MELBOURNE - THE MOST LIVEABLE CITY - UNLESS YOU ARE A GERIATRIC!

When one reaches the venerable ages of 93 and 89 as we are, one hopes, here and there, that there will be "things" that make getting around the city and suburbs just that little bit easier and more comfortable.

Well, don't try catching public transport in certain parts of Melbourne because, apart from the disaster which is the "universal" transport card called Myki, you won't find shelters for when the weather is inclement, you won't find benches or seats to rest your weary - and ageing- bones, and many of the public transport vehicles are not designed for comfortable seating - assuming you are able to obtain a seat, although I must say these days some young people are very helpful and give up their seats for people like ourselves.

We try not to travel during peak periods, but very often it is unavoidable if there have been doctors' appointments or hospital visits scheduled for the wrong times for the elderly.

Certain parts of Melbourne's suburbs are more responsive to the needs of geriatrics than others, but they are the exception rather than the rule, and with council rates ever on the increase, we elderly are the mote in councils' eyes.

They hope we are "here today and gone tomorrow".