Demanding dignity

On 24 October last year, The Independent published a letter from a 75-year-old woman expressing anger that so little was being done to help her and her husband, and other people in the same situation, prepare for the future. "Some realistic and practical help in growing old gracefully would surely be of benefit not only to the ageing millions but to the country in the long run," she pleaded. "We do our best. We eat sensibly and watch our weight, we take omega3 and glucosamine every day at our own expense, and walk when we can, despite our aching joints." Unfortunately, she may be right ...