The COVID-accelerated switch from cash to cards, a myriad of new payments systems, and even cryptocurrencies has been dazzling for technology advocates. But how about those mostly older people who want to hang onto the likes of coins, notes and even cheques to make their payments? Is anyone looking out for them? Is the cashless society being imposed upon us without adequate consultation a... read more>

Search for yourself - online media is chock-a-block with stories claiming that sixty is the new forty. They are obviously designed to make us feel good, and surveys boast of seniors' renewed energy and playfulness. Take this cake for a friend who turned fifty-nine at the weekend.  A vision to carefree youthfulness - even complete with a blue vodka jelly perfectly reflecting the birthda... read more>

I was going to write about the positive power of habits, but it was 1pm, so I munched on some handy corn chips despite not being really hungry. Procrastination delayed my start until the following dawn. But as a habitual early exerciser, I had to go for a jog first, followed by my usual reward of a strong coffee. Now to work, but only after a chocolate biscuit as an incentive. These ar... read more>

To laugh at old age is a worthy sentiment, but dying and being lost at sea through a foolhardy adventure is quite another. I was moved by the saga of 75-year-old Frenchman Jean-Jacques Savin, attempting a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean. The planned 100-day voyage on a small rowing boat suitably called L’Audacieux, The Audacious, was to challenge age itself. Savin wanted to prov... read more>

I try not to be touchy about my age, especially as I'm turning 64 a tad too soon, but ageism has reared its ugly head. A few too many people sent me a column in the Australian Financial Review headlined Why is it still considered OK to be ageist? While other prejudicial "-ists and -isms" can put some adults into conniptions, ageism is still widely tolerated. So where do you think Austr... read more>