Old folks are mostly bored shitless, sitting around the nursing home, especially after joint replacement operations. Part of the solution to this problem is music, to stir the soul, evoke fond memories and occupy the stuttering minds of people to whom we owe a debt of gratitude and compassion.

Now, when a hip is replaced, it includes an iPod style device, loaded with 10,000 or more songs of the golden era of music, as chosen by the wearer. Burl Ives, The Glenn Miller Big Band, Fats Domino, The Great Satchmo, Billie Holliday, Cranky Frankie... they all get a look in.

Best of all, the player is embedded deep in the bone, alowing transmission of the sound right through the user's body. This makes it easy to "hear" the music, obviating the need for loud music to overcome encroaching deafness.

There's never been a better way to tell your Gran that you love her.