truth is I suspect the elastic in my natural corset snapped a long time ago. But my Dear in your honour, next time I am brushing the carpet I will try to remember to twist from the waist and give the good old love handles a bit of working out...

God knows they need it.