Letter: Ready to leave a baffling world

Sir: David Hiscock's review of the implications of slowing down the ageing process (Magazine, 23 November) omits an important cultural point. From extensive contact with aged people over many years I have found that the most common complaint, apart from physical ailments and loss of friends, is that the world has changed beyond recognition in comparison with the years of their youth, invariably viewed with glowing nostalgia. As a result they no longer understand the present world or feel part of it, and are only too ready to be rid of it. Should we unduly prolong their bereavement?

Fr DOMINIC KIRKHAM

Manchester