Listening to the pandemic report the other day, I was taken aback by the report of Blacks having the ailment more so than other ethnic groups. I believe it is because the black people, most of the time, segregate themselves into one large area over another. Most of these areas you can call a food desert.
These areas are not only apartment housing but there are many single-family housings with minimal scattering of other ethnic groups. In this area, rarely will there be medical offices, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. Where these places are is far from the areas where people live. When there is an illness, transportation is required to transit the long distance.
Then there is that most young people, across all ethnic groups, rarely (if at all) read or listen to the daily news. They rather tweet or text others and maybe they may hear something that is going on, usually from someone much older. Ask a young person about a worldly event and the answer usually is that they haven’t heard anything about it. In this way, they knew of the pandemic much later than others. They could have been a carrier or have the full-blown virus and never knew it was possible or what was happening to them.
Young people love to party and take chances. They normally say that it’ll never happen to them or they are careful and there is nothing to worry about. The President would not demand a national wearing of face masks but, instead, left it to the individual states to impose the law. When the states imposed the law most young people disregarded the order. When the states demanded social distancing among all people and establishments, most young people didn’t do it.
I’ll give you an example about what I am talking about. I had to go out (one of the very few times I ventured out) to make a quick pick-up. In the store I noticed a Latino couple with three kids. They didn’t have a face mask and the kids were loudly running and playing all over the store. A couple of times the kids ran into me while they were playing. The parents did not say anything. At the check-out, two people were working, one had a mask and one did not. Neither had gloves. I noticed a few Blacks shopping, not a mask to be seen. Ironically, all of the White shoppers had masks.
The pandemic is hitting the Black population hard but, from what I have witnessed, most can blame it on lack of caring for themselves and others. They can be a part of the solution by trying to protect themselves and others. To do this, at least wear a mask (factory made or homemade) and practice social distancing. If we all work together, maybe we can beat this virus sooner than later and save a few lives. Young people, no matter what ethnic group they belong, can catch this virus and, at worst, die. Babies as well as adults, no matter the age or health, have also caught it. Be smart and live.
Retirement
Tag Archives: apartment
Senior Living
Well, the time is almost here for me to finalize the move to the luxury independent senior living apartment complex. It is less than a year old and abuts the Chesterpeak Bay/Atlantic Ocean. This is what I call living the high life. I have tried to tell others that there is always more than what you see. All it will take is looking around and the willingness to move from the comfort zone that a person have become used to, whether it is good or bad. Move up, never down. There is always something better than what a person have now (if it is not all ready fantastic).
As my friend and I smoke our cigars, watching the hawks constantly fly to and fro from their nest, we are anticipating the appearance of another bunch of baby hawks. Unfortunately, I will not be here to watch and take pictures again. One thing is for sure, the squirrel population will be kept at a low number. I have observed rats, squirrels and rabbits in their talons as they fly to the nest, feeding themselves and, if the eggs have hatched, the little ones. All I’ll see in Virginia Beach are sea birds, maybe a fish or two in their mouth. Oh well, change is good and exciting.
Somerby is moving right along with their moving into the job at hand. They still have a long way to go and I hope things come together soon. Although I have resigned from the Resident Council, I still get people questioning me about the things going on around here as well as personal problems they have about this facility. I listen and try to advise them, knowing they know I am leaving very soon. They will realize they have to go to the new person in charge when I am finally permanently gone, can’t be found wondering around this facility. As far as I know, my new place does not have a resident council and, if they form one, I will not be apart of it. Too much work, no pay.
As I have said, senior living is fun plus relaxation and the latitude to do what you want to do, when you want to do it, no pressure. I see some seniors trying to have fun but far too many do not and frown at those that do. They are the ones that constantly live in the past and want everyone around them to do the same. That is not me because, although I find time to sit and relax, I always look for something fun and exciting to do. The activities department at Imperial Plaza always provide a variety of adventures, on and off site, but few residents engage in the activities. I guess the old saying still stand true; you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. I see that most of these people are stuck in their same old ways and don’t want to change. God bless them and I wish them well. My wife and I are moving on, moving on up.
Seniors can live a relaxing fun filled life. All they have to do is want to do it and be willing to change. Change their way of life, possible location and thinking. Become more active and SMILE. Love life and life will love the senior until the end day. No one know when that day and time will come but until then, love life to the fullest.
Coco Cay, Bahamas
Senior Retirement
Like I have said, as well as many others, being retired is fun and, at the same time, exhausting, to most. Remember, us retirees worked our whole lives waiting to have the time and pleasure to go to do whatever we want to do. I know, many people say they are adults and can do whatever they want to do now. However, the reality is in the back of your mind that there is always the JOB. Vacation time is always too short and you always run out of time to do the things you don’t have time to do. I know this sound like the run-around but look at it seriously.
As a senior, money was put away in your youth, or should have been put away for the time that you can not work any longer or when you reach that retirement age (full or early). Social Security come in handy, which is taken out of the paycheck each and every pay period. Now you can do whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it and for however long you want or need to do it. It is up to you because you don’t have a clock to punch or a deadline to meet. This is your retirement and you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself and/or your spouse. You can dance the night away on a Wednesday night or go on a two week cruise while someone look after your house for you. You are the adult, the retiree, you do what you want to do.
Or you may do it the way my wife and I decided. Get rid of the house and move into a retirement community (like Imperial Plaza). It may be smaller and it is not yours but what you are giving up is small compared to what you gain. You gain the freedom to come and go as you please. You gain the freedom to stay on a trip as long as you please because everything is cared for, you just take care of the interior of your house or apartment (even there, you don’t have anything to do). You do not cut grass, remove snow, trim bushes, fix a leaky faucet, etc. You are a senior that is sitting back and relaxing. You think about how pleasant it is to be retired as you pick-up your umbrella garnished drink on a tropical beach somewhere.
My wife and I are always on the go and we simply love it. Our passports are up to date and the suitcases never gather dust. Week after next we will be on another cruise and so many other things are on the calendar for this year. So be like the retired me, be a good senior and enjoy the rest of your life because tomorrow is not promised. Also, don’t forget, being a senior does not mean you are limited as seniors were years ago. Accommodations are made for seniors, handicapped people and for people that fit both categories. There is no excuse not to get out there, enjoy life and spend the kids inheritance. You worked for it, they did not, and you may not get another chance to do the things you always dreamed about doing. There is a big beautiful world out there just for you to see, enjoy or just chill. Have Fun!!!
tega227 