3 ms·

This is a complete generalisation and massive over-simplification of events, but I have on occasion thought to myself if we asked grandparents if they'd rather

by 22c 3y ago

This is a complete generalisation and massive over-simplification of events, but I have on occasion thought to myself if we asked grandparents if they'd rather live 6 months longer but not be able to see any of their grandchildren for a year, what they'd honestly pick. I'm sure many would rather see their grandchildren for the risk of dying a little sooner (and probably many already do this today). There are also plenty of people around the world who would rather live at home as long as they can even though they'd likely live much longer if they were transferred to a nursing home. For better or worse, during government mandated lockdowns, these same kinds of decisions were essentially stripped from the individual. How far would people be willing to go in order to maximise their "years alive" (or minimise the risk of premature deaths)? Would you be willing to live in a bubble for the rest of your life? If you were willing to live in a bubble for the rest of your life, would you expect your government to pressure others to do the same? Clearly there is a middle ground for most reasonable individuals. I am not convinced that governments found that middle ground (or put any real effort in doing so).

jjgreen 3y ago
Astute. Perspectives change for those nearing the end of life of course: "it's only a year" means something different when you've only a couple left. I thought that the cruelest aspect of the lockdowns was their application to those with dementia. One day you're in a room with the other residents, watching some rubbish on the TV, occasional visits from people who claim to be your children (though you don't recognise them), life's not too bad. The next you're isolated and alone in a room, no human contact except the occasional person in a mask who brings food, and you can't work out what you've done wrong to deserve this punishment. For month after month. Those faces pressed against the windows of nursing homes still haunt me.

by 22c 3y ago

jjgreen 3y ago

Astute. Perspectives change for those nearing the end of life of course: "it's only a year" means something different when you've only a couple left. I thought that the cruelest aspect of the lockdowns was their application to those with dementia. One day you're in a room with the other residents, watching some rubbish on the TV, occasional visits from people who claim to be your children (though you don't recognise them), life's not too bad. The next you're isolated and alone in a room, no human contact except the occasional person in a mask who brings food, and you can't work out what you've done wrong to deserve this punishment. For month after month. Those faces pressed against the windows of nursing homes still haunt me.