Grandmothering leads to greater postmenopausal longevity

Doesn't exactly trip off the tongue greatnan does it? Lacks the power of alliteration.
anno

Not to mention the handbag with a brick inside?

Needles!

I'm not nit picking , approve of the general gist of the sentiment - just make sure Grannies are appreciated OK? (Or I'll be after you with my knitting!

Think Mishap was quoting study done at U.O.U .

No particular axe to grind, but what do i know ??????

It's just that, taken out of context, the quote you gave did sound rather patronising and stereotypical, Mishap, and I wasn't sure what message your post was expressing.

Afraid I could not provide a link as Focus mag don't have that facility - not that I could find anyway. Sorry about that.

I appear to have shrunk longitudinally and expanded latitudinally.

It is true that most people shrink with age - I have lost almost two inches in height. I am certainly old, as well, although fit and active. But am I a lady....I doubt it. I think I must describe myself as 'a bit smaller, bit older,woman'.

Killer whales also have a menopause and their adult sons much more likely to fall apart at the seams if mother dies.
But little old ladies? Lazy journalist trotting out sexist, agist cliches yet again.

I love watching the David Attenborough DVDs about wild life and I am always fascinated by the ways that animals have evolved to help them bring up young successfully. I especially like the hen birds that are 'unfaithful' to their supposed life partner, so that they have two cocks who both think they have fathered the chicks, and help to feed them. Now, why didn't I think of that?
There are also homosexual birds where the 'gay' son stays with his mother and helps to rear subsequent broods.

It has long been known that one of the reasons for human success is the female menopause (non-fertile women being available to help the fertile ones). This 'study' is just another in a long series on the subject.

Blimey, I should live forever then!

Hmph!

Well, as you didn't provide a link to the article, Mishap, we couldn't be expected to know that!

I think that you will find that the "little old ladies" bit is tongue in cheek, as the article has just detailed how vital granmothers are in evolutionary terms.

little old ladies rock!!!!

! Patronising, or what?