I read this article elsewhere. As a 'silly old bugger' myself, I appreciate it and identify with the sentiment. Australian society has little respect for, or understanding of old age.

Thanks ttbn, remember the old movie Logan's Run? We're not quite there yet, but seem to be heading in that direction, by stealth if not by force.

What else should the author expect?
HE WHO PAYS THE PIPER CALLS THE TUNE!

- Just avoid Medicare and pay honest fees directly for whatever services you require, including medical. Become your doctor's patron, then their loyalty will be to you and not to government.

Government does not have any money of its own - in fact it owes around a trillion dollars, which future generations will eventually have to pay back: anyone else in such situation would be deemed bankrupt, so whatever money government pays out to people, including through Medicare, is stolen and/or robbed from the present citizens and from future generations - so please be an honest, decent and respectful person - don't you be an accessory to robbery, don't you benefit from stealing other people's money, including from those yet unborn!