Old People

     I was always raised to believe that older equals wiser. I mean they say it all the time: older and wiser. Why would I not believe this to be true? But it's not. It started with the news people telling us during the last heat wave to "watch your elderly." Huh? Watch them do what? But apparently when one gets to a certain age, one forgets how to push the 'on' button of one's air conditioner. Or fan. Or whatever cooling methods one's house is equipped with. Really?
  
   Now, before you get all upset about what I'm going to say here, let me clarify. I'm not talking about low income elderly or otherwise disabled elderly who actually do not have air conditioning or cannot afford to run it. These people should be helped, and there are places they should be able to go. No, I'm talking about financially secure, perfectly sane people who refuse to turn on the air. I've heard a few reasons why, and will tell you why they aren't good ones. 1. "I get cold!" Hey, right next to that 'on' button is an 'off' button. Don't die of heat stroke because you're afraid of being a bit chilly. Set the thermostat accordingly. Wear something. It will be OK. 2. "I'm afraid of blowing a fuse." Mind you, this is  from a woman who unplugs the clocks because she read about the energy vampires that might raise that $12 electric bill. You don't have fuses, you have breakers. And hey! Go ahead and blow one! Call the electrician. They will come and fix it for you. And you have somebody to talk to for a few hours while they do. It will be OK.  3. "If you stay in air conditioning all day, then when you go outside the heat will get you!" You are a retired widow. Where do you need to go in hundred degree weather besides your air conditioned car? And by that logic, shouldn't we keep the heat off in the winter just so you won't freeze to death if you need to go outside then? Turn on the air and be cool. Stay inside for a few days. It will be OK.
   
      My other old people concern is the scam where a "grandchild" calls or emails, saying they are traveling abroad, have run into some trouble, need bailed out. Can you wire me some money, Grandma without telling my parents? I don't want them mad at me! OK, first of all, if you aren't close enough with your grandchildren to know if they are really traveling abroad, you aren't close enough with them to give them money! And second, what kind of devious person would bypass their own children to sneak money to a grandchild without them knowing? You should be ashamed of yourself if you have fallen for this scam! Talk to your children! Don't give their children money without permission! Wow, these elderly really do need to be watched!
   
      This all did make for a good teachable moment, though. The 23 year old smart ass at work was being really nice to me (40 something) and my work neighbor (50 something) all week. Are we feeling all right, is the fan hitting us ok, do we need anything to drink, would we like a popsicle? Finally I asked what his deal was, and he said "Well, they said on the news to watch your elderly. Just wanna make sure you guys are all right." I don't care what you say about this younger generation. They are good kids.