Category Archives: SMILES

“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

“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

“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

“Conker Memories”

Posted on September 21, 2010 by john graham

I got up early this morning and discovered a beautiful sun-shining autumn day; perfect for a walk in the Northamptonshire countryside. A no excuses to stay in bed day. So walking shoes – dusted off. A lightweight jacket in case … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 4 Comments

Magic of New York’s Central Park

Posted on July 5, 2010 by john graham

On the 19 May I was writing about Westminster City Council’s attempt at trying to enhance Hyde Park in London for older people with exercise equipment.  Perhaps they could take some pensioners to New York and do some park benchmarking, there … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Cleanliness is next to Godliness – Follow up to “No Gumption”

Posted on July 2, 2010 by john graham

6.45 am – looking out of my sixth floor window of the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue in New York – still not yet adjusted to American time.  The city is just waking up.  A few taxis racing by but … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | Leave a comment

Walking the Dog

Posted on July 1, 2010 by john graham

At 7am in New York, the street walkers come out – not the late night variety. First are the power walkers – trainers, shorts and one, two or three unwashed, unpressed, faded, baggy tee-shirts.  Bottle of water in hand, rushing to … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 1 Comment

Cast Adrift

Posted on June 29, 2010 by john graham

On board with 2000 others in the luxury of Queen Mary 2.  Endless free, excellent food served by the politest of waiters.  Indeed the service for everything is first class. The average age of the passengers must be at least 70, probably … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , | 2 Comments

No Gumption

Posted on June 11, 2010 by john graham

Westminster City Council, presumably in a quiet moment when there was nothing more important to do, worked out that it costs £100,000 to remove chewing gum from their streets each year; 10p a time apparently.  A deep clean would cost … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 3 Comments

76th Birthday? Move to the Country

Posted on May 28, 2010 by john graham

As I write this blog sitting in my quiet country cottage garden, I may be about to be joined by thousands of older people.  An official report by the Government Office of National Statistics confirms that you are likely to … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , , | 1 Comment