dilettante
Well-known Member
- Location
- Michigan
Obviously not overall, since in many cases injuries, illnesses, and the hard facts of aging can play a common role.
But I was listening to a piece on the ascending ages of politicians in high positions in many countries. When discussing adding upper upper age limits in addition to existing lower age requirements for individual offices, there was some discussion of the wide variability from person to person.
This wasn't about sorting the feebs from the deeps, since campaigns and elections have that role. Instead it was about reaching the point where one becomes to feeble for the job.
Setting politicians aside, I came away curious about myself.
How much about maintaining cognitive ability and clarity is an ongoing burden, even if it isn't a conscious one for a long time?
Could there be a point where the cost becomes first noticeable, then later too much? Do people decide to drop the burden for comfort, like giving in to physical changes and mounting difficulty? Sort of like giving up certain activities. Maybe walking instead of running any more? Avoiding working up on ladders? Giving up tasty items from our menus for health reasons?
At some point does the retired rocket scientist stop reading papers and accepting speaking engagements to sit and play Bingo and look at cat pictures?
Do you think some people do this? "I'm too weary," and just let it go?
But I was listening to a piece on the ascending ages of politicians in high positions in many countries. When discussing adding upper upper age limits in addition to existing lower age requirements for individual offices, there was some discussion of the wide variability from person to person.
This wasn't about sorting the feebs from the deeps, since campaigns and elections have that role. Instead it was about reaching the point where one becomes to feeble for the job.
Setting politicians aside, I came away curious about myself.
How much about maintaining cognitive ability and clarity is an ongoing burden, even if it isn't a conscious one for a long time?
Could there be a point where the cost becomes first noticeable, then later too much? Do people decide to drop the burden for comfort, like giving in to physical changes and mounting difficulty? Sort of like giving up certain activities. Maybe walking instead of running any more? Avoiding working up on ladders? Giving up tasty items from our menus for health reasons?
At some point does the retired rocket scientist stop reading papers and accepting speaking engagements to sit and play Bingo and look at cat pictures?
Do you think some people do this? "I'm too weary," and just let it go?
Rather like women who watch nothing but reality Kardashians 
