Tonight we have three poems about three generations of strong women: my grandmother Mim, my mother Celia, and my big sister Jill.

I'm reading three poems now especially for Grant, the father of my children, who died a few days ago. He was 84. It’s forty years since we separated and these are not gloomy poems. Lust, A Family Secret, and My Dear Ghosts are in my new book, How To Be Old.

This is your Friday night poetry reading. It's short and sweet, just 3 introductory poems from my new book. Live events cancelled: enjoy podcast readings!

Find out why poets choose a particular poetic style, fancy or plain. And why the lines of a poem don't reach the margins, and why it's OK for your mind to wander while you're reading poetry, and what's the point of poetry anyway.

Two soothing poems and some practices that I use to maintain my happiness in lockdown, first adopted when I was facing up to my ageing body.

Meditation in the coronavirus crisis calms our minds, reduces anxiety, and changes our perspective. Social distancing gives us a chance to start new habits. Tips, a poem, and a message: you cannot fail.

At 75, I wondered what would keep my old brain healthy. My cognitive skills improved in my 70s because dancing exercises the aging brain.

At 75, I wanted to fix my weak and creaky old-lady voice. Let me tell you how that worked out. I’m Rachel McAlpine, I’m learning how to be old, and I’m talking to you, with my very own voice.

At 75 I wondered whether my social life was future-proofed, if that’s possible. Research shows that loneliness is literally a killer, so I wanted to be proactive and prevent loneliness in old age. It's hard to make friends when you're very old, which I would be one day. So I audited my social life and took two small steps to improve it.

I decided to commit to hobbies as part of my preparation for old age. Hobbies provide a transition from paid employment to retirement, plus friendships, a role, and a chance for perpetual learning. I love my singing and dancing groups, but would I pass my hobbies-audit?