My parents died in 2000, both after very short periods in hospital. So they lived in their home doing exactly as they pleased until the end. So a great way to go. But of a shock for us, Mum went after 2 days in hospital and 6 weeks later dad dropped dead as he got out of bed. I think he wanted to. They were married for 56 years and he was hopeless on his own.
My only sadness is that they were only 74 and 77, their lifes shortened by their lifestyle choices and refusal to listen to anyone.
But the population timebomb is a real concern: my daughter expects and wants nothing from the state, she already has built up a reasonable investment portfolio and owns 25% of her house. Not bad at 28. But she understands both the value of work and how to manage money. Her concern is that "they" will tax the hell out of her wealth to support the growing underclass.
A very contentious statement: from the 1600s to the 1950s we culled many through disease, war and dangerous manual work.
This has all stopped, we call it progress Now we don't know what to do with the surplus who are often nice enough, but have and are not able to develop the skills needed in our ever more complex society.
Suggestions?
