The joys of ageing - or not! What are your experiences? What could we do differently?

As a result of visiting to my GP with a list of ailments [I save them up to have less appointments], I need yet another blood test, another appointment and an eye test. I was also diagnosed with arthritis in my thumb. PIty there isn't a book about ageing and how to prevent it or at least lessen its effects Rolling eyes. I am grateful for the NHS, because pills and eye drops I need would cost a fortune.

I wish the Government would focus on preventative measures, rather than giving medication or leaving mechanical problems until operations are necessary. For example, my free NHS exercise class holds many benefits -

  • chatting with people my age and older with similar difficulties
  • my arthritis pains reducing in intensity and frequency,
  • learning the proper exercises for different problem areas.
  • the incentive to continue the exercises at home

Similarly, I wish my former GP had informed me how to prevent diabetes 2 decades ago, instead of not giving information before its onset. If only there were exercise classes in care homes and for the over 70's, for example, this might trigger huge savings on pills, appointments and operations. Would you agree? What do you think might ease these issues? Do you think there is enough spent on researching ageing?

Parents Reply
  • That's a strange rule! The only reason I could think would be time. I ask , and am given, a double appointment.

    It's definitely time-related; they're horribly under-resourced. But I did finally summon the courage to ask for a double slot for my last appointment, as a reasonable adjustment.

    Having actually done it once, I'll hopefully feel less nervous about doing so again in future (when I think it's needed), as mine often otherwise overrun. 

Children
No Data