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Growing Old
This article is going to be a little controversial. But I think
this is one of those hard truths that we have to understand.
Because of advances in health care technology, Americans are living
to be older and older. Sounds great, right? Our lifespans are
increasing, which everyone can enjoy.
Ah, but here is the point where I will be heartless. The truth is that
our army of expanding people that are very, very old represent a drain
on our economy. To take care of a 90 year old person may require at
least one, perhaps more, able-bodied younger people. As the number
of older people continues to expand, more and more of our population
will be employed as caretakers for these older people. This will
severely decrease the productivity of our economy.
And you know what? Although lifespans are increasing, quality of
life is decreasing. People are living longer, but they often have
such reduced functionality that their lives lose meaning. Frankly
speaking, if you can't walk, or bathe yourself, or eat by yourself,
your quality of life isn't really that great. And furthermore,
if you don't really know where you are, or who your family is,
then your quality of life is pretty nonexistant.
Am I heartless? You decide. But here's the truth: Americans are
living longer, but these longer lives are pointless. The reason is
because these people are kept alive through miraculous technology,
with essentially zero quality of life. And, as a society, we are
expending increasing amounts of resources to care for our older
citizens.
Is this a good, sound plan for our country? Or is it time
to reconsider our healthcare system and our attitude towards older
people?
Maybe someone around here has to be a little heartless,
I guess.
comments? You can email me at :
mattinjersey@yahoo.com