I am writing in response to Dennis Swaysland’s letter about insurance costs for the elderly.

Actuaries work out their premiums on statistics, and I’m afraid there is more chance of a fit 75-year-old dying on holiday than an unfit 30-year-old.

If the insurance company did question prospective clients about their health, the whole British public would suddenly become non-smoking teetotallers who go to the gym six times a week.

But also, we pensioners do get plenty of benefits because of our age.

For instance if you drive, then motor insurance is normally cheaper because we don’t do much mileage.

We also get free bus travel, discounted entrance to sporting and entertainment events, and even help to pay for our heating.

Also if you are 76 and healthy, you can expect to get more in the form of your pension, than the overweight smoking taxpayer who is paying for your pension.

I think in life you should take the rough with the smooth, and feel that for the majority of pensioners in this region , there is more smooth than rough

Bob Carroll
Elounda Court
Benfleet