I think there is an ageist policy in lots of places. I think people look at old people and think "poor old souls, they can't do anything", but it's wrong because they can do things.
In the U3A we do all sorts of things. We travel, we play table tennis....
I think if you haven't got money, then old age is a bad thing. A lot of old people are lonely. They don't have any company, they don't see anyone from one day to the next, which is terrible.
I'm so lucky. I've got my family, I've got my husband, I've got my freedom. I do everything I want, when I want.
I can also relax, I don't have to work, I can go where I like, I can do everything I like, and I'm happy at the moment.
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Anne Jenkins from Oxfordshire
At the age of 50, with two daughters 8 and 13 years, I realised that I very little about computers and technology and that my daughters knew more than I did. In a bid to be vaguely aware of the technological revolution I enrolled on a computer course for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). After this course I studied a level 1 course called "You, Your Computer and the Internet" with the Open University which has been replaced with similar updated courses. Six years ago, I was a dinner lady with very few prospects. Today I am a Teaching Assistant in a large compehensive school helping children with learning issues. This may not be everyones' ideal job but I paid to improve my prospects and I found the job that suited me. Within the job, I am offered training courses which improve my skills. I believe that if people show the iniative to improve themselves and update their skills then employers would be suitably impressed whatever the area of employment.
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Lived in Bridgend: 34 years
