Something close to my heart. Something I really don’t know how to resolve.
As we journey through life we may be able to clinically provide for, fund, legislate etc for older age.
But if there is one thing that we find really difficult to do, it is to provide the one thing older people need: companionship. Even if care were fully paid for, even if we had the surety of sumptuous surroundings and the best possible clinical care, the one thing most craved will be the most difficult to provide – because true companionship cannot be bought. I generalise, of course.
It is no surprise to see the results of this WRVS research.
It is a reflection of our culture and way of life. Having lived in several other countries, and as the research reflects, older people do have a better quality of life elsewhere – even if other parameters might be worse.
So, what to do? I don’t know. But I will carry on thinking about it.
Marco Longhi was elected in May 1999 and represents Pelsall ward in Walsall.
