How Debt Consolidation Can Help You In Later Life

Posted on by rosie

 

No matter which way you look at it, the word debt seems to strike fear in the hearts of many people, and none more so than children of the 60’s.

For some reason, the older generation sees being in debt as a tad shameful and something to be avoided at all costs.  As if to give themselves some moral high ground, I’ve often heard mature people proclaim ‘I don’t owe anybody anything’.

But is that something to be proud of, or, could it indicate that you’ve denied yourself some luxuries, or not enjoyed your life as much as you might have otherwise if you’d taken out a loan, however large or small to live more comfortably or to help your family perhaps.

But despite your best intentions, what happens if, in later life, you do find yourself with a few different loans which are all incurring interest, and are in fact causing you some worries.

Most Important – Don’t Worry!

If you are living life to the full it’s likely you may have invested in a motorhome, or a new car to enjoy during your retirement. You may have kindly helped your children with a deposit for a house or supported a Grandchild or two through University. You may have enjoyed some long-haul holidays courtesy of your credit card, or revamped your home or garden.  All these things cost money and are things over and above the cost of day-to-day living.

Sometimes all of a sudden you decide to take a look at your finances and realise that you have 3 or 4 outstanding loans which are all incurring interest at an alarming rate.

To alleviate some of your concerns, it could be time to consider if debt consolidation might help you.

How does Debt Consolidation work

Quite simply, you replace all of your outstanding loans, such as credit cards, car finance, house improvements, with just one loan, and one interest rate. Very often this can be at a lower interest rate than the ones you are already paying. It tidies up your outgoings and is more manageable than having your money going out to so many different organisations.

Secured or Unsecured Terms

There are two types of consolidation loans, secured and unsecured.  If you choose secured, the loan will be offset against your home and will take into account the amount of equity you have in it.  The interest rate for this type of loan can be lower as the lender knows it is exactly that – secured.  But don’t forget any loan secured against your property immediately puts your home at risk, you must be sure you can meet the monthly payments for the length of the loan term.

An unsecured loan is riskier for the finance company as the security is merely backed by your promise to repay it, thus the interest rate could be higher.  Things to consider here are that if you fail to pay back the loan or miss a monthly payment, your credit score will be affected.  Before taking out an unsecured loan make sure it works for you.

When Debt Consolidation is NOT the right choice

If you are already having difficulty meeting the monthly payments of your outstanding loans, having them all under one roof, so to speak, really won’t make much difference unless you manage to fix a considerably lower interest rate. You will still owe the money, and you will still have to pay it back, but just to one lender, instead of maybe 3 or 4, and let’s face it, in later life the opportunities to earn extra money diminish by the year!

No matter how old you are, if you are already struggling, then you need to seek a different kind of solution and talk to a debt counsellor, or your local Citizens Advice office.

 

 

 

 

 

Are You Single and Ready to Mingle?

Posted on by rosie

When I mentioned my latest crazy ideas to an (available) male friend, I was met with derision wrapped in a pastry case of pitfalls.

And of course, in many ways, he was right, HOWEVER, in the same vein, let’s acknowledge how many times ‘some’ great manuscripts have been rejected before they are critically acclaimed and become bestsellers.

Yes, some crazy ideas just need a little bit of spit and a polish with a Granny’s lacy hanky, and they are good to go. Unlike my friend, let’s not be too quick to judge.  It may be a YES from you dear reader…..

I was pondering the dilemma probably all of us face at one time or another, when you spot an attractive man, or woman, in the supermarket. Maybe you lock eyes and do that thing where you hold their gaze for a couple of seconds longer than necessary, or even, do a double-take. Obviously, that’s reserved for very attractive shoppers only.

If you are really a smitten kitten, you might even casually follow the attractive shopper around the store to judge by the contents of their basket, if they are shopping for a meal deal for one….. or two.

And of course, we mustn’t forget that in these modern times, depending on the contents of your pants and persuasion, do their 10 items or less, indicate the contents of their own pants and persuasion, and basically, are you likely to be compatible. It’s a minefield of genders out there, one cannot be too careful.

But you can follow the attractive person all around the store, via home cooking, and artisan bread and cakes, and sadly it will all still be futile if they are not actually available.  But how will you know….and here’s where my crazy idea came in…..

