Piffle, padding? Too right!

08/08/2008

Doris Daly's article (see link below) on 'Piffle, padding & procrastination' echoed exactly my own thoughts on the forests of expensive, highly coloured books and pamphlets full of ideas and theories about matters relating to older people; all too few of which get read by those for whom they are intended. Then of course, there are the well intentioned conferences and seminars where all those publications are brandished.

 

I wonder, as I look at the eager, often young, faces lined up behind the exhibition tables for Help the Aged and Age Concern (to mention but two), what on earth do you know about growing older in today's society and where are those who really know?

 

All the young people utter the same politically correct words but their eyes betray the fact they haven't the least idea or sympathy with their subject. It's just another job on their CV and doubtless, they will move on to bigger and better things should the opportunity arise.

 

There is no doubt great sums of money are involved in the production of paperwork, as well as in paying the salaries of those employed in this great age related industry that has sprung up but, I fear, little of that generated wealth finds its way to the subject that spawns the industry - older people.

 

My grandmother was right: " When you need help, look to the hands at the ends of your own arms." for it's certain no-one is going to help the cause of older people unless ALL older people get up, get out and make themselves heard.  We have to stop expecting others to do what we can well do for ourselves.

 

We are capable of fighting back and making our own political statements that will force politicians and professional policy makers to change their attitudes. We can set up businesses, mutual networks and services designed by older people for older people. We have the power, the energy and, because so many have been forcibly retired, - the time to make it all happen, in addition, we have what no-one can buy - experience. We can, we must make it happen!

Maureen Jenner