""I think we are in danger of getting old. Not just in body, but also in mind.""

I endorse Richard's comments.

As I see it:-

1. At 71, I am already old.
2. Being in the early stages of emphysema, and after having a heart attack I have, of necessity, given up smoking these five years past.
3. An arthritic knee joint which collapses on a regular basis and is awaiting surgical replacement has enforced a ban on both ballroom and folk dancing, both of which I loved.
4. I am only too aware that giving up alcohol may improve my life expectancy by a number of years, during which, like Frank Sinatra and Gracie Fields, my singing ability will deteriorate to the point of having to quit.

Having considered carefully the fullest implications of all of the above, and taking into account the benefits of making the final sacrifice, I have come to the conclusion that if this is what is required for a few extra years, it isn't f**king worth it.

I'll stick to the real ale and enjoy the hell out of my reduced lifespan, that is if they are right, which is by no means certain.

Don T.