If there was some visible indicator of a person’s availability status, or their willingness to be approached for a quick chat, and possible exchange of numbers, then things would be a lot simpler.

Picture the scene.  You spot someone at the checkout. You lock eyes more than once, you are checking each other out.  But their queue is moving quicker than yours, and they are heading off far too soon out into the car park, whilst you are still trying to find your loyalty card.  Within seconds, they are lost forever. AND yes, possibly going home to their significant other. But possibly not.

So if you did happen to know that they were free and single, you could abandon your shopping for one, and follow in hot pursuit, ready to strike up a car park conversation.  And who knows what could happen.

I stand by my original idea, that all free and single, and happy to mingle with people, (note my nod to gender fluidness) should have a badge of availability honour.  Like those old Rotarians, but far less classy.

That way, you could be sure you weren’t approaching a man living with a coach load of children, or a lady living with a man. No woman would live with a coach load of men. It would be just plain silly. One is more than enough.

Armed with all this knowledge, you could bag yourself a mini Supermarket Speed date in Sainsbury’s, a Micro Date in Morrisons, or a Winner Winner Chicken Dinner in Waitrose.

The possibilities are endless.  So whose up for an availability badge, I’m ordering some sticky back plastic as soon as possible.

 

 

Wedding Anniversaries – Perfect Stones for Every Milestone!

Posted on by rosie

 

Some may say, that by the age of 60+ you have probably got all the jewellery you are ever going to need/want.  But can you ever have too much?

As Valentines Day approaches and ‘much younger’ people turn to the internet to order huge, overpriced bouquet’s, and book vastly expensive restaurant tables, in an attempt to impress their loved ones, what is it that floats the boat of the mature, been together years and still loved up, market?  Is it confined to 14th February? What about those other all-important relationship milestones, such as wedding anniversaries.

Personally, I love the idea of marking a special date with a romantic gesture, such as gifting your loved one with a new necklace or earrings to recognise the importance of a milestone wedding anniversary.

Yes I know, Bernard, c1950 will look pretty daft in a matching set, but you know what I mean. Us women love all things sparkly and there’s a stone for all occasions!

Recently, I was lucky enough to be gifted THE most gorgeous sparkly bracelet for my birthday.  It was such a lovely surprise, and all the more appreciated because it was totally unexpected.  My wrists are fairly small, and my gift was very fine and delicate and is absolutely perfect for me.  It arrived unannounced in a lovely presentation box from CARAT  and is one of the nicest presents I have ever received.

RUBY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

The ruby traditionally marks 40 years of married life and is possibly one of the richest coloured stones for those couples married in their 20’s, and about to celebrate this milestone in their 60’s.

Let’s be honest, reaching the all-important 25 year Silver anniversary is a drop in the ocean of relationships, compared to this one.

There are lots of lovely ruby collections to mark this achievement from CARAT of London which will melt your good lady’s heart, and ladies, it’s definitely one to have on your wishlist.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Now we are talking big figures, 50 years of wedded bliss. Time to really push the boat out and buy something beautiful for your partner.  Many women find chunky bracelets a bit annoying and restricting, so a fine, elegant yet stunningly pretty bracelet will be the perfect answer.  This one will work daytime through to the evening, and will also be the perfect accessory for special occasions.

DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Well, you’ve well and truly nailed the marriage lark, congratulations!  60 years is a wonderful achievement, and this wedding anniversary should be marked by something special – and I feel that nothing less than a matching set of jewellery will do.  Yes, this milestone calls for something fabulous, such as earrings, a necklace, and bracelet. Especially if you are going to celebrate with a luxury cruise or trip of a lifetime.  What better time to show off your new jewellery collection.

Even if you don’t normally wear many accessories, it’s still nice to have a few little bits tucked away in your drawer to bring out on special occasions.  And for those who really love to rock some stones, these gems really will have you smiling!

 

 

 

Coping With The Loss Of Your Four Legged Friend.

Posted on by rosie

As strange as it might sound, even for those of us that have had children and grandchildren, becoming a “puppy mummy” can be life-changing. There are no creatures that are as loyal and dependent, and as genuine in their affection as dogs. As such, when you lose your four-legged friend, it can knock you for six. The grief that hits can be a lot more potent than you might expect. As such, here are some tips that can help you deal with the unexpected impact of losing a dog.

