Over 50 per cent of workers aged 55 plus planning to work beyond the state pension age, and the encouraging news is the economy needs older workers. From a report published by the CIPD It is predicted that UK employers will need to fill an estimated 13.5 million job vacancies in the next ten years, but only 7 million young people will leave school and college over this period. Migration alone will not fill this gap - it is important...Read more

The death rate soars to the highest rate for nearly 50 years The ONS have published their latest (preliminary) mortality reports citing the annual death rate is the highest for 48 years with as total of 528,340 registered deaths a rise of 5.4% equating to nearly 27,000 on the previous year. The release of the data has led to experts warning of a crisis in care for the elderly. Though the reports over the years have been of dramatically falling...Read more

These US elections seem to be a complicated business, what with Primary Elections and Caucuses-the system here in the UK feels somewhat less laborious? A Boomers friend from Chicago kindly explained the difference to us: Caucus A caucus is somewhat akin to a local meeting or town hall/village hall gathering (but on a bigger scale). The caucus is America’s oldest method of selecting it's delegates. Local meetings are held, registered members of the parties can adopt their favourites and then...Read more

Pancakes with roast ham and maple syrup by Adam Gray Fluffy pancakes make an ideal lazy, yet indulgent, breakfast. Adam Gray's pancake recipe makes them even easier by topping them with leftover roast ham and a generous helping of sweet, sticky maple syrup. If you'd prefer the full American pancake experience, swap the ham for some crispy bacon instead. 1 Using a hand blender, mix all the pancake ingredients together with only 25g of the melted butter • 230g of...Read more

Ski holidays are great fun. We love the mountain air the stunning scenery and the fact is you burn off so many calories you can eat what you like with impunity? Skiing always seems to be more enjoyable when you’re in a group however putting 10 or 12 friends together, all agreeing (or even enjoying skiing) to holiday at a pre determined destination is quite a task, well here’s the perfect solution a ski club for us over 50s. The...Read more

Are ready to conquer The Munros? Not to be confused with the legendry crooner Matt Monro (different spelling)! a Munro is the name for a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 feet (910 m). Named after Sir Hugh Munro there are hundreds of Munros waiting for you to conquer them.With so many amazing peaks around the world we can often overlook the most stunning landscapes in our own British Isles? No jet-lag involved here, fly, drive or take...Read more

Don’t worry be happy The Office for National Statistics have published their latest happiness review indicating those of us in our 50s Are 'Most Anxious' And 'Least Happy'-(makes me anxious just typing it!) Their study based on 30,000 people suggests that even though the 50s may be a trying time-don’t worry things get happier in your 60s with better news to follow: the report cites the most satisfied are between 70-74. The report entitled At what age is Personal Well-being...Read more

Do you remember studying the classic Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?: • Great Pyramid of Giza • Hanging Gardens of Babylon • Statue of Zeus at Olympia • Temple of Artemis at Ephesus • Mausoleum at Halicarnassus • Colossus of Rhodes • Lighthouse of Alexandria The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the first known list of the most remarkable creations in the world created by Hellenic sightseers and only included works located around the Mediterranean rim. It...Read more

CQC inspections analysed - a unique care homes league table puts Milton Keynes Council at the top The Care Quality Commission’s State of Care report offers an indispensable overview of the quality of a whole range of health and care services across England. CQC ratings have become much more telling now, based as they are on ‘aspirational’ Fundamental Standards of care which are on the way to replacing the old ‘bare minimum’ Essential Standards. With its extensive remit, however, it...Read more

Burns night cocktails If you’re celebrating Burns night and know your ‘Whisky’ from your ‘Whiskey’ here’s a few suggestions ATHOLL BROSE Ingredients: 25 g medium oatmeal 2 tbsp clear heather honey 2 tbsp Macallan 10 year old whisky 284 ml double cream (heavy cream) Glass: Martini Garnish: Raspberries or blueberries Preparation: Toast the oatmeal either by tossing and stirring it continuously over a medium heat in a non-stick pan or by putting in a dish in an oven and stirring...Read more