Published: 15 March 2020
Last updated: 4 March 2024
FULL DISCLOSURE, I AM 65 and find myself in a period of peak energy and creativity both mental and physical. Until the crisis, there was a growing understanding that longer lifespans and improved quality of life that has typified this period means that there is a new 'stage of life'.
Now for decades past 60, we are vital and productive, working, travelling, enjoying culture, renewing ourselves, and sexually active. This new reality created new industries of services and programs. And with this, the need to serve those who are in suffering and are need while living longer and longer. This too has become a major industry of services and institutions.
But now we are being told that anyone over 60 is at risk, more vulnerable to the virus. Older people are indeed dying in higher numbers, and who knows what is ahead of us. And therefore, there is a need to protect those over 60 and even isolate them for 'their own good'. This will be for their benefit.
But will it? Social isolation for the elderly can be as deadly. Imagine, those in isolation, in their homes, assisted living facilities, old age homes etc, what will they do? Watch television, play cards, talk on the phone? Fight with each other?
And even if compassionate people will leave off food at their doorstep or drive them for medical care, the loneliness and isolation might cause some to wonder why they should be alive.
It is time to have a different conversation about aging and the elderly and how they are treated and respected. First and foremost, it should be up to them (the old people) to decide and determine the risk factors in their lives.They should be the ones to decide when to take a walk and when to visit their grandchildren; when to go to cultural events and when to travel abroad.
Its time to be creative and harness the energies of the over 60 for new ideas and initiatives. Those who choose to self-isolate and are full of fear must be supported. But the latest call to stay away from the over 60's lest they be infected is indefensible and will punish far too many.
Our sages implore us in the Book of Psalms: DO not abandon me in my old age or desert me as my energies diminish. We still have too much to offer.
