Dear LPG readers,

Did you know that Joan Collins is credited with the quote, ‘Age is just a number? It's totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.’

I think that if you are partial to the red liquid of the grape, she has a strong point although there may well be a bit more to it than that. 

I can sometimes see her point of view but as I am getting older I have to wonder why some individuals keep saying that.  In my experience many people who are at the beginning of their septuagenarian journey can argue that if they could still do the things that they used to 30, 20, or even 10 years ago, they would be better men or women. I used to be able to do so many things which I wish I could still do half as well. 

So please don’t quote Joan’s findings to me.  In my experience the people who are most likely to reference the words are those who are least likely to tell you their age, I find it is often the answer given when the question, ‘…and how old are you?’ is asked to someone reluctant to offer a straight reply.  That is when the phrase comes in very handy.    One’s mature age should be a testament to the fat that they have lived a long life (good or bad).  And attaining such an age leaves many of us existing, having seen many younger friends, family members and celebrities leave us behind.

I strongly believe that, as we get on in years we have to be older and wiser; wise enough to know that old age limits what we can still do.  I talk because I acknowledge that I am an old man now.  I was young once and really have no need to envy the youths of today.

I say good luck to those who won’t admit the fact, but beware, you might find sometime in the not too distant future, that this reality may well hit you hard.

Rudy Morgan