Re: ‘Senior living: The horrible truth' (The Weekend Sun, March 28).

In a capitalist society products are for sale and if you like the look of the product you are free to buy it. If you are uncertain, do lots of research. Any responsible business will make a profit and shareholders rightfully expect a return.

My husband and I live in a retirement village. We chose our operator very carefully.
The fact the company has won Australasia Retirement Village of the Year for four years in a row was part of the decision.

We have freedom from home ownership, peace of mind, security and love, and enjoy our life.

No rates, no household insurance and no household or garden maintenance. No fear of home invasion, sexual/physical assaults or financial scams here.

Our home was a new build when we moved in and our energy bills are a tiny fraction of the ones we were paying.

Your correspondent claims age disqualifies an individual from surgery.

This is not the case. Pre-existing medical conditions like advanced cancer, lung disease from smoking, advanced dementia, obesity, advanced heart disease, renal failure, liver damage from heavy drinking, can make the risk of surgery/anaesthetic unacceptable to the medical profession.

There has to be a low risk and a clear benefit. The death rate remains at one per person.

My 70-year-old husband waited six months on the public system and had a double hip replacement. The outcome was brilliant.

Jennifer Sage, Katikati.