There is an important documentary on PBS tonight about caring for our parents. It shows the struggles that this new role in society brings upon us. For all of you who are raising kids - kids are child's play!
I am going to say something a bit out there - but first a qualification - I have looked after an invalid mother for 27 years and Robin and I looked after both her parents until they died. So I think I have earned my stripes.
Here is my weird idea - Why is getting old and finally not being able to look after ourselves such a surprise to both parents and children? Why is it that we don't make plans way in advance when all are still OK?
For for most of us, we start to act when it is all too late. There is so much anguish. Most of the challenges seem to stem from this one cause - aging is a surprise both for the kids and the for the elderly. Why do we all close our eyes to what is inevitable.
All the media focuses on is somehow squeezing out more life span - living for what?
I went to see my mum today - I visit her at least twice a week. She lives in a wonderful place but she and all the residents are simply waiting for death - they have a vacancy that is tragic. Mum has been there for a decade and could be there for another.
She has a great pension from my late dad that makes all of this care possible. If Robin and I had to look after her directly, it would kill us both physically and financially. As hard as it is today to look after parents, many of today's very old have been provided for or have some government support.
But will we boomers have this kind of support?
So my dear readers - in the 2020's when there are few pensions and when so many have no savings and there will be so many of us old farts - more that 50% of PEI will be over 60 then - what will happen?
How can our society afford us if we think that we will be looked after as we looked after our parents?
A walk in the snow looks like a good deal to me
