In this country we have a good health service which is free. At this time of the year, autumn, the health centres start giving ‘flu vaccinations to all their vulnerable patients including the elderly. I have been having them for the last ten years and they have been very successful, I have never had the ‘flu and rarely have a cold. When I rang up for my appointment I told the receptionist that I could not come on Tuesday ,Wednesday or Thursday because I would be working. She then asked for my date of birth which I gave her, she sounded concerned and said that she didn’t think that I should still be working, I felt a bit put out and defended myself by saying that I was not taking a job from anyone else, I just help a friend, I sit down, talk to waiting clients, answer the telephone and make appointments. I do not think that is too difficult for someone my age. I had been a farmer and have worked very hard,, this little job is easy, enjoyable and gives me something to do and think about.
I explained that doing this suited me because it meant that I met other people, some not all , are both elderly and lonely. I have always got on well with others and usually find something to chat about . I don’t mind listening to their troubles, the stories of their aches and pains, I am interested to hear about what they did in the past. After all many of them are my generation so we have a lot in common, I would really miss their company if I stopped working , they have become my friends and I intend to keep going for as long as possible . The receptionist accepted that working was good for me but that she couldn’t wait to retire
One of the few good things that happen when we get older, ladies like me can have elderly men as friends.. I was brought up in the country with boys so have always been interested in sport. I love talking about sport with anyone who is interested, so last summer was a great time for those similarly minded. I had great conversations at work about Bradley Wiggins winning” The Tour de France.” the first time for a Briton. Then came the two Olympics when we discussed how our favourite athletes would get on. We delighted in the success of Jessica Ennis. Elie Simmons and Mo Farah in particular.
Now that we are getting towards winter I shall get them interested in my Fantasy Football team which plays against other such teams run by the rest of my family. My team is usually at the bottom of the league so they can give me advice on which players to transfer. We will also talk about rugby, football and my favourite sport, horse racing.
The ladies prefer to chat about their families, children and grandchildren, I try to remember their histories, ask about exam results, weddings, births and their latest holidays which are quite often in exotic places on large cruise ships. The other favourite subject is what is on T.V. At the moment Downton Abbey and Strictly Come Dancing are the favourites. I find that most of the ladies cope with getting older better than the men, they still have a purpose, their domestic life just carries on while the men look back on better times..This is why I talk about sport and what interesting events are happening now. Let’s hope we can all continue chatting for some time to come..
An old bat's view from the bus and other places 