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Michaelis: Coronavirus not 'just' affecting seniors

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Let me vent for a moment. I heard a TV commentator say that the coronavirus was just dangerous for the elderly … excuse me, does that mean it is not a serious problem? First of all, it is not true that this virus just affects older people. But is it ever appropriate to couple those two words? Does that mean that Elders are not as important as other age groups? If you pay close attention, you’ll see there is part of this media discussion, whether it is lay people or professionals, that seem to be relieved that it is most heavily affecting Seniors and not other population groups. Can we agree that all life is precious? Age should not be a factor, just as the color of your skin, your sex, your religion, etc, should not be a factor. Think of the populations that honor and cherish their Elders…do you think the conversation would be the same? If you are not aware of the subtle ageism in our country, just listen up.

To make matters worse, some younger circles are using the term ‘boomer remover.’ That’s not even funny! An online Newsweek article said that the term, which describes the possibility of post-WWII babies born between 1946 and 1964 dying in large numbers, had developed into a raging Twitter debate as of the middle of March. I hope it is nothing more than a tacky joke, but if you hear it, don’t even crack a smile.

Now that I’ve vented, I repeat my mantra in life. Our Elders are the most precious resource we have in this world, and they are significantly undervalued. What would happen in this world if we lost all the patriarchs and matriarchs, chiefs, sages, grandmas and grandpas? Our world would suffer immeasurably. As a community, we will do everything we can to protect them, including social distancing and self-quarantine, when necessary - no matter our age. We can get groceries for them and other necessities. We can call and check on them frequently. So, no more bad jokes and underestimating the significance of our Elders. Continue the conversation on Facebook at Just Now Old Enough.