Who hopes they die before they get old?
3:15pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Your Say
Most people should be full of optimism for the new year of 2012, but somehow I have missed out on the celebratory mood as I keep thinking of the famous words to the pop song by The Who which has the line in it: “Hope I die before I get old.”
It now seems to be even more poignant considering the lot of elderly people in this country which, from where I stand, is only set to get worse.
I would go as far as to say don’t get old in Britain, as: Your work pension, if you are lucky enough to have one, will not keep pace with inflation.
Don’t bother saving for your old age as the derisory level of interest that the greedy banks will pay you will not keep pace with inflation. They now look on you as ‘doing them a favour’ by investing ‘your money’ with them It is quite possibly a waste of time buying your own property to live in. That’s assuming you are able to persuade the greedy banks to give you a mortgage in the first place, as it is likely it will be taken away from you to pay for your care in your dotage.
You will need to stock up on tins of cheap soup, as this is probably the only warmth you will be able to afford. Don’t expect the greedy energy companies to keep you warm and snug in your old age.
You cannot expect the state to pay you a pension any longer, as they want you to “work til you drop.” Where are all the jobs?
What chance, for older people, when the young can’t find work?
The only option that seems to be open to those in their latter years, is to go cap in hand to the state while pleading poverty.
If that fails, as is most likely, as the fat cats of the FTSE 100 and the banking speculators have taken more than their fair share out of the system.
Then you will turn in to an “Old Womble” and go scavenging off the nearest rubbish tip. Oh woe is me!
G A Woodward Nelson Street, Swindon
Stop the bullies
Over the last 20 years or so, I have written about a dozen or so children, aged 11 to15 who have killed themselves.
Bullying seems to have been a factor in most of these tragedies.
Years ago, you could not get a school to admit they had a bullying problem, but it is so widely admitted now. Even if a school controls it on the premises, the child can be vulnerable between school and home. Bullying is so commonplace, that it can seem like the norm.
All 12 tragedies were memorable, but I will mention one from memory. A school bus driver was picking on a “loner” kid, by calling him Billy No Mates. How sad for all concerned.
Max Nottingham St Faith’s Street Lincoln
Take on challenge
The Meningitis Trust, the UK’s top charity supporting people affected by meningitis, is challenging individuals and groups to test themselves by entering its English 3000s – Trek In The Lake District event.
The event tackles eight notable 3,000ft-plus peaks, all in 48 hours.
The challenge takes place between September 6 and 9 and the trust is hoping to raise £29,000, all of which goes towards supporting its vital work in providing free support and community-based services for those affected by this disease.
The registration fee is £75 and at least £500 in sponsorship.
For information visit www.english3000s.co.uk, email events@meningitis-trust.org or contact the Trust’s events team on 0845 120 4530.
Andy Hopkinson Meningitis Trust