Source – Pixabay License

Let yourself grieve

It’s a callous person that would say that you don’t have to grieve or feel loss over the death of a beloved pet. They are members of our family, after all. However, when you lose a pet, it can feel like there is that pressure to simply “get over it.” Bottling up your emotions is not healthy, nor is wallowing in despair. It can help to talk to professionals like Pet Eden, which can help you process your emotions healthily, while still giving yourself room to grieve over your beloved pet. You deserve the freedom and space to feel what you’re feeling without judgement from others or from yourself.

Take the time to say goodbye

Once you’ve given yourself the room that you need to grieve and really feel the loss of your pet, then you need to think about how you’re going to say goodbye to them. For a lot of us, finding some way of giving them a formal farewell can really help in expressing our love and our loss. There are services like Paws To Heaven that can help you take care of all the practical aspects of them, like what happens to their physical remains, allowing you to focus more on remembering them. To that end, you might want to consider what kind of memorial you can set up for them, even if it’s something as simple as a photo gallery on your wall.

Thinking about the future

A lot of us who have lost a pet might feel a new hole open in our life after losing a dog that we have been especially fond of. Some people think to “fill” that hole by getting another dog and, indeed, that might be the way to go after some time. However, getting a new dog too quickly can invite some unpleasant feelings, such as a feeling that your new dog doesn’t compare to the one that you lost, or that you can’t cope with looking after them while still feeling sad about the loss. As such, it’s important to give yourself time. When the time does come, consider looking at adopting from shelters like PetRescue instead of buying a new dog.

Saying goodbye to your dog, finding a way to remember them, and giving yourself some room to feel the loss and cope with it is important. You have to allow yourself to go through the grieving stage or else those emotions can bottle up in an unhealthy way.

Creative Ways To Make Money With Your House.

Posted on by rosie

Image Credit: Edvaldocostacordeiro from Pixabay.

If you’re anything like me, then you could use a little bit of extra money every once in a while. I say that as if it’s easy to do. It could be complicated, especially if you can’t work extra hours.

You could make money with your house. You could be as surprised as I was to find out that there are multiple ways of doing so. You might’ve thought that the only methods of making money from your home are by renting or selling it.

There are more ways to do it. I’ve found that there are a few that could be much easier than others. You’ll have to put in some effort, but that shouldn’t be off-putting.

If you’re on the verge of buying a house, then you could end up paying off your home repayments with this, depending on what mortgage quotes you get. That could make them more than appealing.

Make Money With Your House Quickly & Easily

Grow A Garden

Most people grow a garden because of how nice it looks. I know I certainly do. You could make money with this too, too. If you grow food, for example, you could sell any extra produce.

Then there are the seeds, among other things. The possibilities are almost endless here. Alongside the financial aspect, I like this because of how nice it can make your garden. While you’ll have to get your hands dirty, I don’t see a reason not to consider this.

Host Events

If you’re lucky enough to own a large property, then you can make money with your house in many more ways. One of the largest is by hosting events. While this will be more of an option if you have gardens and other outdoor spaces, it’s still worth looking at if you don’t.

I like this approach because it involves relatively little effort on your end. Instead, you should only need to advertise what events you’ll host and then interact with anyone that’s interested. 

Share Your Parking Space

I’ve seen quite a few people deciding to rent out their parking spaces over the past few years. In many business hubs, and some nearby areas that are densely populated, it could be quite profitable.

If you have a parking space, then you could put it to work. You can even do this if you already use it. There might be certain parts of the day or week where your space isn’t being used.

Renting it out during these times could be more profitable than you’d think. I know I was surprised. You can use multiple apps and platforms to do this, which takes away almost all of the hassle.

Wrapping Up

I’ve found that trying to make money with your house shouldn’t be too difficult. You can take advantage of quite a few methods and strategies. If you already work from home, the above could be ways to boost your revenue stream.

It could even help you make your dream home a reality. If you’re like me, then that should be more than welcome. Who’d argue with extra money with relatively little effort?

Online Games – Not Just For Your Grandchildren!

Posted on by rosie

If like me, you are really fed up with the gloom and doom of evening TV news, and need a little distraction, then why not dip your toes into the world of online gaming.

By this, I do NOT of course mean, the ones that (sadly) today’s younger generation seem glued to.  Which let’s be honest, seem to be extremely violent, both in noise, and image.  I expect like me, it can seem a bit worrying when you overhear them on their various gadgets, and see the concentration involved.

