Ageing: it's not a laughing matter.
The Government is to launch a campaign highlighting the dangers of ageing.
Ageing is growing more widespread, particularly among youth. The initiative will inform people of the side effects of ageing, including loss of hair, memory problems and not being able to climb the stairs as quickly as you used to be able to. In severe cases, ageing can lead to death.
Anti-ageing boss Geoffrey Nettles said yesterday: "Some people think ageing is cool and glamorous. We want people to know the facts and show them the harm they are doing to themselves." Research has shown that people who age regularly are four times more likely to die young, Nettles said.
Establishments that encourage ageing such as allotments and bingo halls will be targeted. Popular ageing accessories, such as slippers, pipes and Werthers Originals, will now see their packaging printed with shocking photographic images of greying hair, wrinkles and varicose veins.
Ageing is growing more widespread, particularly among youth. The initiative will inform people of the side effects of ageing, including loss of hair, memory problems and not being able to climb the stairs as quickly as you used to be able to. In severe cases, ageing can lead to death.
Anti-ageing boss Geoffrey Nettles said yesterday: "Some people think ageing is cool and glamorous. We want people to know the facts and show them the harm they are doing to themselves." Research has shown that people who age regularly are four times more likely to die young, Nettles said.
Establishments that encourage ageing such as allotments and bingo halls will be targeted. Popular ageing accessories, such as slippers, pipes and Werthers Originals, will now see their packaging printed with shocking photographic images of greying hair, wrinkles and varicose veins.
The initiative has drawn criticism from some quarters. Gerald Attrick, head or pro ageing group P.A.G (Pro Ageing Group) said between naps "This is another prime example of the Government trying to turn Britain into a nanny state. If we want to age then why can’t we do so without meddling politicians and pop stars telling us we can’t? Who is this Cliff Richard anyway? It’s not music, you can’t hear the words. It’s just a noise, not like in my day."
For all the arguments raging about its introduction, some simply see the initiative as too little, too late. Malcolm Threep, 71, of Aberystwyth, is paying the price for many years of ageing. "I first aged when I was about 10," he says ruefully. "Everyone did it back then. Now I age at least five times a week, sometimes twice a day. I fear that soon it will kill me."
The plan for the Government is to ensure that the current generation do not have to face the same fate as Mr Threep.
Arthur Del Monte III
No comments:
Post a Comment