grey matters

Welcome

Euan Sutherland

Hello everyone

Hello and welcome to this month’s Saga Magazine.

Gardeners’ world

Give your outside space the edge this summer with these useful and attractive accessories

Jeremy Paxman

At the time of life when he should be making a will, our columnist is buoyed by the fact he owns very little – not even Derek the dog

Jenni Murray

While some Brits may enjoy basking in summer’s increasingly hot weather, all our columnist wants to do is cool down

IN MY EXPERIENCE…

Noel Fitzpatrick

This month we talk… exercise

Each month our insight team conducts an in-depth poll of Saga customers to find out what you’re thinking. This month: how do you keep fit ?

Sigourney Weaver: suiting herself

The Hollywood icon opens up on gaining confidence in later life, her new-found love of gardening, and why she’s keeping her dreams of one day becoming a grandmother firmly in check

Testing times

New drugs aren’t being tested on enough older people – even when they’re the very ones who could be taking that medication one day. It’s wrong – and could be dangerous, say experts. Is it time for more trials, less error?

Sole sister

From Hollywood stars to royalty, A-listers are stepping out in a new range of shoes that are comfortable and stylish. We meet the woman behind the business

Those magnificent men in their (almost) flying machine

As their replica of a First World War plane prepares to take flight, we meet the group of retirees who’ve put their hearts and souls – and more than 20 years’ work – into their aircraft

You’ve got a friend

We all know that having friends is good for both our health and our happiness, but what happens when you suddenly find an empty space in your social circle? Meeting new people doesn’t have to be hard work…

Hedging our bets

Hedgerows are an oasis for wildlife and a weapon against climate change, yet since 1945 half have been lost. We look at plans to restore our patchwork countryside

Dad jokes: it’s no laughing matter

Why do men of a certain age tell such awful ‘dad jokes’? And why don’t mums tell them too? We go in search of the punchline…

It’s never too late to… release a top-ten hit

As a teenager, Paul Smith decided against chasing a professional music career. But, aged 68, after trying home recording, his debut track reached number six in the charts

7 ways to update your garden

Is your plot a year-round sanctuary, buzzing with fauna, full of flowers and good food? If not, it could be. We’ve sifted the new trends to help you get more from your outside space

Summer lovin’

As August’s balmy days power your garden’s seasonal crescendo, follow these key tasks to get more from your time outdoors

Head for the sun

Don’t let a red face leave you red-faced this summer. These sun creams offer the protection you need – and all cost £10 or less

Cornish tasty

Cornwall-based chef and restaurateur Emily Scott serves up two delightful dishes inspired by her home county

Tried & tasted

They’re perfect for picnics, but which pork pies will our testers pick as the best?

Balkan buying

Great summer tipples are coming out of the Balkans – a region making up for lost time in history

Big hitters

Bluetooth speakers started out as a gimmick, but now produce serious sounds – even when they look like tennis balls...

Generation games

With singlets and flip-flops taking the place of shirts and ties as the clothing of choice for travellers, our columnist makes a sartorial stand

health & wellbeing

YOUR QUESTIONS / NUTS / CYCLING

Nuts about nuts

Let’s roast the myths! Not only are nuts less fattening than once feared, research shows they can cut the risk of heart disease too

Pedal power

According to the old adage, you never forget how to ride a bike. So why do we stop? One lifelong cyclist believes it’s the best possible exercise for those of a certain age…

ask ALAN JOHNSON

The former Home Secretary uses his wisdom, wit and experience to tackle the problems troubling you

Old age, young love

Having spent time living with Miranda, our columnist has a few gripes about her – but she, too, has some things to say about him

Paul Lewis

If you’re looking for security in retirement, an annuity might be the answer. And right now, with rates rising, they could be a safe bet, as our columnist explains

Money news

August 2023

LA confidential

going places

Letter from America

Events on the other side of the Atlantic

Found yourself with an extra property? Let it out

From repairs to tenant relationships, discover the key to success if you become an ‘accidental landlord’

FROM RAGS TO RUNWAY

Ahead of a new exhibition showcasing the work of Coco Chanel, her biographer examines the icon’s impact on fashion, her poverty-stricken childhood and the dark side of her character

out and about

FESTIVAL Henley Literary Festival Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire 30 September-8

staying in

Joanna & The Maestro If you think that

Ripe and ready to read

From a Michigan farm to a Mallorcan finca, Tamil Nadu to 17th-century Delft, we cherry-pick the best of this month’s literary crop…

letters

THANKS FOR WRITING TO US, WE LOVE HEARING WHAT YOU THINK

The pub Quiz

Michelin-star restaurants, Monty Python Mounties and missed penalties all make it into this month’s mind-benders

The world according to… Richard Coles

The 61-year-old vicar-turned-author on finding love again after the death of his husband, and leaving his radio show

Word to the wise

After reaching out to her Twitter followers, the lexicographer discovered there are a huge number of words and phrases they’d love to ban