4 ms·

> Eh, the increase in people on disability may suggest something else: We are better at keeping people alive in the face of things that previously would have ki

by Camillo 11y ago

> Eh, the increase in people on disability may suggest something else: We are better at keeping people alive in the face of things that previously would have killed them, but that doesn't mean we are necessarily able to keep them able-bodied or restore full functioning. That's a possibility, but it doesn't seem the most likely to me. The article only treats disability as significant for older people (55-64), but just by eyeballing the three charts, and considering the different scales, it seems to me that it's just as significant across the board. I'd venture to guess that a lot of this is due to changes in eligibility decisions. I think there has been an increase in diagnoses of psychiatric disabilities in working-age people, for instance. I don't think you would receive dismissive criticism for your choices, btw. There is something to criticize about the idea of someone choosing not to look for a normal job while getting alimony, but it can be a rational choice on the person's part. I think it's the laws that should be criticized, not the individuals.

Mz 11y ago
Oh, well, I am significantly impaired but do not qualify for disability. A normal job is a big problem for me. I left a corporate job because of my impairment. My job was an obstacle to getting healthier. I do feel fortunate to have alimony and therefore the privilege of choice to some degree, though it certainly isn't enough for a middle class lifestyle. I base my comment in part on the fact that people are living longer and the longer you live, the more likely you are to have cancer, as just one example off the top of my head. I have several relatives who habe had cancer more than once, one of whom may have to take early retirement on disability because of the long history of repeated cancer diagnoses. This individual is extremely competent and lived with a 15% chance of survival in part by doing things like flying to another state for the best care and being patient zero in a cutting edge study. Nonethless, multiple surgeries and years of chemo and radiation have taken their toll.

by Camillo 11y ago

Mz 11y ago

Oh, well, I am significantly impaired but do not qualify for disability. A normal job is a big problem for me. I left a corporate job because of my impairment. My job was an obstacle to getting healthier. I do feel fortunate to have alimony and therefore the privilege of choice to some degree, though it certainly isn't enough for a middle class lifestyle. I base my comment in part on the fact that people are living longer and the longer you live, the more likely you are to have cancer, as just one example off the top of my head. I have several relatives who habe had cancer more than once, one of whom may have to take early retirement on disability because of the long history of repeated cancer diagnoses. This individual is extremely competent and lived with a 15% chance of survival in part by doing things like flying to another state for the best care and being patient zero in a cutting edge study. Nonethless, multiple surgeries and years of chemo and radiation have taken their toll.