There’s an insidious trend in the media, fuelled by various politicians and other influential figures (who would do well to choose their words more carefully), to blame everything that’s wrong with society, with the exception of Simon Cowell’s bizarre haircut, on those ‘terrible people . . . ‘The Elderly’.
Take last winter, when we were told very bluntly that hospital bed shortages were caused by ‘The Elderly’.

How dare old people get flu and pneumonia and fall over on slippery pavements, breaking arms and legs?
It’s an outrage!

Some under-30s complain that ‘The Elderly’ are the main cause of the housing shortage because they’d rather stay in their three or four-bedroom houses than sell up and move into a one-bedroom, no-garden flat overlooking the gasworks.

These whingers don’t consider that to own their home, ‘The Elderly’ had to scrimp, save, maintain and work hard for it over 40 years.

They don’t consider that many of ‘The Elderly’ need extra bedrooms so that grandchildren can stay overnight.

Not all old people sit around the fireside, wistfully thinking about the past.
Many have a wide circle of friends and relatives who stay with them for fun weekends and celebrations.

When marriages fall apart, where do sons and daughters (and their children) usually turn for shelter and emotional comfort, often for the long term?
Mam and Dad’s house!

That wouldn’t be possible if Mam and Dad lived in a small flat with a gasworks view.

When, provided they eat their greens, today’s under-30s eventually reach their 70s, I wonder ifthey will contribute as much to society as today’s ‘Elderly’?

For the record – many of my mentors, that have shaped and guided me, provided wisdom and encouragement over the years are now well into their 70s and I will always remain grateful for their engagement and sharing.