I couldn't sleep the other night because I was worrying about my old age.
I’ve been on a hospital course for chronic pain management – because of spinal problems – and it’s proved really helpful.
So helpful, in fact, that I enthusiastically joined a PE session... and put my back out.
It’s nothing dire but it got me down. Because I’d just read a study revealing folk who are unfit in their 50s are three times more likely to develop dementia a decade later. And I’m 53.
Then, while sorting paperwork, I realised I’d lost track of an old ISA. So I lay in bed catastrophising that by 63 I’d be broke, disabled and suffering from Alzheimer’s , and wondering what selling my home would pay for care-wise.
Next morning a quick call to the bank reassured me my savings were safe. And I felt a bit ashamed.
Because I’m far better off than many women my age, both physically and financially. I’ve got a London property, a company pension and savings and I’m being helped to get my fitness back.
But I dread to think what the future holds for the frail 50-somethings who DO develop dementia, or other disabling conditions.
Because Britain is in the grip of a social care crisis that is deepening every day.
Care home fees have shot up by 25 per cent in five years and now average £33,094 a year. But pensions have stagnated at £14,522, enough for five months’ care – while the average stay in a residential home is 30 months.
So if you have no savings you will have to sell your home and only when that’s all-but gone can you apply for council help with care costs .
But we are all living longer, which is forcing up demand.
The Local Government Association says at by 2020 60p in every £ of council tax revenue will be spent on social care. And the NHS boss has warned it needs £4billion just to keep going.
We urgently need a joined-up, properly-funded health and care system – something Chancellor Philip Hammond must acknowledge and address in Wednesday’s Budget.
The British public are prepared to do their bit. A YouGov poll reveals backing for a one per cent rise in National Insurance or income tax, either of which could generate £5billion.
And if ordinary folk are willing to dig deep Mr Hammond must also crack down on tax dodgers and make big corporations pay more too.
It’s the only way to stop this painful crisis in health and social care – so the sick and elderly can rest more easily in their beds.