Old on to talent
Doctor Jodie has brought me out from behind sofa
IN a meeting this week some younger colleagues started discussing what “middleaged” means today.
“Over 35” said one whippersnapper. “Forty plus” said another – or maybe a bit older now that we’re all living longer? Then they all looked at me, apologetically. Because, at 54, I’m clearly well past it.
The issue came up after a “lighthearted” poll listed the Top 50 Signs You’re Middle Aged.
They include taking a brolly out in a heatwave, just in case, refusing to eat without a matching knife and fork and loitering in garden centres. Ho, ho.
Actually we did laugh about it because I work in a company where my age and experience is still valued.
But elsewhere in Britain the talents of more than a million over 50s are being wasted because workplace ageism is rife.
In July the Women and Equalities Committee of MPS published a report showing that laws on age discrimination are being ignored.
And on Friday its chair, Maria Miller, accused the Government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission of failing to act to protect older workers’ rights. The UK faces serious challenges recruiting and retaining experienced workers. We should be cherishing older employees not alienating them. And we need to start fighting ageism in ANY area of society. Just like the 11 inspirational ladies of Milton Lodge Care Home in Colchester, Essex. The female pensioners, all in their 80s and 90s, joined forces to hire scantily clad male butlers to come round and serve up their dinner. Joan Corp, 89, and friends including Peggy Rogers, pictured, chose Hunks In Trunks – beefy blokes who wear just aprons and dickybows – to liven up their meat and two veg. And they loved it. Doll Jenkins, 99, has even booked them again for her 100th birthday bash. “Whenever you ask Joan what she wants she always says ‘a man’,” said staff member Claire Martin. “So we weren’t surprised when she wanted this. We asked the guys to do some harmless flirting. It doesn’t matter how old you are, so why not?” Why not, indeed. Age is simply about how you feel. Or, in the case of Joan and her pals, who.