Just Because I'm 90 Doesn't Mean I'm Ready To Die ― Or Disposable

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

by Varda Yoran

I’ve been a senior citizen for a quarter of a century and I still sculpt, read and write essays. I speak five languages, and I use email and WhatsApp to communicate with family and friends in Finland, China, Norway, England, Israel, Russia, Thailand and throughout the U.S. I run a foundation I created that assists immobile seniors. I attend classes, and I’m organizing a philosophy club via Zoom that discusses ethics, forgiveness, anger, creativity and various other topics.

Certainly now, my routine has changed. COVID-19 has shut down everything in one shot. At age 90, I have lived through a lot of history, but I’ve never seen a situation like this. My daughter was concerned that in the city I would be a lot more exposed while facing a lower level of care. I left Brooklyn and am now with her, my son-in-law and teenage grandson, secluded and safe, upstate in the Peekskill mountains. My only outings, masked and gloved, are to the nearest labs for regular blood tests.

Who knows in which direction the changes to come will take us. What I’ve seen so far is that the crisis has brought out the best in good people and the worst in bad people. What I see now is that cooperation and empathy on a massive scale are needed to bring the world back on track.

Some people may suggest that if I were to die of the coronavirus, I at least have lived a full life. And yes, I have lived a full life.

-snip-

I’m not disposable, and I’m saddened that there are people who think age dictates whether a human life is worth saving. I can tell you that I, and my loved ones, want me to live for many years to come. I want to attend my grandson’s high school graduation and see which college he’ll attend. I want to see my older grandson, who is married, become a father. I want to continue my joyful life. I am unable to travel as extensively as I once did, but I want to visit Israel again. Just because I’m 90 doesn’t mean I don’t have things to learn and skills to hone.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/voices/just-because-im-90-doesnt-mean-im-ready-to-die-%e2%80%95-or-disposable/ar-BB13ncPp?li=BBnb7Kz

[LakeArenal]

1. Republican Death Panels

I moved to Costa Rica.

Our restrictions state:

All public employees over 65 or with pre-existing health problems must be guaranteed the option of teleworking as well as use of accumulated or advanced vacation time so they do not need to visit job sights.


That’s that horrible socialism the Pukes debase.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. I don't understand how anyone can even *think* that it would be acceptable

to sacrifice the elderly (or anyone else, for that matter) to save the economy or reduce the burden on social benefits - let alone say it in public. Even those that are in far poorer health than the writer cited in the OP, even those who have Alzheimers, are not disposable. Apparently "pro-life" applies only to fetuses who don't add to their tax bill.

[SheltieLover]

3. This!👆

K&R

[Karadeniz]

4. Love this woman!❤

[No Vested Interest]

5. I'm with you, Varda Yoran...

I'm senior now myself for many years; yes, a little slower in pace and name recall.
Still living in my own home, driving locally as needed, do my own laundry, finances, easy food prep, etc.
But I've found myself a mission in life still to be attended to...

My daughter, now in late 50's, has chronic medical problems, due to diabetes, stroke and other complications, as well as psychological needs.
She lives in a long-term care facility, and, as any and all know, family involvement is necessary to insure that her care is appropriate and timely.

So, I too am not ready to pack it in.
Some days are easier than others, some are a struggle.
But, like you. Varda, I'm still in the game, and - not disposable.

[AleksS]

6. Yup. It's funny how fast "ALL lives matter" disappeared...

Yup. As soon as it was inconvenient, it was right back to “only certain lives matter.”

Kind of shows where these people’s hearts really were.

[Sloumeau]

7. Yep, my dad is 88.

He still makes beautiful dinners most nights. Goes for a long walk every day. He does puzzles every day. He does work around the house every day. He is a beautiful, very progressive man who has been a Democrat all his life, volunteered for the Korean War, used to be a teacher, and has spent his life helping people. I am not sacrificing him either so that Right Wing Republicans can get their nails done.

[appalachiablue]

8. K/R. "First they came for the elders, then..."

Beginning eugenics removal of 'unfit' and 'unworthy' lives in favor of a 'master race'?

"Sacrifice the weak" was the policy of the Nazi Aktion T4 eugenics program.