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Not dead yet

The column that challenges ageism and celebrates being 50-plus

At 60, Mike Leigh seems to have a lot left in him, judging by his new film, Vera Drake

Derek Malcolm, Evening Standard

Belonging has a marvellous cast, a script that is poignant, painful and moving, and a set of beautifully drawn characters. It’s just that none of them is under 50

Radio Times, sent in by Lady Cordelia James, of Rusholme, North Yorkshire

Three elderly people at her house, one is incontinent, another is incontinent and selfish. This will strike many chords with viewers over 50 years old

Teletext review of ITV’s Belonging, sent in by Mrs Vivienne Baird, 76, who says: “I would rather watch Sex and the City, Heartbeat or The Bill than this depressing rubbish”

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When a Korean beat a Swede at table tennis in the Olympics, a BBC commentator referred to “the great ageing Swede”. He is 38

Alan Smith, Stebbing, Essex

Now I’m pushing 48 and all women seem to want is hot sex and to parade around in Agent Provocateur underwear. How I long for a Wendy Craig, once a sex kitten of suburbia, to make me a cup of tea, bring me a bourbon and tickle me under the covers

Tim Lott, Evening Standard

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Sexagenarian Paul Theroux hasn’t let age hamper his explorations, and his most recent journey from Cairo to Cape Town is recounted in his latest book, Dark Star Safari

Lindsay Wratten, Saga Travel News, sent in by Geoffrey Adams, Highbury, North London

Send ageist contribution to: lifetime@thetimes.co.uk