Switzerland may have an image as a peace loving nation of watchmakers and cuckoo clocks, but it is also fast getting a reputation as a land that has a rather unique 'Logan’s Run' attitude to the problems of age and infirmity too.

Age bar

Take for instance the requirements for adjudicating at the 33rd Eidgenoessisches Musikfest in St Gallen in 2011.

Composer Philip Sparke was delighted to be asked to judge at this prestigious musical festival, but found himself raising an eyebrow when filling in a form with his personal details — including his date of birth.

This last request was qualified by the line: "Unfortunately, persons born before 1943 cannot be considered".