Ton up

SHAKESPEARE’S idea of the seven ages of man remains as true as ever but today, nearly 400 years after the Bard’s death, it might just have to be slightly redefined. The surge in the number of people aged 20, who are likely to reach their 100th birthday, poses a series of challenges for Government, society and families.

Changes in healthcare, diet and demographics, as well as a more peaceful Europe, mean people are living for longer. This should be relished but we must remember to treat older people, of both this generation and the next, with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We all have a part to play in this. Working Britons must think more about how to fund their retirement, as politicians and chief executives take the axe to public and private sector pensions, while the coalition must take a longer term view of how the nation is changing. Improved life expectancy means a greater demand for healthcare, public transport and other vital services.

As the sixth and seventh stages of man stretch out, we must ensure that even if retirement arrives a bit later, it is no less happy.