Downsize to a bungalow? No, thank you

SIR – Why is it assumed that those over the age of 60 are in the market for small bungalows (Letters, May 7)?

Some of us enjoy our larger houses and particularly our larger gardens and find the thought of stagnating in a small bungalow quite abhorrent. Jenny Ragg

Falmouth, Cornwall

SIR – Over the years local authorities built many thousands of bungalows designed with old people in mind.

Unfortunately – and, in my view, wrongly – the Government then included them in the right-to-buy scheme. Almost inevitably the very favourable price was met by the children of the elderly occupants, and in the fullness of time the younger generation either occupied them or sold them on at a considerable profit. The original purpose of the bungalows was thus lost forever. Cyril Mann

Rodmell, East Sussex

SIR – Going up and down stairs is very good exercise for the heart. A friend of mine made a point of going up and down stairs at least five times a day and lived to be 100.

Instead of moving into a bungalow, have a house with a staircase that is suitable for a chair lift to be fitted, just in case. RB Mills

Worcester