The old ways are usually the best

IT was a great comfort to read in the WDP that the best way for old people to keep well is for them to continue living in their old ways, as far as the old ways manage to remain for them to do so.

It is usually so much simpler and more straightforward to do so than trying to fathom modern devices, as well as far less contaminating as regards to climate change.

I am fully aware this is only half of the story but very grateful our old-fashioned ways are still recognised and recommended.

One thing that is great is that some things, like the evil use of everyday plastic, has both come and gone again since our childhood days and with encouragement, more perseverance, wisdom and new initiatives, other short term things could easily be dispensed with too, or at least modified. One such is our unnecessary dependence on cars, which should and could be decreased enormously.

A moratorium on the building of any new roads is a must. Since my childhood it has been proved that every new road built equals an indescribable load of new vehicles killing wildlife and bringing death to humans, both by road accidents and polluted air, sound and light.

The increase of obesity and failure of physical defence against illness from lack of exercise are also very much a minus these days, not to mention, sadest of all, the wicked desecration of the life-giving beauty of our countryside.

Here are a few suggestions to combat these evils...

An easy way to start decreasing traffic would be to raise the age of obtaining a driving licence to 19, as of old.

The present increase in cycling is greatly welcomed, especially if there were much stricter laws to protect pedestrians.

Return to: a) efficient public transport by road, rail and water is essential. More old branch railway lines need restoration, taking freight as much as humans; b) permission for new house building should strictly be given only for houses on brownfield sites within towns.

No private cars to be permitted to residents of new-build dwellings, thus relieving any need for massive car parks, giving instead added space for new small, inexpensive dwellings. These should all have gardens or nearby allotments for vegetable growing and plants to attract wildlife.

Car Clubs for essential journeys could be sensibly developed and seriously modified to replace private car ownership. Licensed sharing of lifts, especially for school children, surely could be safely organised.

Introduction of small electric “people carriers” such as those used by the National Trust in their parkland estates to carry the elderly or disabled. The same could help with shopping in a village shop, church, public lecture hall, hobbies room, etc. Some of us can acquire an electric scooter, but not all.

A great advantage, particularly for the old and bold, would be the return of village shops, bringing back – as well as handy shopping without car use – the sociability of others as in old times and the enhancement of wellbeing all round.

These are just a few ideas to help us into a new ‘old world’. I would love to hear of many more, nothing too demanding.

I am sure many readers will have many common sense ideas.

Mary Truell

by email