nobody to speak to

I ‘d like a hoarding

– you know, one of those big billboards – one I could have whitewashed every couple of weeks to add the same thought smaller and add to it, or change it all together.  

Alongside the upswing into technology is the knowledge that, for the first time in British history, over half the population

is over 65 –  a significant number of whom don’t have computers and the rest, and even if they did, don’t like them, don’t trust them, have had bad experiences with them and finally, would prefer a person. 

Please note – not all of these people fall into the category of  “vulnerable” ie not all of us are on benefits or out to lunch.   The systems are open to fault like people (!), only work when they work and if we get across them – or they across us – the way back is tricky. 

Re the NHS, yes, by all means use all the AI etc that is useful but remember that if you are old and frightened, most of us would prefer a human voice rather than a generated one.   Same if you’re younger.  Same if you are one of a very large number of humans.   Animals need voices.

The new energy company sent flowers with a card which says in part “ … hope the transition has been painless”.  It hasn’t..  Describing the hiccups to Bel (a management consultant) she said “sounds like a classic case of expanding too fast and not training people properly.”  Wal went further.  “The energy companies have to get their heads round providing for older people, for people who, by choice or some form of impairment, can’t deal with computers, bills on line, etc.   New companies have to build in a personal facility for dealing with this

rather than just hoping it will be all right. Either that or they can’t offer that facility.” And probably not with uproar in other involved quarters, ie BT and the Post Office, to name but two.

If an energy company said it would come and look at the meters prior to fitting a smart meter – this was the way forward – I would go along with it.   I am still haunted by the fact that my readings are excessive and we just go trundling on.  Nobody knows or cares  – as long as you pay.

  Nice polite rip off.

John Lewis and Waitrose plan to reduce their workforce by 11,000.   What is to stop them running two ideas concurrently – how about Waitrose Auto  – smaller shops completely automated –  and Waitrose Hand (as in helping hand) where you shop and have staff ?  Lidl have great staff, it’s part of their appeal. It’s about management as well as money.   Many of us shop most days for company, exercise, exchange.  It is a fundamental part of social medicine.  

And you have to think about prevention to take some small part of the weight off the current treatment model – which has created dependence it now can’t service.

According to a promotional ad running on tv for therapy – oh you’re going to find hope and peace and understanding in therapy … With luck and the right therapist, you very well may do … but only with the sound of the human voice.  Face to face has got to be better. Exchange is not always verbal. 

The other day, coming home with my hands full of shopping a tall elderly man moved to my right, right out of my way so that I could continue unimpeded.   The movement was noticeable because other people were about, it wasn’t a quiet street.  So I paused to summon  all my mother’s charm and sent it winging out towards him.  “Thank you” I said and he beamed. 

Every time I read that the human brain works faster and more incisively than any computer,

I think “Yah ! Boo ! Sucks to you !”   and target another grin, another pleasantry, another unheard of compliment.   You don’t get a “hit” every time but you get enough hits to know that you’re right, it works, it’s the sound and the context of humanity – across age, class, ethnicity – do it.  Be nice.  Cheaper than Botox, makes you feel good too.  It’s the sound of the voice.