The Privilege and Challenges of Older Age
I have the privilege not afforded to all, older age! In my younger years, I quickly bought the dream of retiring at 65, earlier if possible. Having very little to think about, other than what to have for dinner. What happened on the route, I still keep asking myself? Here I am now, making more big decisions than I ever did when I was running my own multi-million pound business. Not just for myself, but ageing friends. Something I’m sure none of us really took into account, when thinking about our own older age. Society is changing in front of our eyes, and we must adapt, or get pushed aside.
My Cancer Career: A Life-Changing Path
Of course, cancer came into my life and totally changed it. Not just for myself, but family and loved ones too. I have created a ‘cancer career.’ Something I don’t want to give up, despite age knocking loudly on my door. Amongst all my national and international work, is ‘giving back’ to my local community. For those of you who don’t know, I volunteer for a few hours, every month, in my local cancer centre. Helping facilitate a very popular Prostate Cancer group. This has been a big part of my life for 14 years. But I’ve taken the decision to step away at the end of this year.
Local Community Involvement
Over this time we have been able to support so many people. Many have come through their cancer, but of course, some not successfully. But we give such incredible help to the people who live near me. So why have I decided to stop now? Incredibly, I still have a massive hunger for the fight, against most organisations out there who are still not working effectively and wasting resources. The NHS, politicians, and behemoth charities, who have done little for people affected by cancer over the years. Most, still profiting from failure.
The State of Cancer Care: A Critical View
As I age, I’m even more protective of my time, and revue how I use it frequently. SimPal, my charity is now dominating. We are changing lives with every application for support we receive. Which is a massive emotional payback. But disappointingly, I have now spent 15 years working in the cancer space, and in my opinion, things are now a lot worse. Yes, we have technological advancements, and people are living longer. However, considering how long we have been at it, and the financial resources used, we should be seeing something more positive!
The Cancer Crisis: A Modern Plague
Considering 50% of our nation will be directly affected by cancer, this should be considered a PLAGUE. But so few people in authority are talking about it, it has become normal, for so many. All our families have people with cancer. Waiting lists are getting longer and less money is being invested. The biggest organisation involved in research is a very non transparent charity, Cancer Research. This sector is heading rapidly in a downward spiral. I’m only pleased I was diagnosed in 2007 and not today.
Personal Reflections
I’ve now realised I have very little to give on a face to face basis. The system is only set up for failure, and we’re still discussing so many of the issues we were, when I first started. Poor communication, bad IT, delays, lack of screening and so much more. Yet more people are coming through our doors now, than ever, and I’m tired. To continue to make an effective impact I will be focussing more on my national and international work. I still have hope that things will improve, and I have increased hunger, to ensure that happens, but I now need to focus, where I can make a difference.
Looking Ahead: A New Phase of Advocacy
I’m very sad to winding down my work at the centre, and will miss all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of meeting over the years. But it’s time to enter a new phase now. As always, please feel free to add any comments below.
