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patcaf's bio
Heading towards retirement next year. Enjoyed a great career in IT. Married, 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Originally from Scotland have lived in England for over 30 years. Worked around Europe and Middle East. Lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Interested in Sci-Fi , country music, walking, computers. Drink a lot of red wine. -
patcaf's latest comments
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22nd Sep 2019patcaf commented on:
Advice for an over 60 job hunter?Not easy Jill. Most companies will not hire people over 55. My son and daughter are both in HR and confirm this. Many will not look at anyone over 50. There appears to be two main reasons 1) they think that older people will not fit into a team 2) they have this idea that older people will have a lot of time off sick. To be honest number (2) is borne out by stats as people over 60 tend to get ill more than younger people. I myself had to give up work due to cancer and now cannot even get an interview. The only thing I can suggest is that you try to identify companies who have an older work force (usually through word of mouth) and apply to them. Also some charities are much better at employing older staff than private companies. Keep trying as I I know a few people in their 60's who have found new jobs after looking for many months. Good Luck.ViewDate:
31st Jan 2019patcaf commented on:
How much do you live on per month, on average?I would suggest that is about right. Our income after tax (for two people) is over £30k, so for a single person that should provide a comfortable retirement.ViewDate:
31st Jan 2019patcaf commented on:
How much income do you think you need for a modest or comfortable retirement?Virtually impossible to answer as it depends on whether you have your own or rent, do you have a car etc. Generally speaking for a single person with their own home , a 'comfortable' income would be £25,00 per annum. Now many people live on less than this , but a minimum for an adequate retirement would be £17,000 pa assuming you have your own home.ViewDate:
14th Jan 2019patcaf commented on:
Relocating to the seasideWe moved to Worthing some years ago and lived on the Grand Parade. It was a really nice town but it has grown substantially with new houses all over the place as it is commuter belt for London and Brighton. It is now very busy but transport is good. We also lived on the IOW but the ferries made life very expensive. We have now moved to a beautiful part of Ireland where we live by the sea but obviously not for everyone.ViewDate:
14th Jan 2019patcaf commented on:
Starting a blog or newsletter made easyDon't waste your time. 99.9% of blogs are never read by anyone other than the author and their mother.ViewDate:
14th Jan 2019patcaf commented on:
Why are we all so obsessed with nostalgia?I do not find people I know indulging in nostalgia. We do not talk about the past except in fleeting references. Some of the men maintain their interest in the music of their youth but most of us have moved on. We all have very different backgrounds so there is no real basis for a nostalgic look at the past. I think it is more a media thing as they try to fill up 24 hours news/media websites with cheap content. The TV stations indulge in this idea by constantly trying to recreate old programs but they are never successful as they do not represent people today.ViewDate:
14th Jan 2019patcaf commented on:
Will you be watching the new series of Cold Feet?No real interest in this type of show. Tried watching it a few times but not for me.ViewDate:
6th Dec 2018patcaf commented on:
Does the future look brighter?Democracy in the UK is based on Parliament. That is why we vote for our MP's. UK has no democratic referendum process. The referendum was purely advisory. It has no legal basis and was one of Mr Cameron's more stupid ideas. MP's can ignore the results if they wish; that is our democracy and it has served us well. I voted remain as I am fully supportive of a United Europe and refuse to remove the freedom of movement I have enjoyed from my grandchildren. The whole process has been a shambles from start to finish. Mrs May's deal is a terrible consequence of her going to the people and losing her majority. The HOC is the final arbiter in the Brexit process. They can refuse this deal, go for 'no deal' , or remain by asking the EU to ignore A50 and let us continue membership. Whatever happens it is quite rightly the will of Parliament. Nothing to do with the referendum.ViewDate:
6th Dec 2018patcaf commented on:
Are you leading a 'healthy life'?I have always exercised and eaten a healthy diet. Probably drank a bit too much wine over the years but it is one of life's great pleasures. Two months after I retired , diagnosed with cancer. One year later I am on the mend and life is good: but I still drink too much wine and have a cigar very day. Two people I know. One a cyclist, did not drink or smoke, very fit.. Had a massive stroke. Other did not drink or smoke either and now has terminal cancer. So what was the point? Quiet frankly I do not believe anything these experts tell me. Everything in moderation but at 66, I intend to keep on drinking and smoking. Life is for enjoying and having had my brush with cancer , I feel I have quite a few years in me yet.ViewDate:
