It’s a good feeling. My left arm has a mild ache, and I’m amongst the first of the eligible 7.4 million locals to get the fourth COVID booster jab. Being eligible does not mean 100% execution, but for my money, anything to reduce the disruption and spread of the mongrel bug, even in my tawdry body, is worthwhile. I’ve had all the vaccinations as and when they became available. They didn’t... read more>

What should age look like? Or rather, is it pointless to try and stereotype any age cohort, especially the older ones, as there’s so much natural variation. The question came to mind when I saw the spritely faces on this ad for 65+ volunteers for a medical study (RSV stands for Respiratory syncytial virus). Maybe the models are aged over 65, and if so, good luck to them, but the years i... read more>

Photo credit: Guinness World Records   At the weekend, the oldest man in the world, verified by the Guinness Book of Records, celebrated his 113th birthday with a daily drop of an aniseed spirit.   Juan Vicente Pérez doesn't hail from longevity's officially recognised 'blue zones' such as the Japanese island of Okinawa, the Greek island of Icaria or even Italy's Sardinia.   He comes from ... read more>

A recent experience with an adult birthday party made me wonder how best to mark such occasions when getting to fifty and above. Last weekend, I went to an old pal's sixtieth birthday party, and it wasn't obvious she wanted to celebrate this particular coming of age. We were asked not to bring presents; there were no candles on the cake and please no singing of 'Happy Birthday' either. ... read more>

A study has shown smiling contributes to the perception of aging unless you are over 60. By then, it's too late as the damage is done! Should this news cause those sensitive about their appearance to scowl instead of smile, hoping to rob a few months' wear off their face, it's a pity. Do we really need to care if a simple smile makes us look a tad older when surely it also makes us look n... read more>