Originally Posted by Aardvark

YCHTT,

What I'm saying is that I don't intend to change my lifestyle just to eke out a couple of extra years in an old people's home. In the days of the nanny state people are being told exactly what they should eat and drink and laws are being changed to make us all live the puritan lifestyle.

It is not about living longer, as far as I am concerned, but about enjoying the life you have.

I don't like smoking, but I oppose the ban. Pubs could have been made to have smoke free rooms or extractors, but the ban, EU led, is total. It's not about the health of bar staff since most bar staff know the risks and can work in a smoke free restaurant if they choose. Publicans knew the risks before they became involved. Many bar staff and publicans smoke.

I enjoy eating fruit and veg, but I don't need to be constantly told how many portions are 'ideal'. If I want chips I'll eat chips.

I will drive within the speed limit, but I enjoy speed and, where conditions allow, will go as fast as I can. I've owned a motor bike and I used to drive a MGB GT - not expensive, but more fun than a Ford Fiesta. I just wish my present car had more oomph.

Life is about risk and people should be encouraged to push the limits. I have more respect for people who die young falling off mountains or racing motor cars than I have for those who wish they'd done it, but choose to die in bed at a ripe old age rather than enjoy life to the full. I got 14 hours into flying selection with the RAF, but at least I tried to be a fighter pilot (I ended up as a navigator) - I scared myself a couple of times, but I have looped and barrel rolled an aeroplane.

It's not UKIP policy to encourage risk because we live in a politically correct world.

I'd never encourage people to squander their lives with suicide or dangerous drug use, but I'm not sure that making everyone live a long life of utter misery and depression is exactly kind either.