Albury born-and-bred, Marie Lee started compiling Beware Old Age Ahead in Albury about the impending problems of old age for her tight-knit circle of friends.

She said it grew into a 60-page book – with about 100 contributors – put together throughout most of last year.

“It grew like topsy,” Mrs Lee said.

“It was going to be about 20 pages for 20 friends and we've already had 300 printed.”

Together with her husband Jim, Mrs Lee, 77, said they had been retired for 20 years before they felt the first effects of ageing last year.

She said problems with her knees flared up and her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“I didn't see it creeping up on me; it just happened without warning,” she said, of old age.

Beware Old Age Ahead in Albury takes a light-hearted look at ageing before it delves into the serious issues of housing, health and the law.

Mrs Lee said her best advice about ageing came down to a very simple premise.

“Stay positive; negative people die seven-and-a-half years sooner!” Mrs Lee said.

“We have to stay as healthy as possible, as well as our old bones will allow.

“Eat well because that is our fuel, and we don’t need high octane or too much fuel, or too little.”

Mrs Lee said exercise was important because it helped balance, strengthened muscles, relieved pain and helped protect against depression.

"Have a reason for living," she said.

"A cause, a hobby or craft, a new interest, but especially the company of family, friends or neighbours.

"Enjoy what life you've got left." Mrs Lee said the book also offered tips on living arrangements.

A retired nurse, Mrs Lee said children could not manage to care for their elderly parents around the clock.

A member of Buds Art Group at Thurgoona, Mrs Lee used her own illustrations of historic buildings in Albury throughout the book.

She said many significant buildings no longer existed.

“I was born at Rokeby Private Hospital (behind Soden’s), which is now demolished; I went to the pictures at the Plaza Theatres, now demolished; everyone went to the Palais Royal Ballroom, now demolished; and we got married in St Luke’s Church, now demolished,” she said.

Beware Old Age Ahead in Albury is available for sale at The Commercial Club Albury, Dymocks Albury and St Matthew’s Albury.

All of the proceeds go towards St Matthew's Anglican Church homeless fund.