Off topic - AgeUK

[shaws]

I am also a member of Age UK and we meet once a week to sing which I enjoy and once a year - around this time - we have a concert for families and/or friends.

This year it was on Friday afternoon and everything went smoothly.

[Rapunzel]

How I would've loved to join you, shaws...I sound like a cat being strangled; it's so bad that I've taken tuition on how to stand away from a microphone whilst pretending to sing. ( Basically, you sound the 's' in every word and mouth the rest...) Ah well...there are some other things that make me a talented woman.

I recall the superb Bette Davis saying old age isn't for sissies. Ain't that the truth, sister; I feel my real age plus around 25. Oh yeah, and I've got kidney disease now, whose symptoms, tiredness, swelling, and itchy skin (but no weight loss for me, dammit) have been successfully masked by my hypo for who knows how many years. Cmon Rapunzel, don't be a sissy.

Here's what I want for Age UK's Christmas present: to have a big enough endowment from some minted geezer so that those who want to euthanise can do so, even if they don't have the wonga. Whaddya say?

Happy Holiday y'all 🌲

[shaws Administrator in reply to Rapunzel]

I think the No.1 is that we feel well and are symptom-free and have a roof over heads.

If we're in a choir our voices blend and no-one can point out who isn't blending with the other singers.

We cannot state what's ahead of us but you may just find an ideal friend who lives around the corner from you (male or female) and the company will restore your happiness .

I'm sorry you feel so negative - but that you have a kidney disease now, whose symptoms, tiredness, swelling, and itchy skin but when we sing together, no-one can tell who is a good singer or a bad one as voices blend.

Loving our neighbours is better than euthanasa as most people - if they are lonely - may find there's some activities within their area they can join.

I know of some people whose husband worked away from home and he should have sent money to the family so that they can have food on the table (if he doesn't gamble or drinks too much alcohol). - If so, family has to approach a friend in the hope they can help.

I'm sorry you've got kidney disease now, whose symptoms, tiredness, swelling sounds miserable along with any other illnesses you may have.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Rapunzel in reply to shaws]

Aw shaws, I didn't mean me. Things have got to get a lot worse before I consider a trip to Dignitas...what has always bothered me is that choosing dignity in dying is not a right. I have the means to do this, if I needed. So many older folks don't. Huge blessings to those of you who might find yourself in this situation; some things are unbearable and living with them, medicalising what could only be a later death, is anathema to me. Whilst I appreciate that some may find me Godless and without salvation, this is just my atheist wish.

dignityindying.org.uk/

I appreciate your concern; I'm fine shaws xx

[Hidden in reply to Rapunzel]

We live near a specialist dementia care home. Walking past on occasion you can hear frightened screams of the poor folk inside. I often think of my dogs; I'd never allow them to live a life like that.

I understand the enormous complexities around this issue but it seems wicked to insist these people live their final decade frightened.

🤷‍♀️

That's very much off topic though. Don't want to get Shaw's thread locked.

[Regenallotment]

this is so lovely and uplifting to hear. 🦋💚🦋