Author Archives: john graham

“My Garden Age”

Posted on July 24, 2011 by john graham

My Grandfather was a professional gardener, who worked for a garden enthusiast and writer – Avery Tipping.  Together they renovated several manor house gardens in the Chepstow area of Monmouthshire.  At one time there were over 40 gardeners working for my … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 7 Comments

“Dangerous Road”

Posted on July 20, 2011 by john graham

I have cautiously written about assisted suicide and euthanasia only twice before, on 22 March 2010 – “Lucy died today” and then again on 6 May 2011 – ” A Die-Lemma”.   It is not a subject of rights and wrongs, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Assisted Suicide, ELDERLY UK POLICY | 2 Comments

“Pill – Kill or Cure”

Posted on July 17, 2011 by john graham

I first wrote about the excessive amount of pills we all have in our homes way back on the 7th September 2010. The “Pills for Everything” blog talked about the cure-all drug dependency culture we have developed thanks to the … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

“New Vision of Later Life” – 3 – Enriched Dementia Support

Posted on July 13, 2011 by john graham

What future for residential care?  Years ago I stood on a conference platform and suggested   ” no future at all ”  but this outdated form of provision has hung on, bolstered by the growth in the frail elderly population and the lack of … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia, HEALTH | Tagged , | 4 Comments

“Nutty Professors!”

Posted on July 10, 2011 by john graham

At the end of June, a report was published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, entitled “Our Invisible Addicts”.  Judging by the ridicule it has received in the press, it must be a contender for “daftest research of the year”.  It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 4 Comments

“New Vision of Later Life” – 2 – Health Improvement Centres

Posted on July 5, 2011 by john graham

My second image of later life looks at the other end of the health care system.  The acute sector of the NHS looks after us very well throughout our childhood and our working adult life.  At its heart, the doctors and … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , | 9 Comments

“Fruit Juice Hopes Squashed”

Posted on July 3, 2011 by john graham

Just when I thought I had found the secret to eternal life, my hopes have been shattered. My earlier posts on “Fruitful Research” (9, 23, 30 January; 15 May; 26 June 2011) seemed to suggest that a glass or two … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“New Vision of Later Life” 1

Posted on June 29, 2011 by john graham

I have written a lot about the neglect of older people in the NHS, in residential care homes and in their own homes.  My blogs have been stimulated by the many reports over the last twelve months of malnutrition and … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , | 17 Comments

“Fruitful Research” 5

Posted on June 26, 2011 by john graham

There seems to be a new wonder fruit found almost every week that helps extend your life.  The problem now is keeping up with all the claims and even knowing what some of the fruits are and how to find … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, SMILES | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“My Country Garden”

Posted on June 22, 2011 by john graham

Everyone needs a garden in their life.  Not necessarily a literal garden, just somewhere where things can grow.  Everything from plants to ideas to children to peace of mind. Right now at six o’clock in the morning, I am sitting … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 3 Comments