She Doesnt Owe Anyone a Hug. Not Even at the Holidays

[Chemisse]

72. If you are fully autonomous and cogent, why are you identifying as a "very elderly person"?

I was talking about people who are old and ill. In the five years or so before she died, my mother-in-law was like a fragile bird. She could no longer walk, and suffered both emotionally and physically. She was childlike in the sense of her dependence and vulnerability. I very much felt she needed my comfort and love. I'm not a touchy person, and certainly would not take that liberty with a total stranger, but I often held her hand as we visited.

I'm sorry you are so sensitive about being old. I am in my 60s, and feel that arriving at that age is something of an accomplishment. At this point I am not altogether sure I will see age 70, but if I do, I will be pleased. In many ways, advancing age is a badge of honor, even though it's not treated that way in our society.