What has happened to respect for our elders?
By Peter Girling - 13/04/2010
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Call for increase in dementia research
In December, we led Mature Times with criticism of reduced Government spending on Alzheimer’s research. In January, the Government replied to those comments. Here, Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research Trust, explains why - while welcoming some Government initiatives - she still feels the issue is not receiving the priority it deserves.
Tory retirement plans: "How they can do it is far from clear," says TAEN
Only one week ago we had the High Court confirming the legality of enforced retirement at 65 when the Conservative party, which could well form the next Government, is talking in terms of accelerating the increase of state pension age. Chris Ball, Chief Executive of TAEN -The Age & Employment Network - raises some questions.
Hands off our bus passes!
A recent report has thrown into question the cost effectiveness of free bus passes. Ken Lacey, Chairman of one of the UK’s most active older people’s groups, The Weston-super-Mare Senior Citizens Forum, takes issue with it.
What is happening to our sense of public service?
Terry Waite asks if this country is losing the sense of public service (July MT). Yes, I'm afraid it is.
Are the media deliberately sabotaging the Labour Party?
Is the sole aim of the media to belittle the Party and its leaders in the eyes of the electorate? Our readers have their say...
In the words of Oliver Cromwell... In the name of God, go!
I am reminded of the great Oliver Cromwell's speech of 1653, when he dissolved Parliament in connection with Charles I's intransigence as to who should govern the nation. "It is high time I put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice. Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?
The myth of Prudence
'Prudence' - the watchword of Gordon Brown's Chancellorship, has not actually existed since the change of government in 1997 argues Mature Times reader Peter Bray.
Two glasses of wine
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24
hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine...
What has the world really learnt from the Susan Boyle phenomenon?
Is Susie Boyle the most famous woman in the world? With 100 million internet hits of her appearance on Britain’s got Talent, most newspapers around the world covering her story, appearances on the top US talk shows, a record deal and even a movie in the making, she just might be. Has Boyle usurped President Obama’s place as the minority representative who shamed the prejudiced public into rethinking their attitudes? Probably not, says Joyce Glasser.
Exactly what does housebound mean?
As the recession bites, councils are looking at ways to cut costs, and one result appears to be a quiet erosion in services for the elderly. One justification for cutbacks has been the definition of ‘housebound’: those categorised as ‘housebound’ are entitled to services which those able to get out and about are not.
Who is dealing with YOUR complaint?
I am writing regarding two of your readers' letters, one from Joan Bramley and one from K. Brown in April's Mature Times. How I agree with both these people.
Homes for older people - how suitable are they?
I read a variety of articles in this weeks online version of the Times and kept thinking of how inappropriate were many of the measures suggested for an elderly neighbour of mine, currently living in a four bedroomed detached residence which she clings onto for dear life.
Suicides and Switzerland - a Christian view
When I was a theological student, suicide was reckoned to be one of the worst sins. Many clergy would not let you have a burial except in the special place in the churchyard reserved for suicides. The bishop had not blessed it or you. That was where you were buried with a miniscule service if you got one at all. Suicide was not only condemned by the church, but by the state as well. It was illegal. You could be arrested for it and (presumably) go to prison – not much of a threat if you were dead, perhaps, but it’s the thought that counts.
Sauce for Sir Fred The Shred's goose...
All seem to be agreed that the pension paid to Sir Fred Goodwin is obscene.The greater obscenity is the way in which Ministers and MPs are jumping on the bandwagon to condemn him. These are the same people who have voted themselves what is reckoned to be the finest pension pot in the couuntry and really does savour of an instance of the pot calling the kettle black.