6th Dec 2018patcaf commented on:
Winter fuel payments - have you had yours yet?Yes , we received ours this week. I was quite surprised as we no longer live in the UK although all our pensions are there. Nice surprise though.ViewDate:
6th Dec 2018patcaf commented on:
What are your views on TV Charity Begging Adverts?I am never quite sure who these very expensive ads are aimed at. I suppose they must work or they would not put them on but I do not know anyone who gives to them. With program recording and fast forward most people bypass them anyway. I cannot understand why we are being asked to provide money to places like India which can afford a space program and has many billionaires. I know there is abject poverty there but that is the fault of the Indian government and is actually quite deliberate. I never give to large charities . Why are there so many? We only need one cancer charity, on children's charity, one disaster charity, etc. In most cases these charities are run to provide jobs for the people involved. Like many of the large pharmaceutical companies they do not want to find a solution. Their interests lie in perpetuating the problems.ViewDate:
18th Nov 2018patcaf commented on:
Has the public lost interest in Christmas adverts?Never had any interest in them. Always seemed to be marketing depts. and journalists idea that people found them entertaining. In these days of recording TV , who watches adverts anyway. The only programs I watch as they are shown are sports programs. I never watch adverts (fast forward is a great invention) and do not know anyone who does.ViewDate:
16th Nov 2018patcaf commented on:
Selling up and travellingNot quite that daring. Lived in the West Midlands surrounded by motorways and houses. Retired early and moved to Ireland. Live in the countryside surrounded by cattle and horses and you can see the beach from our house. Really love it but it is remote and it is not easy to make friends at our age especially in a tight knit community. We are both aware that if one of us goes it will be difficult for the other one to live on their own and we also know that there will come a time when we need to move back to a town due to age. For the moment it is great but no matter where you go , you take your own issues with you. Moving on or travelling will not necessarily fill a hole in your life.ViewDate:
16th Nov 2018patcaf commented on:
Prostate cancerHoward, I have just finished my treatment last week. Hormone/Chemo therapy plus 44 sessions of radiation therapy. Not easy and side effects still going on but I am reasonably well and getting fitter each day. Unless your cancer has spread , prostate cancer is completely treatable and life gets back to normal within 3 to 6 months of completing treatment. I was offered the option of a prostatectomy but went for the radiation therapy instead. There is no best treatment and it all depends on age and your own circumstances. No need to worry , it takes time and the treatment really takes it out of you at times but it is only 7 months out of your life in reality. The cancer clinic I was attending deals with dozens of cases a week and 95% of them walk out at the end of treatment ready to get on with their life. Keep an optimistic outlook. It is an illness which can be treated not a death sentence. Good luck , it will be fine, I can assure you.ViewDate:
1st Nov 2018patcaf commented on:
WeddingsNot being unreasonable at all. I would certainly pay for a large part of my grand daughter's wedding as I have done for my children but not if asked. No one should plan a wedding expecting contributions. You should only contribute what you can afford through love not emotional blackmail.ViewDate:
17th Oct 2018patcaf commented on:
Retirement - So what's it like? - [DELETED_MEMBER]Just retired last year at age 65. My wife has been retired for four years so was keen for me to stop as well. I really enjoyed my job. It was always challenging and a continual learning experience. So not working takes a bit of getting used to. I travelled a lot around Europe and I really miss the excitement of airports and new places. I did not plan very well and had no real hobbies so found it hard having no structure or deadlines to meet. Just beginning to really enjoy the freedom now and finding out what I want to do. I am still considering finding part time work just to provide a challenge as we are OK financially. I think the main thing is to ensure you have interests and plan new things. Remember you will very quickly be forgotten at work so do not depend on any existing work friendships. Sort out your finances before you retire and enjoy. You have earned it.ViewDate:
17th Oct 2018patcaf commented on:
Older grandchildren who never say Thank Your for Christmas or Birthday chequesWe rarely receive a thank you from our grandchildren or even our children but the we send money and presents because we want to , not because we expect anything back. When we see them they will always say thanks for such and such but it is often months later. Occasionally we will get a WhatsApp or Instagram message. Does not really bother us I have to say. They are lovely children and are always very happy to see us or come and visit us. We will stop when they are 18.ViewDate:
1st Sep 2018patcaf commented on:
