Strictly speaking old-age pensioners no longer exist in Great Britain, for a kindly government has replaced the words ‘old age’ with the pleasanter sounding term of ‘retirement'. That is but another example of a change that signifies little, for nothing can banish old age. It is a condition which is inevitable for all but those who die before that time is reached. No kind words or exercise of tact can eradicate it, though much can be done to ameliorate the lot of the aged.

Like all problems, the problems of old age cannot be solved unless they are met with realism, for it is impossible to overcome any difficulty that we refuse to recognize. No soothing words, no refusal to look truth in the face can alter the fact that to be in receipt of a retirement pension is to have started upon the final stage of that journey that leads from the cradle to the grave.