Author Archives: john graham

“Neglect Shames Britain”

Posted on December 6, 2010 by john graham

I have often criticised the “Daily Mail” for it’s over sensational headlines, particularly those that raise unnecessary fears for older people.  The title of this blog is their front page headline of the 2nd December and for that they deserve … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

“No Gumption 2”

Posted on November 27, 2010 by john graham

On the 11 June 2010 I wrote a post about the problem of chewing gum on the pavements of Westminster City Council. Looks like this problem is going to increase.  Kraft have opened a new gum research centre in Switzerland … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 2 Comments

Breakfast Exercise 2

Posted on November 21, 2010 by john graham

This morning I woke up early – 5.45 am, tired and in my natural stupor first thing in the morning.  It’s a time for an autopilot routine – not a time for a challenge.  Still half-asleep – grumpy is my … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY MARKET, GRUMBLES | Tagged , | 2 Comments

“Walk for life”

Posted on November 14, 2010 by john graham

This is the conclusion of a review done by Bangor University of recent research into where best to exercise.  The study points out that exercising outdoors is better at helping your mind to relax.  It helps cut anger, fatigue and … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , | 4 Comments

“Pop memories dashed”

Posted on November 14, 2010 by john graham

One of my earliest childhood memories was the excitement of looking up the street every Thursday to see when the Corona pop man was coming, bringing my weekly treat – a bottle of pop. In fact a whole crate – … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 1 Comment

TODAY OF ALL DAYS !

Posted on November 11, 2010 by john graham

       I have complained a lot about over-sensational newspaper headlines which only succeed in worrying older people, but today I would have been pleased to see this as a front page headline   –    “Widespread neglect of elderly patients revealed”.   Instead it made … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, N.H.S. | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

“Spectacle wipes”

Posted on November 7, 2010 by john graham

If ever there was a product that needed to be easy to open it has to be spectacle cleaners.  You would also think that the makers of these would be highly aware that without their glasses, 50% of the elderly can’t … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY MARKET | Tagged , | 5 Comments

“I Spy – small print”

Posted on November 7, 2010 by john graham

“I spy with my little eye” was a fun game when I was a child.  We especially used to play it to pass the time on long journeys with my parents in the car.  No motorways then and roads which … Continue reading →

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“November Reflections”

Posted on November 3, 2010 by john graham

Ten months since I “retired” time has flown by, my days are full but less pressured by 10 or 20 issues a day.  Now it’s more like one or two things at a time, but I still feel busy and … Continue reading →

Posted in ABOUT GRUMBLESMILES | 3 Comments

“The £140 Pension Illusion”

Posted on October 31, 2010 by john graham

This is a story about the cynicism of politicians and the fickle nature of press reporting.  Sadly it’s about an issue of great importance to the elderly.  The presentation of The Issue has the power to raise and destroy hope … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY, Pensions | Tagged , , | 8 Comments