Rapid ageing

I couldn't help overhearing a lengthy conversation the other day. No, really, I couldn't - it was being held very loudly all over the library as I searched for books. Without stoppering up my ears, I couldn't miss it. A man was bemoaning the situation with care of his wife and Social Services, and the librarian was consoling and giving what seemed to me, some sound advice. He wasn't really there for answers, though, you could tell he was just letting off steam.

Eventually she asked whether he could help in the care of his wife: "No, no, I'm sixty-three, seventy... eighty."

I never heard anyone age so fast!