Octogenarians STR

[Kidorry]

You probably think you do. But you are subject to all sorts of influences that you probably don't notice. You see headlines in the garage forecourt, in the supermarket, on billboards, etc.

 

Programmes on TV are full of influences, not just the news, for example all the programmes about 'Benefit Scroungers' etc. You don't have to watch them to find the two words have become subconsciously associated in your mind.

 

Do you vote? How do you decide who to vote for?

I do vote, yes, and I make my own mind up, and, anyone who takes any notice of what they read in supermarkets or see on T.V. deserve all they get.

[Jomie]

The problem is that people are living longer but not necessarily in good health. Sometimes every effort is made to prolong life when it is not always appropriate, especially in diseases that are not strictly classed as terminal. If you prefer quality of life in preference to quantity, consider making a Living Will which specifies exactly how you want to be treated in circumstances where you cannot say for yourself.

 

It is a matter of opinion whether assisted dying should be made lawful in this country. Meanwhile, we should maybe remember the words of Arthur Hugh Clough - "Thou shalt not kill; but needst not strive officiously to keep alive:"

[minertone]

"three score and ten", a quote from long ago (when calendars were very different) but how appropriate today.Parenting,done,grandparenting,done.'bye',make room for others to go forth and multiply.STR

 

---------- Post added 30-11-2017 at 22:28 ----------

 

Today's 80 y.o. are resilient because of their upbringing.Apart from the danger of bombs (when they were kids) they were also exposed to lead piping and paint, asbestos insulation, long-drop dunnies (especially evacuees). They played with mercury from broken thermometers and on dangerous bomb sites, many had no running water,electricity or gas. No parental comfort or love and no opportunity for respite with seaside holidays etc. Victorian values meant corporal punishment and hard work, carrying coal and water for the 'Copper' ie a large cauldron that was used for laundry,chopping sticks and even lighting fires in the hearth,(many a draw sheet or newspaper caught fire this way and had to be bundled up the chimney) still the practice went on.No one had cars so everywhere meant a walk to get there. Electrical safety was unheard of and light switches has brass covers which were prone to go LIVE if a wire touched resulting in a almighty shock for anyone tall enough to reach them. Today's parents would go spare if their children were exposed to anyone of these dangers. Happy Days.

Edited November 30, 2017 by minertone