Category Archives: ELDERLY UK POLICY

“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 →

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“Bus Pass bust up”

Posted on July 16, 2010 by john graham

The Government budget cuts are now under discussion and in a classic piece of political toe-in-the-water “sounding out” the Department of Transport has leaked that free bus passes for the elderly may be scrapped.  The trouble with this approach is … Continue reading →

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Breakfast in America

Posted on July 6, 2010 by john graham

It doesn’t take long to remind me of one of the reasons I like America.  You just have to go out for breakfast and you’re immediately given a comprehensive experience of what the “Land of the Free” is all about. … Continue reading →

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Ageism Czar

Posted on May 27, 2010 by john graham

After 18 months in the job at the age of 77, Dame Joan Bakewell has decided to step down from the role of Czar for Older People. What is the role about? What are the outcomes to be achieved? What … Continue reading →

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Sacred Cows and Angels

Posted on April 18, 2010 by john graham

In the run up to the May 2010 election, the NHS has become the great untouchable.  Out of this multi-million pound operation, not a penny can be saved! Indeed real increases are still needed to feed the never ending progress … Continue reading →

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Dignity be Damned!

Posted on April 16, 2010 by john graham

  For a long time now the Daily Mail has been running a campaign under the banner “Dignity for the Elderly”.      They are to be applauded for championing the cause of older people and for highlighting some very … Continue reading →

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Friends’ Key to Happiness

Posted on April 15, 2010 by john graham

A research study by psychologists at Greenwich University, found pensioners with strong social networks were 30% more satisfied with their lives.  Maintaining friendships through hobbies, clubs and shared interests were key contributing factors. Perhaps not a surprising result but a … Continue reading →

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Bewitched, bothered and bewildered

Posted on April 12, 2010 by john graham

When I was first thinking about writing this blog in late 2009, there were relatively few issues in the news about the elderly.  Then as the 2010 General Election loomed, all the political parties started very belatedly to discuss how … Continue reading →

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Tangled Web

Posted on April 11, 2010 by john graham

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive” This quotation from Sir Walter Scott, sums up well the outcome of the political debate in the run up to the 2010 election, on funding of elderly care … Continue reading →

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How did we become such a burden!

Posted on April 7, 2010 by john graham

(Unraveling the demographic and economic clash.) Everyone agrees there are a lot more older people around these days because they are all living longer.  Trouble is they are also a lot frailer which is why they are costing so much … Continue reading →

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