Mike Priestley: Who's Counting?

That argument is a load of old rubbish. And that's official. At least, as official as a market research survey can be.

It found that the over-60s spend more hours a week (ten) on their personal computers than any other age group, with the 46-60 group coming up fast behind along with the 18-30s at eight hours.

This is a trend which has already been recognised by organisations like Age Concern, the Association of Retired and Persons Over 50, and Townswomen's Guilds.

Older people aren't afraid of computers, as ageist employers would have us believe. It might be that they need a little more time to train. After all, young people now grow up with computers in school and are familiar with them from a very early age.

Many older people have had to start from cold in their middle years. It's a handicap, but not one that can't be overcome. There are plenty of middle-aged people now who have a computer as the basic tool of their job. They've had to get to grips with the technology to stay in work.

But this survey by Microsoft shows that others, now in retirement, have actually chosen to learn how to operate a computer as a way of keeping in touch via the Internet. They have the time to sit there with their manual and figure out what they should be doing next to get the most out of their PC. And that's tremendous - provided, of course, that it's part of a balanced lifestyle. It would be rather sad if a growing enthusiasm for computers lured retired people away from all the social and physical activities they now get up to - walking, dancing, attending discussion clubs, playing bowls, swimming and all the rest of it - to spend their days in mouse-clicking isolation.

Maybe when I retire I, too, will spend ten or more hours a week on a personal computer and actually have fun with the thing.

But then again, after spending every working day between now and then communing with a screen, mouse and keyboard, maybe I won't.

Bring back the sound of "Kerrr-ching!" Let the sound of the Saverstrip ring through the buses of Bradford once more.

That's the appeal from Bernard Whittaker, secretary of Bradford Pensioners' Association, who says he would like to see an end to the spectacle of a pensioner struggling to mount a bus carrying a stick and shopping bag and on top of all that having to fiddle for small change.

"An easy solution could be the re-introduction of pre-paid tickets to slot into a machine, making it easier for both drivers and passengers," says Mr Whittaker.

I've made an inquiry to Bradford Traveller on behalf of Mr Whittaker and any struggling pensioners, and can reveal that there already is such a thing available to bus users of all ages. It's the Smart Card, which is a sort of Saverstrip of the electronic age.

You can charge it up to whatever value you like and then spend it bit by bit on your fares on the buses, using it instead of change.

When it starts to get empty, you can top it up again. "It's like an electronic purse," says Brandon Jones, marketing manager of Bradford Traveller.

At present it's not too easily available and it can only be used on 30 per cent of services. But it's soon going to be relaunched with a lot more sales and top-up outlets and by next summer it will be able to be used on all buses in Bradford.

But I'm afraid it won't go "Kerrr-ching!"

I Don't Believe It!

If you're appealing for money for a good cause, you've got to get the image right. Otherwise you can really annoy people like Kathleen Fowler, of Shipley.

What's upset her is the campaign being run by Help the Aged. In fact she says the leaflet she received about a pensioner called Alice incensed her.

"Take the financial dilemma this Alice faces," she says. "To start with they list her outgoings. The first thing listed is rent and Council Tax. Someone on a low income and with no savings doesn't pay Council Tax, etc. They get extra for heating. And as far as I know they get other benefits from Social Security."

But it isn't just the leaflet that's upset Mrs Fowler. She finds the TV appeals just as annoying.

"They show a woman putting hot water bottles in her bed. Her hair was so nicely done and her finger-nails were varnished. She was going to bed in a thin nightie. It made me cross."

She adds: "I'm 81 and I don't class myself as a basic OAP as I get other pensions. But I worked until I was 63. I've been widowed twice, having to care for two sick husbands. Also I had two children late in life. I've put them through university and college. Not a lot of time to make much in savings.

"I haven't had a holiday in 22 years and I get appeals through the post to send £14 to Help the Aged!"

To be fair, Mrs Fowler, Help the Aged wouldn't know of your background and circumstances. They'll simply send out their appeal leaflet to everyone. Some will be well able to make a donation. Others won't, and should just drop the leaflet into the bin without needing to feel guilty about it.

There's a double grumble this week. Next on to the Moan Throne is Mrs E Sutcliffe, of Bank View, Baildon, who says the Council should get on with improvements to the bungalows she and her neighbours occupy. She was less than impressed with the Christmas lights switch-on extravaganza in Centenary Square last Thursday.

"Who wants money wasted on artificial snow?" she asks. "What rubbish! Which tenants want their bungalows pebble-dashing and desperately need general repairs doing? Ask the Eskimos about the artificial snow. Ask the retired persons from Bank View about the bungalows."

She adds: "It's time councillors included outlying districts in their discussions."

If you have a gripe about anything, drop a line to me, Hector Mildew, c/o Newsroom, T&A, Hall Ings, Bradford BD1 1JR, email me or leave any messages for me with Mike Priestley on (44) 0 1274 729511.

Yours Expectantly,

Hector Mildew

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