But online gaming can encompass many things; word games, mahjong, card games and so on.

One I’ve found that might appeal to you is  called hidden objects. 

 

It’s really easy to follow, and the object of the game is to find the hidden objects in various settings, such as a garden, a castle, a kitchen, and so on.  This one is accompanied by plinkety plonk music, not gunfire and screams!

The setting comes up on the screen, with the hidden objects shown beneath, and then you have to click on the corresponding things, as you find them in the settings.  There is a timer, and you are playing against yourself, but trying to beat your own times, and levels.

At first, you whizz through, and there’s a nice little ping, as you kind of tick them off, but, as always, it gets harder as you go along and the objects become increasingly more difficult to find.

This does require a degree of concentration, but at the same time, its really absorbing, and challenging.

The settings are interesting, and well put together, I particularly liked the garden one, as it was full of weird and wonderful objects, but the colours are nice and bright and it’s uplifting.

The kitchen setting was quite involved, so many spoons, and utensils, and obviously the pre-requisite toasters, kettles and food mixers, that you might find in any kitchen in your home.

Most of us now have either a phone, iPad, or laptop to access these games, and when you get fed up with the newspapers, word search, or Sudoku, and need something to occupy yourself, I think these are a really good idea.

There’s lots to choose from.  Nostalgic card games, like Gin Rummy, Black Jack, Crazy Eights,  and if Word Search is your thing, then there is something there for you too.

These little online games can be helpful to calm your mind, or maybe even help you sleep if your brain decides to get busy in the middle of the night.

Good also for long journeys, by train or plane, ( probably best avoided if you are actually driving!).  And for those tedious times in waiting rooms, you can just get down with the youngsters and whip out your phone, and do some online gaming.

One things for sure, at least it won’t be noisy, or aggressive, unless of course you can’t find one of the hidden objects, then you might just use some colourful language yourself, out of frustration.

Try it out, I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

If like me, you are really fed up with the gloom and doom of evening TV news, and need a easy little distraction, then why not dip your toes into the world of online gaming.

 

Turning Your Holiday Home Dream Into A Reality.

Posted on by rosie

www.hellosixty.com

 

Some times, there is never a right time to do the things YOU want to do, there always seems to be a reason to put things off.

It might just be a family birthday, an upcoming wedding, or even emergency child care, that stops you from say having a weekend away, or meeting up with long lost friends who happen to be in the area….only just at the wrong time.

All that is kind of understandable, it’s part of life’s rich pattern, on a day to day basis. But what happens if you really have a dream, that will be reasonably easy to fulfil, once all these family commitments ease, and you have more time for yourself, to really do the things you want to do.

Eventually, you come to a point in life when the children are off hand, retirement is within your grasp, and you start thinking to yourself, what’s next for me, I’d quite like a little adventure before it’s too late.

Perhaps you’ve had some happy family holidays abroad, and have thought how nice it would be to own a holiday home in your favorite place in the sun.   Well once your ‘babies’ have flown the nest, either to University, or to homes of their own, surely you too can begin to explore some options of your own, and turn that dream holiday home, into a reality.

There are so many very accessible holiday home destinations, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, to name but a few. In the aftermath of Brexit, of course there are a few more hurdles to jump over than before. But nothing insurmountable.  And once you’ve made the decision, and got that holiday home bug, it’s likely that not much will stop you, or get in your way.

So once your destination is decided, what comes next?

One of the main considerations of course will be finances.  Will you want to downsize from your family home to raise some capital to put towards a second home. Or will you simply remortgage your present home, which may have increased in value significantly over the years.

There are now some handy online tools to help you work out deposits and repayments, to work out  how much this could all cost you.   Everything is to hand, at the click of a button, and once you have some figures in mind,  you’ll instantly know if what you plan is viable, and more to the point, affordable.  No tedious pen and paper budgeting, and it may even mean you won’t actually have to set foot into your building society.  It can all be done online, at home.

Turning your holiday home dream into a reality doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Everything you need to know, is virtually at your fingertips.  So start making a plan, no matter how long term it might seem to be, and one day, the time WILL be right, things will fall into place, and you can begin your own new adventure.

 

 

I Forgot To Remember To Tell You Something

Posted on by rosie

 

Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Maybe it’s happening already, lol. I think we need to talk about the big one that we all avoid. Let’s talk about dementia. Wow. The “D word”. But the fact remains dementia is a strong possibility for all of us as we get older. It’s more of a blanket term for age-related issues like forgetting things, diminished mental capacity, and language problems. But I think you will agree that dementia is an essential subject to discuss.

It’s a terrifying subject, and if you want to avoid talking about it, I understand entirely. But it’s not wise to avoid the real issues. But as French philosopher Charles de Montesquieu once stated, “Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.” Corny, I know, but together we can help each other face real issues like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

It Might Happen to You

Currently, there are approximately 50 million people globally with dementia-related illnesses. I think you will agree with me that this is a shockingly high figure. Even more shocking, though, is projected to increase by 204% to 152 million by 2050. This means that if you are in your 40s or 50s now, you could potentially be a part of this statistic. This is because dementia is more common at the age of 65 and above.

The effects of dementia-related illnesses are pretty severe. You’re probably aware of the memory problems caused by Alzheimer’s and the uncontrollable shaking of Parkinson’s. But there are lots more serious symptoms that might require someone to seek out respite care. For example, the blood vessels to the brain can become restricted, causing vascular dementia. This causes stroke and impaired cognitive function to the point of constant care requirement.

Can We Avoid It?

I can give you some good news, though. New studies have shown that the effects and illnesses related to dementia can be reduced. Basically, we need to look after ourselves. That’s it. This means regular exercise, a healthy diet, and NO SMOKING. Yeah, the big one. Smoke. I shouldn’t have to tell you how bad smoking is for your health in this day and age. Oh, yeah, and the health of others; In the United States alone, second-hand smoke accounts for 41,000 deaths and over 7,000 cases of lung cancer each year.

Seriously though, the Alzheimer’s Society has some great information. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, doctors can see a correlation between a poor lifestyle and related illnesses. So I want you to be as healthy as possible, ditch the cigarettes and alcohol, eat less harmful sugar, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and stay active. Literally, get your skates on. 

Going Mental

In addition to a healthy and active lifestyle, the onset of many of the cognitive issues associated with dementia can be delayed by regular mental exercise. I know you’re probably thinking, “what does that mean?“. Mental exercise is simply anything that stimulates the brain. This can be completing puzzles, writing crosswords, solving arithmetic riddles like Sudoku, or learning a new language.

I know some of those might be a little on the nose, so reading a book or playing a game like Scrabble are also viable options. Recent studies have also found that playing video games can help with dementia-related illnesses. Of course, I’m not suggesting that you go and steal your grandkids’ PlayStation. Still, smaller smartphone apps provide games designed specifically for memory and logic puzzles.

 

This Is How To Save Money In 2021

Posted on by rosie

I don’t know about you, but saving money is pretty high on my list of priorities right now. Especially right after Christmas. Not to mention the fact that when all this Covid-19 stuff is over, I want to make the best of travelling and seeing everyone I can – which also costs money. The good news is I have found plenty of tactics for preserving the pennies and saving them, and other things such as coupons, up for fun things to do, once lockdown has lifted. Keep reading to find out what they are. 

Shop with coupons 

Coupons can help you save a fortune on your weekly shop, and believe me, this can really add up over the year! It used to be that the best coupons are only found in the free flyers that came with magazines. However, this is no longer the case. Instead, now you can shop online and print multiples of the same great coupons allowing you to create a stockpile of food and households good for a fraction of the usual price. 
Find the best deals 

Of course, there are some things that you will need that coupons won’t cover. In that situation, it’s best to shop around and find the best deals that retailers are offering, both IRL and online. For example, folks looking to switch to vaping will find plenty of cheap vape deals online. Something that can help them save a huge amount on what they would pay for these devices and liquids in store. 

Choose preloved items 

Another way that I have found to save a pretty penny is to opt for preloved instead of brand new items. The great thing about this option is that you can get almost anything preloved from clothes, to electrical devices. 

 

Of course, with things as they are with Covid-19 at the moment it is important to stick to the local guidance, wear masks and wash hands when you pick up good and even properly sanitize them before you bring them into your home. After all, no saving is worth the risk of getting sick! 

Be creative with household items.

