Bloody hell only got a couple pages in and read about older people having nothing more to offer (or something along those lines!) I'm in my 60's, working, helping with childcare and helping older neighbours with shopping etc. My AC are working and oldest gc is still in nursery when not with GPS. I still have a lot to offer and have worked hard all my life to get to my work position and to be able to enjoy non work time. Selfish or not I can't wait for my vac although will be a while yet. As for children not catching up, some countries children don't start school until 6-7 and they do better than UK so I'm sure most will catch up.