Calling all octogenarians

JIM CULLEN

IF you're 80 plus with a kick left in you, then read on.

Even if you know someone like that, you could convey the contents below to him/her.

If you're a mere 70-year-old, you should keep in touch " one day you'll be old enough to join!

We all know we live in an ageing society. People live longer, particularly at the upper end. The percentage in the 80s and 90s continues to grow.

Fortunately, there's a plethora of organisations designed to attend to the physical and social needs of the oldies once they begin to disintegrate.

But what about those who still have their marbles and their mobility and consider they have something worthwhile to contribute?

Surely there are enough octogenarians who would stand up and say, "We're not done with yet."

I'm proposing a gathering of 80-plus characters of both sexes to decide whether there's sufficient interest and vitality to create such an organisation.

How about talks, formal or informal, to the littlies about how we lived before mod cons and what we can still learn from bygone ages?

And could there be briefing sessions for the 60-80 group about what life will be like in the 80s and beyond?

Or the transition from coupledom to singlehood? Come to that, how many have dealt with the whole question of death and dying?

It's easier to talk about this with others who occasionally catch a whiff of their own mortality.

If any of this strikes a chord with you or an older acquaintance, come along to the Rugby Club (bottom of Bong Bong St, Kiama) at 2pm next Wednesday (August 8) and be part of our inaugural discussions.

For more information ring 4233 2272 " and don't forget to bring your teeth, spectacles, hearing aid, prostheses and lots of bright ideas!