francene--blog. Year 2013
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March 14th

3/14/2013

 
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Roger Moore - www.ok.co.uk
Problems need to be addressed about the increase of an aging society. Those of us lucky enough to escape accident or illness are living longer. But to what quality of life?

I don't want to think about this subject—who amongst us does? But at the age of 71, I'm in the perfect position to state the case for my cohabiters in England.

At the moment, ten million people are over 65. Figures from the Office for National Statistics forecast a fifty percent rise in that number and a doubling in over-85s between 2010 and 2030.

A Lords committee on public service and demographic change has found the UK to be woefully underprepared for the social and economic challenges presented by an ageing society. The government's policy is to support people in later life. However, changes need to be made in health care, pensions and employment practices. For instance, the old could care for the very old.


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Michael Cain - www.telegraph.co.uk
Okay. How does this affect me with difficulty in walking because of faulty hip replacements?

Already, my 74-year-old husband is looking after me. Born and raised during WW2 in London right beside Michael Cain, he ate the healthy diet recommended during the rationing period. Gardens were converted into patches from which fresh vegetables were eaten. Even the hated powdered eggs were excellent for health. People back then had no luxuries—no fast food. Now, the war babies are healthy and strong.

I lived in Australia until the age of 45, when I arrived in England and experienced what some call the nanny state of the National Health. All health care is free, paid for by contributions from every working individual's wage. This probably raises a welcome flag to the constant migrants who flock to the little island's shores. I must stress that I worked for over 20 years and that Australia supplies some of my pension so I'm not a burden to the country's resources.


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Dame Judith Dench - blogs.telegraph.co.uk
How long can I expect to remain in my home? Until I'm too ill and my husband isn't by my side, I guess. All conveniences are set up to help us care for ourselves—walk-in shower with seat and handrails, grips on the bedside, a trolley on wheels and walking frame.

How long can I expect to live? That's a difficult question to answer. It could be another twenty years. I'll go on writing novels, blogs, and interacting with my online peers until that time arrives.


With the role models of these actors who have all performed in the James Bond movies to look up to, we should continue to contribute to society well into our latter years.

Will a similar forecast apply to the young of today with their unhealthy style of living?


Suzanne Shumaker link
3/14/2013 06:06:54 am

Wow - this is a bit of difficult subject. I appreciate your perspective. I am 39 and try to be as healthy as I can. I feed my children and myself at least one pure fruit/veggie/juice smoothie daily. We don't eat out - and we rarely eat meat. I was laid off from my full time teaching job two years ago and support the three of us on a part time professor salary - with no medical insurance. Since I don't have the insurance to fall back on, I am extra vigilant about prevention. I do hate to think about aging and the end-of-life as my parents are in their 70s and I want them to be around (and feeling good) for many years to come...

Francene Stanley link
3/14/2013 08:06:41 pm

Your difficult circumstances could be a blessing in disquise by forcing you to think about nutrition. Strange how life works. You can turn disadvantage around. It all depends on how you view the situation.

Alana link
3/14/2013 11:53:39 am

My country, the United States, isn't well prepared either - in addition there is no universal health care until age 65. I wish you the best of luck. Right now we are dealing with both my aging mother in law (who is 85) and my husband's younger brother, who is developmentally disabled and still lives with her (her choice). There is very little government support for elderly in this particular situation of caring for children who are disabled. If my mother in law hadn't had other children, I dread to think the situation she would be finding herself in right now.

Francene Stanley link
3/14/2013 08:08:43 pm

This is hard. I guess in other societies, the family lends a hand too. Most other lands don't have welfare where everyone contributes to support the whole.


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    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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