Express & Star

LETTER: Us over 70s not all on our last legs

A reader questions the Government's guidelines around older people during the coronavirus outbreak.

Published
An elderly man holding a walking stick.

I write partly in response to Peter Rhodes article Thursday March 19.

Myself and many of my friends are incensed by the government's Draconian Plan to sentence over 70s to virtual house arrest that seems likely to be introduced.

I would like to ask the three wise men who appear daily on TV who came up with that figure and why?

There are many fit and active 70 + year olds, many of whom are still working, many of these people are more fit than 50 and 60 year olds.

One moment the government is urging people to carry on working the next they are too frail to mix with family and friends.

Why could these three wise men have not credited people with enough sense as to know when they are vulnerable with underlying medical conditions such as heart conditions, respiratory conditions, diabetes immuno suppressed conditions. These conditions affect all age groups.

Suddenly reaching the age of 70, if you are fit and well does not make you more susceptible to viruses than any one else. So Mr Rhodes as you might have guessed I shall be taking part in the Great Escape but with blonde hair.

Pat Jones, Codsall