SUSAN HAMPSHIRE

I do a lot of work with the Dyslexia Institute because, for people with dyslexia who do not have parental support, it is a huge disadvantage. I was fortunate because my Mum was a teacher and she taught me to work hard.

We are keeping healthier and living longer and I am a good example of someone who is in the Age Concern bracket but is still working and keeping active.

It is a lonely existence to be a child with a disability which no-one can see or understand, you exasperate your teachers, you disappoint your parents, and worst of all you know that you are not just stupid.

My hobby is gardening, I love it, it's my main hobby. I like being at home and I'm very happy being in my house, I love cooking.

Some people can only be happy being a star. What happens if and when the work dries up?

We do not get to this age to be written off. Older people can act as a support system, which is what happens more in Mediterranean countries. People become much wiser as they get older and we should value that.

We are keeping healthier and living longer and I am a good example of someone who is in the Age Concern bracket but is still working and keeping active.

My hobby is gardening, I love it, it's my main hobby. I like being at home and I'm very happy being in my house, I love cooking.

It is a lonely existence to be a child with a disability which no-one can see or understand, you exasperate your teachers, you disappoint your parents, and worst of all you know that you are not just stupid.

I do a lot of work with the Dyslexia Institute because, for people with dyslexia who do not have parental support, it is a huge disadvantage. I was fortunate because my Mum was a teacher and she taught me to work hard.

Some people can only be happy being a star. What happens if and when the work dries up?

We do not get to this age to be written off. Older people can act as a support system, which is what happens more in Mediterranean countries. People become much wiser as they get older and we should value that.