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The health care crisis no one is talking about (Social Isolation and Loneliness)
The Hill ^ | 02 28 2020 | Rep. David Trone (D-Md.)

Posted on 02/28/2020 7:48:43 AM PST by yesthatjallen

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To: Katya
But I worry about my friends in their 50’s and early 60’s who will have no one. Who will make decisions for them at the end of their lives? The nursing home ? We are entering strange times.

We're actually doing just fine. My grandmother was an old lady at 40. I am still running in late 50s (not marathons any more...too lazy!). I've worked all my life so I have a nice nest egg. If I reach the point I can't function alone any more, I am not self-deluded...I'll sell all and move to a retirement community and yell at clouds.

Off to go stock shopping now...been sittin' on a heap of cash and it's time to BUY BUY BUY!

61 posted on 02/28/2020 10:17:36 AM PST by FalloutShelterGirl (Cool! I found my original screen name!)
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To: DIRTYSECRET
Seniors should take up boxing. Like Bernie

Image result for bernie punching bag gif

62 posted on 02/28/2020 10:23:28 AM PST by Responsibility2nd (Click my screen name for an analysis on how HIllary wins next November.)
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To: yesthatjallen

Wow, I thought my Maryland rep was a backbencher. I’ve honestly never heard of this guy and had to look him up.


63 posted on 02/28/2020 10:33:51 AM PST by cyclotic (Democrats must be politically eviscerated, disemboweled and demolished.)
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To: nuconvert

What if you socially isolate and enjoy it?
.................................................
If there’s one thing the ‘rats cannot tolerate it’s the unalienable right implicit in the principle of individual liberty, and that’s the right to be left alone.


64 posted on 02/28/2020 10:33:52 AM PST by fortes fortuna juvat (To save America the Left MUST be aggressively attacked on every front.)
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To: PeterPrinciple

On reflection,
................................................
Well and truly said, and every word of it!


65 posted on 02/28/2020 10:38:42 AM PST by fortes fortuna juvat (To save America the Left MUST be aggressively attacked on every front.)
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To: yesthatjallen

Social isolation seems to be what might get folks through until COVID-19 treatments and/or vaccinations are developed.


66 posted on 02/28/2020 10:43:14 AM PST by 9YearLurker
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To: FalloutShelterGirl

Thats a great attitude! and you are correct... now is a good time to BUY!


67 posted on 02/28/2020 10:44:21 AM PST by Katya (lacking in the feelings department)
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To: nuconvert

What if you socially isolate and enjoy it?

When I drink alone, I prefer to be by myself.


68 posted on 02/28/2020 10:50:35 AM PST by sanjuanbob (Yes, I CAN take a joke /s)
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To: yesthatjallen

TDI. The Department of Isolation intervened today in the case of a retired couple who failed to register their_____ and take their _________, they were referred to Psychological Services for further evaluation


69 posted on 02/28/2020 11:02:51 AM PST by Varsity Flight (Mr. President, We the People, have your back.)
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To: Katya
What theyre not mentioning is the number of people who are alone because they never had children. I can count among my friends about 50% who will have no one outside of their spouse and siblings when they/re in their 70’s plus. I joked the other day to my own parents, now they understand why they had children... as I help them with many things (they’re in their mid to late 80’s) But I worry about my friends in their 50’s and early 60’s who will have no one. Who will make decisions for them at the end of their lives? The nursing home ? We are entering strange times.

But, from what I have seen.. having children is no guarantee.. Wives, daughters and sisters are the most likely to be the caretakers.
70 posted on 02/28/2020 11:20:06 AM PST by DivineMomentsOfTruth ("There is but one straight course, ad that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily." -GW)
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To: Ancient Man

No recent additions to the picture shrine...
Printer ink is horribly expensive for those of us who try and survive on extremely limited resources. Even the blank photopaper is old. Do now, the recents live on the phone micro sd.

Social isolation, often self imposed, isn’t necessarily lonely. Some of us are relieved of the demands made of us over the years. I no longer cook big meals..the clean up after is simply too much. I can’t react fast enough to catch a busy child, nor can I pick up a baby any more.

I love being able to sleep through the night and not be bothered by an amorous husband. Mine passed away a few years ago.

I like not being thrust out of bed by a crying baby or child. I like not ‘having’ to go s on meplace. I like the peace and quieet, and the uninterrupted time I can spend reading forums or anything else I might want to learn about.

I like not having to drop what I’m doing to run out the door to give someone a ride somewhere or their incessant calling on the phone. I like sitting on my fromt porch watching the kids play basketball or ride their hover boards. Sometimes some of them come over and visit now and then. But their parents don’t visit so I have the luxury of not getting caught up in the neighborhood gossip and drama.

If I wanted to sit around and play checkers with the old fogies, I could, but I simply don’t want to..and I’m not a board game type of person. Never was.

I have social media available to me if I feel a need to sociLize. And once in a rare while I go out with my daughter to hear her sing. I don’t stay out late and it’s a relief to get home.

