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population our obsession with youth appears to be increasing, as is the cultural gap between young and old. It is at least partially true that we are no longer united by same interests and tastes, and that older people are alienated by technological advances they are unable to keep up with. All the while, those in their 20s and 30s remain committed to the idea that these are the most worthwhile and valuable decades of life, and advertisers, the media, cultural institutions and public services seem to be aiming strongly at the 25-40 age group, going to great lengths to be cool' and hip' and up to date. Those that are neither cool nor hip nor young nor wealthy are in danger of being sidelined.

Where does this leave us and how should we act? We must expect to work for longer though we have no guarantee our health will permit it. We have to think hard about the future, planning for our parents' and our own old age accepting that families may have to pick up where the state fails.

It is possible, even likely, that in twenty years' time I could be caring for my parents and my children in the same household. It is also possible, however, that I may live to be 90 and that I may look back from the year 2068 on my long and varied life without too many aches and pains or concerns about my next bill.

There are causes for optimism and causes for concern but whichever turns out to be the truer we need to take a long term approach in our own lives in and in that of society as a whole. We must accept the changes that are taking place and embrace them.

Sources: Office for National Statistics (ONS) http://www.statistics.gov.uk, Help the Aged http://www.helptheaged.org.uk.

Learn more about this author, Abigail Phillips.
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