A Present from the State
There was a time, not so very long ago, when a woman's 60th birthday invariably coincided with not only retirement but also receipt of a state pension and bus pass. How quickly things have changed and, in my own case, it will now be another six years before those gifts are endowed.
That is not to say that the Government overlooks you entirely at 60 and for many it is the day they can finally forget about the notional prescription charge levied by the NHS here in England. Alternatively, as in my case, that is of limited significance if you are already exempt as a result of a medical condition or means testing.
Imagine therefore my astonishment to receive an official letter from the NHS posted on my actual birthday. How can anyone accuse it of inefficiency when its computer system is so finely tuned?
WARNING: Anyone who has not yet attained the age of 60 years and doesn't want their own NHS birthday surprise spoiling should stop reading now.
So what exactly does the National Health Service gift you for reaching 60? Bowel cancer screening and yes, I shall be taking advantage.
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