Alan (Phillip Jackson ) and Joyce (Alison Steadman) are coming at retirement from very different directions: Alan wants to slow down, Joyce wants to speed up. Alan tries to avoid as many of Joyce's social commitments as possible, but downsizing to a bungalow has meant there are fewer places to hide.
Trevor (James Smith) and Carol (Paula Wilcox) have got non-communication down to such a fine art that if Carol spent a weekend away, Trevor might not even notice. 30 years of living in each other's pockets have shown the benefits and drawbacks staying friends over the decades.
Meanwhile, John (Russ Abbot) and Maureen (Stephanie Beacham) live in their gadget-filled dream house, adventurous in every aspect of life - including the bedroom. For them 60 is the new 40. However, there's a reminder of what's around the corner with Maureen's ever-present mum, Joan (June Whitfield), who's not afraid to impose herself and her wheelchair on the younger generation and will always tag along whenever possible.