Author Archives: john graham

“Cheylesmore Good Neighbours”

Posted on March 16, 2014 by john graham

Almost a year ago we carried out a survey of a group of about 50 elderly people in Coventry working with the Coventry University Age Research Centre.  The results of that group were published in this blog in the summer … Continue reading →

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“No more useful years”

Posted on March 14, 2014 by john graham

Medication is becoming more and more expensive as new drugs are developed all the time. The Government’s way of keeping the lid on the cost is to use the inappropriately named “National Institute for Clinical Excellence” – NICE – as … Continue reading →

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“Hayley Safe in NHS Hands?”

Posted on January 30, 2014 by john graham

(Continued from “Hayley Home Alone”). What if Hayley went into hospital? Terminally ill plus a fall or a call and you’re back in hospital – i.e. any accident or call to your GP at an inconvenient hour like night-time or … Continue reading →

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“Hayley Home Alone”

Posted on January 28, 2014 by john graham

(Continued from “Hayley Comes a Cropper”). What if Hayley Cropper had lived at home alone? Sent home with a diagnosis of terminal cancer, only headlines and TV to turn to.  No time or motivation for bucket lists and happy endings. … Continue reading →

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“Hayley Comes a Cropper”

Posted on January 26, 2014 by john graham

For the past few months Britain’s most popular TV soap has been running the storyline that a key, long-serving character – Hayley Cropper – has terminal cancer.   Three nights a week “Coronation Street” took us through the emotional roller coaster … Continue reading →

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“Bright Sun and Long Shadows”

Posted on January 23, 2014 by john graham

A mild January day, no plans and no excuses.   Time to take a step on my Health Ladder – Tai Chi in the garden first, porridge and honey next. Then it’s all new walking boots and Christmas present socks and brand … Continue reading →

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“Double Triple Talk”

Posted on January 21, 2014 by john graham

Continued from two previous posts. In making his New Year announcement on maintaining the pension triplelock until 2020, the Prime Minister said it was a choice based on his values – “I want people, when they reach retirement, to know … Continue reading →

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“Triplelock Triple Take”

Posted on January 19, 2014 by john graham

The “Triplelock” was introduced in 2010 and intended to give reassurance to pensioners about their income from the State.  It links annual state pension increases to the highest of inflation, average wage increases or 2.5%. Sounds simple enough, but everything … Continue reading →

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“Pension Double Take”

Posted on January 16, 2014 by john graham

David Cameron has suddenly rediscovered pensioners.  In his New Year’s resolutions for 2014, he has announced a vote-catching promise to extend the triplelock on pension increases for the life of the next Parliament.    Sounds good  ????? In Daily Mail speak that … Continue reading →

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“Stay Active, Stay Young” 2

Posted on January 14, 2014 by john graham

Just before Christmas 2013 I was writing about the importance for older people of staying active (click on this link to see the earlier blog –  Stay Active, Stay Young). In response to the blog, I received a reply from my most … Continue reading →

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