Letter: Sad old man
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sad old man
Sir: I sat down to read John Walsh's article "All our tomorrows" (11December), and felt much comforted by its chatty appraisal of what it feels like to be faced with approaching old age. Yes, I thought, he's got it right; obviously he is facing the same problems of change of tempo as I am.
In fact I had been thinking almost exactly those same thoughts a few minutes earlier as I jog-trotted home from the hairdresser's. It was necessary to trot as it was too cold to walk, but en route I had cursed my growing awareness of arthritis in my right hip. Too bad that age has to take its toll in this way.
Then I read on. Suddenly my idle appraisal of the article was catapulted out of its languor. I realised that I am almost half as old again as John Walsh. John, wake up! What are you doing, thinking of yourself as becoming old? You are scarcely in the middle years! It sounds as if your attitudes are hardening before your arteries do. Change your outlook and maybe the arteries will last a bit longer also!
See you in the yellow-curtained day-room, in about 40 years. I shall be 103, you a dapper 85-year-old.
CONNIE BURNAGE
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments