I have to say I absolutely enjoyed reading Carol Midgley’s column
in the Times last Wednesday. It was a piece about why men in their sixties are
going wild, using as its hook the story of Professor Nicholas Goddard (61). He resigned from his post as Professor of Analytical Science at Manchester
University last week, after being outed as a porn star. Apparently, 60 is very
much the new 30. Sixtysomethings are said to feel a spring in their step which leaves
younger people lagging behind. It appears that unlike the millennial
generation, we baby boomers benefited from free healthcare, education, decent
pensions and affordable housing. And now, divorce, widowhood, Viagra, cruises
and the silver pound are all helping to drive what is fast becoming a new age of
hedonism - that is being 60-70 years old in 2016.
The event was sponsored by the Salford and Eccles MP –
Rebecca Long Bailey and was attended by a large group of influential alumni and
donors, along with senior colleagues from across the university. The
conversations were good and the buzz in the room electric. However all good
things must come to an end and as we left the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben
struck 10 o’clock (22.00 in new money). It was a magical end to a wonderful
evening. Whilst some of the party felt the night was still young, others
drifted off to bed.
I was in the half of the party that was hungry and not quite
ready for bed. However the restaurants around the hotel all appeared to close
their kitchens at 10.30pm and so we were reduced to eating peanuts with our
glass of wine as we put the worlds to right. Midnight seemed to arrive very
quickly and the 06.15 train back to Manchester even quicker. Wednesday was midway
through week 7 of my new role, and I was really pleased to have a brilliant
workshop meeting with our VC that confirmed we were both on the same page in
terms of the ambition and reach of our University ICZ Programme.
Likewise, last Thursday evening saw me out to dinner with the
Deans Group, which provided a further opportunity to test out my thinking and
gain some much valued feedback. I also got to hear some constructive and creative
ideas as to what might be achievable. I was buoyed up with the huge enthusiasm and
passion of the group as we discussed a wide range of possibilities. The way
forward has to be through co-creation and the Deans Group are definitely up for
it!
I was by far the older person in the group – something I will
come back to in a moment. Last Friday mornings meetings included a great
opportunity to meet with the Trustees from the Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel
Trust. This is an organisation that has been so generous in their support for
our Institute of Dementia. Last Friday’s meeting was an opportunity to bring the
Trust up to speed with the work of the Institute and our plans for the future.
The Institute contributes to one of 2 global challenges (Ageing; and Energy) that the University is
committed to addressing.
Ageing is a global issue. Locally its estimated that by 2030, 14% of the
population of Greater Manchester will be over the age of 75 years old, and
already 20% of those aged between 50 and 65 are out of work. The demographics
are worrying to say the least. Buts that’s not all that worrying. Let’s not
forget the starting point of this blog posting. Public Health England data,
published last year revealed that a random test of Bingo Hall toilets found
them to be awash with cocaine, and that 634 pensioners aged 65+ had required
treatment for drug addiction, a 20% increase on the previous 12 months. Viagra,
cocaine, red wine and rock ‘n’ roll, hmmm, I don't think so, I’m beginning to enjoy the view
from the quiet lane…
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