Letter: The retirement generation deserves better than this

Posted 9/23/21

There is one group of Americans we have not heard much from or much about during the past year and a half. That group comprises seniors who are not in nursing homes, who are healthy and productive, …

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Letter: The retirement generation deserves better than this

Posted

There is one group of Americans we have not heard much from or much about during the past year and a half. That group comprises seniors who are not in nursing homes, who are healthy and productive, and who have saved and invested for a dignified, active retirement.

Many had planned to use their last years spoiling grandchildren, traveling a little, enjoying restaurants, the theater, and concerts or other events with friends and family. These are folks who played by the rules and supported the community. They wore masks, stayed home when required, socially distanced themselves from others, and got vaccinated the minute they were eligible.

And they didn’t whine or complain. They thought the country was in this thing together and that we would all do what we could to rid ourselves of this virus.

Unfortunately, it’s not working out the way most had planned. Too many are afraid to spend much time outside their homes. They may be lonely, separated from friends and family. They are afraid to eat inside at a restaurant or go to a movie yet. And traveling anywhere is almost out of the question.

Most importantly, many are wondering if we can conquer this virus before they run out of time to do the things they have worked so hard to be able to do.

How did it get to this point? It got to this because too many of our fellow Americans decline to act as good citizens and do what their parents and grandparents have done for them: wear a mask when appropriate, get tested when you have symptoms, and – most importantly – get vaccinated immediately. Is that really too much to ask?

Dave Burlingame
Bristol

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