I was reading about a heart transplant, an amazing NHS service. However, I suddenly felt redundant! I would never qualify if my heart failed because I am too old. That was a strange feeling, basically that I am doomed simply because of my age. No one will check me to see whether my health is perhaps better than the norm. Surely, there is 80 and there is 80. It reminds me of when I had an aorta issue. The doctor saw my age and that was it, too old. He reckoned that I might be fit and well, but after the operation I would be a shrivelled old carcass. So, it looks as if it each of us is in a lottery. If we are lucky, we keep breathing, if not, we are simply redundant humans!

The carcass

Age is a new situation. The body takes on a new form in the eyes of the medics. Medication will keep me going day to day but if a major body part fails, we are into new territory. If you need an operating table then it’s all about your birth date rather than your actual body. I suppose the involvement of a number of professionals is part of the problem. The doctor thinks, “Well, if nothing else, I can practise on this hopeless case!” The anethetist is less sympathetic, a death whilst under sedation is a black mark on his record. Also, the bed booking manager will have limited beds and anybody younger than you will qualify first. Now you can see how it is!

Redundant humans

I don’t know the answer to this dilemma. Perhaps we should lie about our age. If you have a partner or child willing to fight your case, you have a glimmer of hope. However, all to often younger children sit back and don’t challenge the diagnosis. After all, the medics are the experts. If you are a lone person then it’s not looking good. Sorry to be a harbinger of bad news. As it is, we all have to die but sometimes a little earlier than we might prefer.