Getting creative can go a long way when it comes to saving money. There are countless ways to save money, but often the simplest and most effective solutions are the most creative ones. I have found that some of the best ways to save money are also the most unique and unexpected. You need to think outside the box and find effective ways to use common household items for more than one job. Delta 8 Seltzers can help you get creative and save money on being able to use items you have at home for multiple purposes.

Sell things you do use anymore 

The great thing about selling old, unwanted items is that you profit twice. First from the money that you make by selling the item itself, and secondly, because you save on storage space and the time and effort it takes to stay organized and keep your possessions clean! 

Of course, I’ve found that the best way to get top dollar for any unwanted items is to use a platform that caters specifically for the niche they fall into. That means if you have some old collectables or record your best off finding a site like eBay that allows people to search by these key terms or by using an independent dealer that specializes in these items. 

However, if you are looking to make money fast that using local selling pages and social media groups is the best approach, Just remember to attach photos, as this can really boost your chances of making a sale and every little helps when it comes to increasing your saving for a good blow out once things get back to normal! 

 

The Sexual Smugness of the Young

Posted on by rosie

Disgusting!  Stomach Churning! Makes Me Feel Sick!

80-year-old Iris

Just a few of the instant reactions I’ve read in response to the startling news that a man and a woman are enjoying an intimate relationship. What’s all the fuss then you may well ask.

Well, the couple who seem to be offending so many people with their sexy fun are just a little unusual in that the lady is 80, and her beau is just 35 years old.

The lovely ‘Iris’ quite understandably, is shouting loud and proud that after a 35-year dry spell, she felt like a virgin all over again, and after her free advert for KY Jelly on prime time telly, she could justifiably request free supplies for life from Boots.

Her toy boy doesn’t have much to say, but he is pictured with his arm proudly round Iris, and I’m sure we will hear more about him in the not too distant future.

Yes all this maybe just a little too much information, but unlike the smug detractors, I’m not in the least bit offended by this story, and unlike some deluded ladies, who travel to far off lands to find some fun, only to be fleeced out of thousands of pounds in the process, Iris seems to have her head screwed on and isn’t going to be handing over her pension any time soon.

How lovely that this lady isn’t sitting at home on her own, with only memories for company.  Not many women her age would even think to get on a plane to Cairo, let alone have a fling with a man 45 years her junior.  Bloody fair play to her, she’s having the time of her life.  Being interviewed by Holly and Phil, making headlines across the world, it’s her time to shine and she is.

Iris and her ‘beau’

The couple met on Social Media and although 80-year-old Iris had virtually given up on finding love again, fate dealt her a winning card, and now at a time when many ladies are spending much of their time home alone, and the highlight of their week is a trip to the Bingo, Iris is swinging from the chandeliers and making headline news without a hint of embarrassment.  Much to the disgust of many!

But they aren’t hurting anyone else, they are conducting their relationship privately, nobody has to see what they are getting up to, so why do so many people feel the need to be negative and make hurtful remarks.

Children of any age find it offensive and distasteful that their parents are still having sex, but fail to acknowledge that if those same two people hadn’t had sex, then those same (offended) children wouldn’t be alive in the first place.

Even on TV and in Films, whenever there is a scene of mature parents getting up close and intimate, there is inevitably a counter shot of their screen children screwing up their nose, or turning away in disgust.

It seems that anyone under the age of 40 thinks sex is the prerogative of the young, and that parents and Grandparents, you know those ‘old’ people of 60, who have the audacity to even kiss and cuddle their partner is an affront to their own sexual behaviour.

As in, FFS they are OLD, and still doing the same things with each other at their age,  that I am doing with my girlfriend.  UGHHHHH, that’s disgusting.

So it’s disgusting behaviour for one age group, but not the other.

And recently, Social Media has been flooded with comments about 80-year-old Iris, and her toyboy. Some young people I even personally know have passed judgement with a smug attitude, ironically forgetting that one day, they too will be offending their children and Grandchildren with their own sexual misconduct!

I think that before we start educating children in school about gender issues, we should teach them that intimate relationships aren’t restricted to a particular age group.  You might start having sex in your teens and still be having sex in your 80’s, there is no right and wrong way.

But one thing for sure, I’d much rather see 80-year-old Iris and her peer group, being loved and cherished by anyone than see them spending long lonely days by themselves, with nothing much to look forward to, and only memories to cling to.