Would you move to be closer to grandchildren?I have know a few people who have done this and then the parents move on due to work/divorce etc. They are then left with no one in a strange place. Need to think very carefully about this type of move.ViewDate:
21st Jun 2018patcaf commented on:
Have you experienced ageism?Ageism is alive and well. Just try applying for a job in your 50's and 60's. I was reading just yesterday that even 40 year olds are being discriminated against as companies want younger people. I have been made redundant 3 times since I turned 50 and in all cases it was the over 50's who went. They get around it by offering a good package which you only get if you do not cause trouble. I was lucky I got my state pension at 65 but now you will need to work until 67. Where are these jobs for older workers? If you still have a job in your 60's , hold onto it. Your chances of getting another one are minimal. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that it is worse for women than men.ViewDate:
21st Jun 2018patcaf commented on:
Prostrate CancerI am currently on hormone therapy for prostate cancer. 6 weeks in. Some side effects but not too bad. Will start radiation therapy at end of July. With a bit of luck, I will be clear and back to normal by October. If caught in time prostate cancer is just another disease which can be dealt with. Parkinsons and MS are much worse. If you are over 55 get a PSA test done.ViewDate:
19th Apr 2018patcaf commented on:
Have you had a cancer scare?Currently being treated for prostate cancer. Only retired 5 months when I found out just before Xmas. To be honest , I did not have the type of shock people describe on being told. Was surprised and rather p****ed off but that was all. Biopsies and scans now complete and I will start radiotherapy shortly. The odd thing is that I have no symptoms at all and feel fine. Yes I was told about it rather abruptly but not sure how else you can be told. Don’t blame the doctor for that. Since then I have had great treatment from the Irish health service part from being treated like an ‘old’ man which I hate. Once this is over should be good for another 10 years or so. It will come back in some form but I will deal with that when it happens.ViewDate:
4th Apr 2018patcaf commented on:
Starting AgainRecently retired and moved to Ireland 9 months ago. My wife wanted to get away from the cities (we lived in West Midlands, Solihull ) and also wanted to be near the sea. Our children are in the UK, Holland, and Canada and could move on at any time so no point in following them. We considered moving back to Scotland where we have friends and family and spent a lot of time looking around but decided it was too cold. We also considered Kent where we have many friends but coastal homes in Kent are very expensive and we would need to downsize to afford one. So we moved to a similar size house on the West coast of Ireland a couple of minutes from several fabulous beaches. We love it but it could be very lonely on your own. Like many coastal areas many of the houses are holiday homes and rentals so are empty during the winter as are the caravan parks. Shops, restaurants even pubs close for the winter. Hospitals are a round trip of 100 miles. We need two cars to get around and we know that in ten years or so we will have to move to a nearby town if driving becomes a problem. So research very carefully before you move to ensure there is a real community all year and that essential services are nearby and accessible. Renting during the winter period is a great idea but you then incur two removal costs or storage costs. We would not find rental as we have two cats and a dog so we took the plunge and bought. Moving can be very liberating but you need to be sure of the area and whether you can find a place in the local community. It is not easy to make friends when you are older (we are 65) and, although we know many people, we do not have any real friends in this area so far. But early days. As others have said ; if you can afford it keep your existing home and rent in your chosen area first. We use AirBNB a lot when we travel and for short term rental they are excellent. Good Luck.ViewDate:
13th Nov 2017patcaf commented on:
Is the Flu jab effective?I worked in the NHS in the midlands for a few years. All I can say is that none of the doctors or nurses I worked with ever took up the offer of a flu jab. Their view point was that it was for high risk groups and there was no reason for any one with normal health to get a flu jab.ViewDate:
1st Nov 2017patcaf commented on:
Do you believe we will find a cure for cancer?Cancer is not a typical disease for which there is a cure. Each type of cancer is unique and requires a unique treatment. Yes we will develop better techniques based around gene manipulation but it is a very long time away. despite constant reports in the newspapers of a 'miracle cure'. Cancer is a huge money spinner for drug companies, doctors and charities. Do they really want to find a cure and kill the golden goose? I suspect not.ViewDate:
30th Oct 2017patcaf commented on:
working in our 60sIt is virtually impossible to find work anywhere over 60. Most people who continue working either stay with a company they have been with for some years or run their own business. Companies do not offer permanent roles to over 60's as many people have found out. I have no idea (nor do the government) where the jobs are supposed to come from to keep people employed until they are 68 or older. If you want to keep working stay in your current job or start your own business - there is no alternative.ViewDate:
