Author Archives: john graham

“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

“Welcome research. Cheers!”

Posted on October 24, 2010 by john graham

Raise a glass to researchers in Norway, who after seven years’ studying over 5000 people whose average age was 58, reached a conclusion we would all like to toast.  They found that contrary to what you might imagine, drinking moderate … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 8 Comments

Re-directed Posts

Posted on October 18, 2010 by john graham

From some of the early posts I received, it’s quite obvious to me that I haven’t got the navigation around the site to be as simple as I would want.  Some of the people who want to post general comments … Continue reading →

Posted in ABOUT GRUMBLESMILES | 8 Comments

“Stress linked to dementia”

Posted on October 17, 2010 by john graham

A long-term piece of research of a group of women in Gothenberg, Sweden, recently concluded that repeated periods of stress in middle-age can significantly increase the risk of developing dementia in later life.  There are several problems with making sense … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Leave a comment

“Christening Granddad”

Posted on October 17, 2010 by john graham

According to Saga magazine, the baby boomers no longer wish to become “grannies” and “granddads” as they reach their third generation.  Apparently they don’t like the implication that they are getting old. So rather than becoming proud grandparents and responding … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , | 7 Comments

“Residential Care Dilemma”

Posted on October 12, 2010 by john graham

How do we greet the news in a recent press release that the Care Quality Commission plans to get tougher with the regulation of care homes?  A few years ago, I would have said “about time”, but now standing back … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | Tagged | 3 Comments

“Retirement Age Rage”

Posted on October 10, 2010 by john graham

This is a discussion which will rumble on for ages.  It is one of the biggest social policy issues of our time and one where I have a clear sense of direction, but am not yet sure what outcome I think … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | 4 Comments

“Fog of Confusion Lifts”

Posted on October 10, 2010 by john graham

At long last, the inappropriate named N.I.C.E. – National Institute of Clinical Excellence – has agreed to reverse its decision on the early use of Aricept and other similar drugs which have been shown to slow down the onset of … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia, HEALTH | Tagged | Leave a comment

“Memories in the making”

Posted on October 3, 2010 by john graham

This is the name of a really creative activity programme for people with dementia.  It is based at the Kemp Center for the Arts in Texas and is being piloted by the Alzheimer’s Association. The project encourages people with varying … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | 3 Comments

“Signs of the Times”

Posted on September 30, 2010 by john graham

Two full page advertisements in The Times today aimed at older people can’t be cheap.  The fact that they are there at all is an indication of the growing importance of the elderly market.  Less surprisingly they are promoting three … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY MARKET | Tagged | 4 Comments