When people have expressed concern about me climbing Kilimanjaro, going hot-air ballooning or even running marathons, my response has been the same.
I thank them very much for their concern, and then I tell them I would rather die on the side of a mountain or while involved in an activity that brings me much joy, than die in my own urine in a rest home.
The thought of being old and frail and dependent on the kindness of underpaid strangers fills me with horror.
A Consumer NZ report this week that found most rest homes are failing to meet core standards has done nothing to allay my fears.
It's all very well and good for the Aged Care Association to complain that the standards aren't basic floor-level standards - they are a very high ceiling that is nigh impossible to attain.
