Being 'elderly'...

[grahamw48]

On the BBC news just now, people 64 + were referred to as 'elderly' .

So I've got another 2 years then ?

No way do I regard myself as anywhere near 'elderly'.

Thoughts please...not on how old I LOOK....thanks.

[tiger31]

you are an old codger graham

[grahamw48]

Pah !

Must try harder on the Xbox though.

.

[KeithD]

You may look 106, but we all know you are young at heart

[stevewool]

old as you feel they say

[Michael Parnham]

Well Graham, I certainly don't feel old, you're just a spring chicken yet!

[Doc Alan]

“ Age is just a number “ ... and you certainly won’t be alone – 8% of the world’s population ; almost a fifth of the UK population ; and 4% of the Philippines population are 65 and over.


Average life expectancy ( at birth ) is now at least 78 for men and 82 for women ( UK ) ; 69 and 74 in Philippines. It does vary markedly within both countries.


For Kensington and Chelsea it’s 85 and 89 ; compare that to Glasgow ( 72 and 78 ). The UK fares rather less well than other countries ( like Spain, Italy, Australia and Sweden ) for HEALTHY life expectancy – 69 for men and 80 for women.


UK life expectancy at 65 is around 84 for men and 86 for women. Ill health in the last years of life ( heart disease, cancers, chronic lung disease ) is often linked to avoidable risk factors - like obesity, high blood pressure and smoking. Depression, dementia, and loneliness affect a significant minority of older people. 2/3 of NHS usage is by over 65’s but they receive only 2/5 of expenditure. Almost half of hospital admissions are aged 65+. At least 4/5 deaths in the UK are in the over 65’s - in fact any death under 65 is classed as “ premature “. Despite that, over half of people over 65 are “ fairly satisfied “ with their health .


Of course these are only statistics ! No one can accurately predict life expectancy for individuals.


For the substantial numbers of “ old codgers “ or “ elderly “ individuals, age discrimination IS seen as a problem by many. We’re “ low priority “ to politicians ; our skills and talents are often unappreciated ; and travel insurance policies may have an upper age limit.


The chances, at 65, of living enjoyable and healthy lives for the next 19 years ( “ average “ man ) or 21 years ( “ average “ woman ) are better if our “ lifestyle choices “ are good :-

• exercise, diet, alcohol, drugs, smoking ); plus

• a POSITIVE attitude and hobbies ;

• Supportive partners, relatives and friends ;

• all influenced by factors such as where we live and our genetic make up.



I don’t care what I’m called at 65+ ! I’ve seen enough of life through my work and leisure to appreciate every single day, with plenty to look forward to in 2014 and beyond !



Good health to all members, whatever age you are .



http://www.geohive.com/earth/population_age_2.aspx

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN....pdf?dtrk=true

[gWaPito]

Thanks Alan. An enjoyable read . You're right of course, our birth age is just a number when you consider how one has looked after one's self over the years. We are just like cars..if you don't get it serviced eventually the wheels will fall off

[grahamw48]

Thanks Alan.

Now, about those risk factors.

[Michael Parnham]

“ Age is just a number “ ... and you certainly won’t be alone – 8% of the world’s population ; almost a fifth of the UK population ; and 4% of the Philippines population are 65 and over.


Average life expectancy ( at birth ) is now at least 78 for men and 82 for women ( UK ) ; 69 and 74 in Philippines. It does vary markedly within both countries.


For Kensington and Chelsea it’s 85 and 89 ; compare that to Glasgow ( 72 and 78 ). The UK fares rather less well than other countries ( like Spain, Italy, Australia and Sweden ) for HEALTHY life expectancy – 69 for men and 80 for women.


UK life expectancy at 65 is around 84 for men and 86 for women. Ill health in the last years of life ( heart disease, cancers, chronic lung disease ) is often linked to avoidable risk factors - like obesity, high blood pressure and smoking. Depression, dementia, and loneliness affect a significant minority of older people. 2/3 of NHS usage is by over 65’s but they receive only 2/5 of expenditure. Almost half of hospital admissions are aged 65+. At least 4/5 deaths in the UK are in the over 65’s - in fact any death under 65 is classed as “ premature “. Despite that, over half of people over 65 are “ fairly satisfied “ with their health .


Of course these are only statistics ! No one can accurately predict life expectancy for individuals.


For the substantial numbers of “ old codgers “ or “ elderly “ individuals, age discrimination IS seen as a problem by many. We’re “ low priority “ to politicians ; our skills and talents are often unappreciated ; and travel insurance policies may have an upper age limit.


The chances, at 65, of living enjoyable and healthy lives for the next 19 years ( “ average “ man ) or 21 years ( “ average “ woman ) are better if our “ lifestyle choices “ are good :-

• exercise, diet, alcohol, drugs, smoking ); plus

• a POSITIVE attitude and hobbies ;

• Supportive partners, relatives and friends ;

• all influenced by factors such as where we live and our genetic make up.



I don’t care what I’m called at 65+ ! I’ve seen enough of life through my work and leisure to appreciate every single day, with plenty to look forward to in 2014 and beyond !



Good health to all members, whatever age you are .



http://www.geohive.com/earth/population_age_2.aspx

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN....pdf?dtrk=true

Nice to read something more positive about ourselves Alan

[grahamw48]

Well Graham, I certainly don't feel old, you're just a spring chicken yet!

Haha. Thanks Michael. I feel better already.

[imagine]

your as old as the woman you feel, well thats the saying