27th Jun 2017patcaf commented on:
WeddingsNo I do not think you are being unreasonable. I cannot think of any reason why your granddaughter should expect a contribution from you. If you wish to give one voluntarily that is one thing but being expected seems to me to be rather rude. The wedding itself seems to have taken over from the reason why people get married with extravagant stag and hen parties and over the top weddings. Maybe we are just getting old and grumpy but like yourselves we married in a registrars with nothing and are still here 45 years later.ViewDate:
6th Jun 2017patcaf commented on:
Should Theresa May join Jeremy Corbyn tonight in the TV debate?The NHS is well funded just very badly managed. Has anyone actually met a nurse who uses food banks? I worked in the NHS on the same salary grade as most nurses and did not use food banks so I have grave doubts about this statement. I have been attending hospital recently and the numbers of nurses and staff with little to do defies any notion of a crisis. Better management not more funding is required. Schools have always looked to parents for money. With three children and three grandchildren believe me I know. Schools do get rid of poorly performing teachers and in some cases ,as populations change, they have to review the numbers and skill sets of teachers. My wife was a school bursar for many years and they had to review their budgets and staff numbers each year no matter who was in power.ViewDate:
5th May 2017patcaf commented on:
Should the State Pension be means tested?The state pension is not a benefit. We have paid for it. It is our by right and should not be means tested. What is a wealthy retiree anyway? Private pension of 30k, 40k, 50k? Where do you draw the line? Do you include the value of people's homes as that is where the wealth is for most people?ViewDate:
19th Apr 2017patcaf commented on:
Is now the right time to hold a snap General Election?I agree Mrs. May had to go to the country in order to get a five year mandate and this is the right time. However it is still a risk. Despite the media storm over Mr Corbyn , Labour still have a great deal of support in the UK and could surprise everyone with a strong come back. As a conservative voter I think they will win but I am not convinced they will have the kind of majority they are hoping for.ViewDate:
30th Mar 2017patcaf commented on:
Should same-sex couples be allowed to get married in a church?Personally I cannot see the problem but a church is a voluntary community of members. You choose to belong and therefore you choose to accept the rules. Now you can campaign from within to change those rules but you joined of your own free will so do not complain about the rules. Similarly if you are not a member then what right do you have to comment. Unless the church is breaking the law (which may come) , then it is up to the church leaders/members to make the rules.ViewDate:
15th Feb 2017patcaf commented on:
Do you know of any cars that are suitable for lower back pain sufferers?We run a Volvo XC60 which has excellent support and is very easy to get in and out off. Previously we run an old style CRV (pre 2007) which was also great but the new style is not good which is why we went for the Volvo. We also run a BMW series 3 for fun and we find that is also excellent but you need the top of the range with full lumbar support and seat memory.ViewDate:
23rd Jan 2017patcaf commented on:
Have you ever been the victim of Internet fraud?There is absolutely no evidence that older people are more prone to internet scams. Yes they are targeted but they are not any more likely to fall for the scams than anyone else. Why would we? We are as savvy , intelligent, and financially aware as any other age group. This whole idea that ,as you get older, you become less able to determine what is a good financial investment is purely sound bites by politicians and those who depend on the public purse for their living. Older people are as capable of managing their own investments as those in the 30 to 40 age group. How else would we have got the money? We do not become less discerning as we get older unless we have an issue such as Alzheimer's. The popular press tries to suggest that we will all suffer from Alzheimer's but the disease is still relatively rare and numbers are decreasing. We are OK . We do not need AGE UK or any other institution trying to infantilise us.ViewDate:
23rd Jan 2017patcaf commented on:
English GrammarI think there is a level of rose tinted glasses here. Education was always patchy and where I was brought up in Glasgow's Gorbals , education was very poor. Many people left school unable to read never mind understand grammar. So there was no golden age of well educated people who spoke and wrote the Queen's English. It depended on your background . I have been recruiting and reading job applications for many years and I do not find they are getting worse. Different, I agree, and the use of text and dialect is increasing but that is the way of the world. My grandchildren use text speak all the time and do not really bother about grammatical correctness. Their view is ' can I be understood' ; if so that is fine. I wrote a legal response for my 40 year old daughter last week and she then toned down the grammar as she said people would find it over fussy and it would lose impact. Probably right. English changes constantly and today it is about being understood rather than any formal grammar or even formal English. Just go with the flow and accept we are old school and that someday your grandchildren will be old school and complaining about the next generation's use of Artificial Intelligence to do everything including writing.ViewDate:
