In a few years’ time historians will start the difficult task of explaining cogently and coherently how a once influential and respected nation got itself into the state it has in the second Decade of the twenty-first century. Doubtless, as I write, psephologists are cutting and dicing the available data to make some sense of it all.

The clue, though, may just lie in a report just released by NHS Digital which reported that ten people aged between 90 and 99 were admitted to hospital for what they term “mental health issues” caused by snorting Charlie. Cocaine-related health issues have rocketed in the over-60s in the decade from 2008-9 from a piss-poor 45 to a mind-blowing 379.

The report’s authors hazard a guess as to why, suggesting that it may be a combination of people living longer, the lowering of the price of the stuff and its increased purity. Perhaps there is a simpler explanation; if you have always lived what might be termed a rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, why wouldn’t you continue to do so as long as you could?

Of course, it puts a different complexion on seeing an old man with a runny nose and a stained collar. Don’t be quick to judge him. He may be perfectly capable of looking after his personal hygiene, he’s just indulged in some nose candy.  

Thrill-seeking Codgers, high on coke and other substances, might just be the answer. I pass it on gratis to any would-be historians.