I wouldn’t like being stuffed in a nursing home. To many people, too busy. I have one friend who comes to visit or keeps in touch over the phone and even that is t00 much at times.

All of my life long friends have passed away. Now I have just my family and that’s enough.


71 posted on 02/28/2020 11:21:43 AM PST by PrairieLady2
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To: DIRTYSECRET; Clutch Martin

Have two 4/5 yrs old 12 lb girls, thankfully they get a long well.

The real problem for the younger generation is they’re constantly on FB, and Gaming. My 18 yr old grandson spends way to much time in his room on the computer, only place he has any real social contact is at work. Suspect the college age 2 are the same way.


72 posted on 02/28/2020 11:22:40 AM PST by GailA (Intractable Pain, a Subset of Chronic pain Last a Life TIME at Level 10.)
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To: FalloutShelterGirl
No kidding...the older I get, the more I am annoyed with most people. Indecisive, boring, selfish, uninformed but highly opinionated and immersed in the fads of the moment but ignorant of history. I'd rather stay home alone with a book and amuse myself with my garden and music. My home is my fallout shelter from stupid people.

Ain't that the Truth. We older FReepers have a lot more in common than just politics.
73 posted on 02/28/2020 11:38:46 AM PST by DivineMomentsOfTruth ("There is but one straight course, ad that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily." -GW)
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To: yesthatjallen

I live by the old German saying “ Don’t buck me and leaf me allown.”


74 posted on 02/28/2020 11:43:23 AM PST by jetson
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To: Ancient Man

WE will be 72/80 this summer, we only drive in the day time. Besides the mandatory 6 month Dr visits or test, we don’t get out, nothing in a small town for Seniors. We have 3 adult kids within a 30 mile radius, do you think they visit? 1 single who own’s a IT business, 1 who works weird hours with a 18 yr old who doesn’t visit. 1 who has a 2 yr old so a hassle to come and visit. Seen only when they need a sitter. Might get a 20 min visit on BD or Mother’s Day.

Isolation has a lot of causes and affects all ages. I need a wheelchair if I want to get out. Hubby used to do Ham Radio club until Glaucoma finished ruining his night vision. every few months he teacher’s the Math portion for extra Ham Radio license. I use to go to the quilt guild, surgery on hand ruined that. Then everything is held in the evenings when vision for driving stops you from getting out. Church has uncomfortable seats. We got told not to get up during the Sermon to go to the bathroom. I have Gastropresis and no control over puking or bowels letting go. We sat on the last row end seats. Do you want that on the Rug Mr. Pastor.


75 posted on 02/28/2020 11:45:13 AM PST by GailA (Intractable Pain, a Subset of Chronic pain Last a Life TIME at Level 10.)
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To: yesthatjallen

Didn’t read before commenting: My Mom and Dad (in there 80s) were in Michigan - house I grew up in. Changes - Mom losing most of her sight, Dad breaking his hip - I moved them 500 miles to ‘lovely’ Maryland (cleaned out their house, prepared it for sale, etc.). Flew with them separately from Detroit to Baltimore (had to wait until my Dad recovered enough from broken hip - he flew down with me 3 weeks after Mom). I moved/bought
an old ranch styled house before they got here so everything would be on one floor.

They couldn’t drive to their local Bar and hang out anymore.. They couldn’t shop, Doctors, etc. etc..

My Mom said only one of her old friends was still alive, all her 7 brothers and sister were dead... Same for Dad’s side..

My sister living in Michigan wanted to put them in a ‘home’..

Bringing them to Maryland eased their minds and they really enjoyed a nice time down here...

Oddest thing - people thought it was extraordinary doing all this... My folks did it for our elderly relatives (Grandpa, Great Aunt) and my friends in Michigan are doing the same for their elderly relatives...

And no, I’m not proofreading this.. Send..!


76 posted on 02/28/2020 12:00:04 PM PST by dakine
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To: DivineMomentsOfTruth

no of course not.... there are always dysfunctional families. I just think about the fact my parents don’t have to worry, and neither do I, as I have people who have my best interest in mind.

I just see this as a rather looming concern, and wonder as a society how we will consciously care for these older people who are alone.


77 posted on 02/28/2020 12:14:38 PM PST by Katya (lacking in the feelings department)
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To: Katya

I hear ya. I worry, too. You’re parents are very fortunate.


78 posted on 02/28/2020 12:29:06 PM PST by DivineMomentsOfTruth ("There is but one straight course, ad that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily." -GW)
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To: yesthatjallen

They can get thousands of friends on face book.

I’m 74 and haven’t had a thousand friends in my entire life.

Maybe a hundred.


79 posted on 02/28/2020 1:02:15 PM PST by Graybeard58 (Best left handed banjo picker on my entire block)
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To: Responsibility2nd
Yes the parties who split today often remain alone...especially if married for ten or more years. And others often split once the kids are grown so they too tend to remain on their own....or in relationships where they aren't married.

That appears to be how society is today.

80 posted on 02/28/2020 6:09:04 PM PST by caww
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