One of the paradoxes of old age is that the state, and indeed society in general, have no idea when old age begins, what it means and how to deal with it.

From the age of 50, Saga brochures drop through one's letterbox, from age 55 occupational pensions can be accessed, from age 60 prescriptions are free, public transport reduced or in the case of London free, at age 65 a non-means tested £200 tax-free winter fuel allowance is handed out, and so on.