Now I’m a “senior”, my local council emails me about various classes and activities – Keep Fit, Zumba, Gardening, etc. All to be commended, of course; and as someone who runs a local creative writing group, it’s reassuring to know that so much is available to we older citizens.
But here’s the issue: They are all run at stupid o’clock in the morning. Seriously, I’m talking 8am or 9am kick-off. Why on earth is that the case and what does it tell us about prevailing ageist attitudes?
Maybe I’m out of step here. My brother-in-law happily rises at six and heads off for a game of golf. But as an ex-supply teacher, if you want me to turn up that early in the morning you’re going to pay me, not charge a £5-£10 subscription. Then there’s all the extra time necessary to get up, dress, eat, catch the bus or train to the blooming venue… probably an extra 60-90 minutes torn away from lovely slumber.
This is where the problem stems from: Back when I was a kid, men retired at 65 and women at 60. The expectation was that you would spend five years pottering in your allotment, body clock still stuck in the Monday to Friday rise and shine routine you’d known for 45-50 years. Then you’d pop your clogs. There was no University of the Third Age or Saga Holidays back in those far-off times.
The landscape is different now. Even Glastonbury is full of grandparents. Just because someone is in their sixties we shouldn’t assume they get up with the lark, have a snooze after “Countdown” and settle down to bed straight after “Coronation Street”. Many of us are awake well beyond midnight, I’ll have you know… with a corresponding later start to the following morning.
Ultimately, it’s about finances. The tutors, the venues, the facilities are likely all booked up during the regular daylight and early evening hours. Some bright spark in “Innovations” has suggested: “Let’s make some more money. We should offer things for our older residents to get involved in.” Some even brighter spark has decided: “Sure, let’s squeeze the silver wrinklies in early in the morning before anybody else is ever up and about. And tell them to be grateful.”
Cynical? Moi? I’m running my writing group at the civilised hour of 2pm. After lunch. Or after breakfast in my case.
Allen Ashley lives in England if you didn’t notice he gives prices in pounds.