22nd Dec 2016patcaf commented on:
Had you planned to retire earlier than you are now able to?I agree there should have been a better transition arrangement but the facts are that male and female pension arrangements needed to be equalised and there was plenty of forewarning on the change. Like many women my wife was made redundant at 60 and never worked again as there is so much age discrimination out there. She had to wait until she was 63 to get her pension but we knew that even before she was made redundant. There was so much publicity about this change in the papers, on TV and on the internet it is hard to see how people did not know about it. Remember this change was initiated and fully supported by Labour. There was a transition arrangement which is how my wife received her pension at 63 but it was unfair to many people and has caused a great deal of misery. The government should bite the bullet and look again at transition but no matter what they do some women will be disadvantaged. Men are also having to cope with an ever increasing state pension age too.ViewDate:
14th Dec 2016patcaf commented on:
Frozen meals deliveryWe use Oakhouse foods for my 95 year old mother in law. The mini meals are just the right portion size for a single person. We buy a weeks worth at a time so you need a good freezer cabinet.ViewDate:
29th Nov 2016patcaf commented on:
RetirementI will retire mid-2017. Worked for over 40 years. Apart from planning to move house , I just intend to wing it. Having had to plan my life all these years for work, children, pension etc ; I intend to stop planning and just see how we go. My wife has been retired for 4 years now and thoroughly enjoys her unplanned and unscheduled life-style. I hope never to work again so a part time job is not for me. Although the company I work for has offered to reduce my working week to encourage me to stay on and I thoroughly enjoy my work , I have had enough. I am off. I am lucky enough to have a very good pension but I know many are not so fortunate. Just go for it and do not worry. It is not the end of anything but the start of a new life.ViewDate:
25th Nov 2016patcaf commented on:
Double DippingI would not do it myself but it does not bother me. No one has ever died from double dipping or spoon licking. This does seem rather extreme and must make life quite difficult. With a dog, cats, and grandchildren you a need fairly relaxed attitude to this type of thing to lead a normal life. Having said that my wife will not drink out of a bottle of water that I or anyone else has even sipped. When having a shared meal she will put food on her plate before anyone starts (we are used to it) and only eats what is on her own plate. I have never really thought about it as she has always been like that but it is probably a reflection of the same fear of bacteria from other people.ViewDate:
11th Nov 2016patcaf commented on:
Are you living where you always wanted to live?We are originally from Glasgow but have lived in England for over 30 years, in several locations including a stint on the Isle of Wight. Also lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait along the way. Currently in Solihull which was a small market town when we first came here in 1996. When we returned in 2011 after some years away, it had become a large business town with all the traditional areas turned into a large shopping mall. Very nice town though and we do enjoy living here . As we head towards retirement, however, we have begun to feel that we do not belong here and are planning to move back to Scotland which we would not have considered 10 years ago. Strange how your views change over the years.ViewDate:
21st Oct 2016patcaf commented on:
Are the Government right to do a Pension U-turn?This is nothing to do with the government. I understand that there were regulations forcing people to take out annuities and these have now gone but that is life. The government cannot fix everything and people need to take responsibility for their own pensions. There never was any chance of there being a market in annuities and Osborne should have checked on this before making the claim.ViewDate:
14th Oct 2016patcaf commented on:
Are hospital trusts cashing in on the sick?It is really the hospitals' fault as they have sold the car parking rights to private companies. The NHS/Government should never have allowed it. They are making money from the sick and elderly who are often the poorest in society; but you cannot blame the private parking companies as all they are doing is responding to opportunity offered by the hospitals. Blame the Chief execs of the hospital trusts as they need the money to pay their extortionate salaries and bonuses. -
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