Camden News: Baroness Julia Neuberger | Age Concern

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Camden News - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 9 October 2008

Baroness Neuberger (right) with actress Phyllida Law

Revealed: 10 ways to grow old angrily

“I’D like to see some very angry old people.” That was the request from guest speaker Baroness Julia Neuberger at Age Concern Camden’s annual meeting on Thursday.
“I’m hoping you might be part of a campaign to think a bit differently,” said Baroness Neuberger of Primrose Hill before setting out her 10 commandments for an elderly person’s constitution.
They include “don’t force me in a care home”, “don’t treat me like I’m not worth repairing”, “don’t assume I’m not enjoying myself” and “don’t waste our skills and experience”.
She drew them up after being left horrified at the treatment her elderly parents received during their final days.
“Wrinklies! People may think it’s affectionate but it’s not,” she said. “It’s just horrible and rude.”
Her speech was largely based on her campaigning book, The Moral State We’re In, which brought an invitation to be a government advisor on volunteering.

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