Senior Sex Toys was one of the many ideas I had for this week’s column. Aren’t we all tired of Covid 19 and its grizzly counts? No one is counting deaths by cancer (606,520 in 2019) or deaths by cardiovascular disease (677,200 in 2019) which, in each case, is five times the number of American lives we lost in Vietnam over the entire war – not just annually.
Let’s focus on good news and gratitude. We are so lucky that we can still walk, run or bike on our streets. After 60 plus days, Spain is now allowing its citizens to go outside for exercise (not just to the grocery store). Adults may exercise from 6:00am to 10am, seniors from 800am to 10am and children 10:00am to 3:00pm with one adult supervising.
We’ve all praised our fron-line medical personnel, fire fighters and police. How fabulous is it that we live in a country that has top medical workers, facilities and scientists. All putting egos aside to find a cure or vaccine!
Let’s raise our voices in gratitude because we have soap and running water in our homes. We can wash our hands at will with the pull of a handle. Hand washing is THE largest preventer of most infectious diseases, including Covid 19. Almost 50% of the population in third world countries do not have running water or soap. Stories abound of how one “tub” of water takes care of bathing, cooking and cleaning.
There is no traffic! Drive to the Redlands or, if you live south, drive to North Miami. Experience I-95 as an interstate, not a parking lot! One couple I know has explored Miami and its neighborhoods. Last week’s ride was Wynwood, Liberty City up to 163rd then east to Biscayne Boulevard (there’s a drive through Starbucks on 135th) and home to Key Biscayne using Biscayne, Brickell and South Miami Avenue.
Here’s the best part of all – we live in the United States! Yes, turbulent times are inevitable, but crisis is also an opportunity. Until this pandemic baby boomers and the following generations have never had their freedom curtailed. It turns out life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is not to be taken for granted.
Our Greatest Generation knows that better than anyone. Many US soldiers fought and gave their lives for our way of life, and the freedom we have to pursue happiness. Now we are faced with the reality that there must be sacrifices to have that privilege. And, as many of our seniors know, this uncertain time will pass and we come out stronger on the other side.
I do miss hugs and kisses. I miss being physically closer to my friends and family! The “bright side” of cancer and cardiovascular disease is that hugs, kisses and hospital visits are allowed. And . . . so are senior sex toys!