I couldn't sleep the other night because I was worrying about my old age.

I’ve been on a hospital course for chronic pain management – because of spinal ­problems – and it’s proved really helpful.

So helpful, in fact, that I enthusiastically joined a PE session... and put my back out.

It’s nothing dire but it got me down. Because I’d just read a study revealing folk who are unfit in their 50s are three times more likely to develop dementia a decade later. And I’m 53.

Then, while sorting paperwork, I realised I’d lost track of an old ISA. So I lay in bed ­catastrophising that by 63 I’d be broke, disabled and ­suffering from Alzheimer’s , and ­wondering what selling my home would pay for care-wise.

Next morning a quick call to the bank reassured me my savings were safe. And I felt a bit ashamed.

Because I’m far better off than many women my age, both physically and ­financially. I’ve got a London property, a company pension and savings and I’m being helped to get my fitness back.

But I dread to think what the future holds for the frail 50-somethings who DO develop dementia, or other disabling conditions.

Because Britain is in the grip of a social care crisis that is deepening every day.

Care home fees have shot up by 25 per cent in five years and now average £33,094 a year. But pensions have stagnated at £14,522, enough for five months’ care – while the average stay in a residential home is 30 months.

So if you have no savings you will have to sell your home and only when that’s all-but gone can you apply for council help with care costs .

But we are all living longer, which is forcing up demand.

The Local Government Association says at by 2020 60p in every £ of council tax revenue will be spent on social care. And the NHS boss has warned it needs £4billion just to keep going.

We urgently need a joined-up, properly-funded health and care system – something Chancellor Philip Hammond must acknowledge and address in Wednesday’s Budget.

The British public are prepared to do their bit. A YouGov poll reveals ­backing for a one per cent rise in National Insurance or income tax, either of which could generate £5billion.

And if ordinary folk are willing to dig deep Mr Hammond must also crack down on tax dodgers and make big ­corporations pay more too.

It’s the only way to stop this painful crisis in health and social care – so the sick and elderly can rest more easily in their beds.