By Amy Ridenour and Ryan Balis

Longevity apparently does not count for much in Britain’s government-managed National Health Service.

Much of 108-year-old Olive Beal’s hearing was gone. The one-time suffragette and former piano teacher from Kent, England was unable to enjoy music or hear conversations clearly with her five-year-old analog hearing aid. A modern digital device would improve Beal’s hearing – and life – tremendously, but she was having difficulty receiving a replacement. (more…)