Senior to Senior: Wear a Mask

Why bother to wear a mask, nobody else seems to be doing it. The new “relaxed restrictions” make you feel safer, but are you? As a senior, the chances are pretty good that you already have one, two, or even more medical conditions waiting to do you in; do you want to add one more? Seniors are better about wearing masks than most, but you still see quite a few gathering with family and friends without taking this tiny little precaution. We should be better than this. It’s hard to accept, but you are one of the elders, the wise ones, now. In years gone by seniors were looked up, today not so much. Seniors have become so obsessed with trying to look and act younger that they have lost the respect that made them important in the first place. Still, at some point we all have to admit that, healthy or not, we have become “vulnerable adults.” People are dying out there; it is time for seniors to step up. Think how good it will make you feel to know that you are doing something to protect children and “other” vulnerable adults. You can do something that we all know will slow the spread of the virus that is threatening us all. It’s a big responsibility isn’t it? Wearing a face mask whenever you cannot maintain a six-foot separation is a good idea. Masks are recommended because the virus can be spread by people who don’t exhibit symptoms of illness. In other words, you don’t know if you are a carrier or not. You may feel safe visiting within your own circle of friends and family but are you sure? Wearing a mask isn’t mandated but would you want to infect a dear friend, a parent, or a child, by inviting them into your inner circle? Wear a mask. Make it fun. If you sew or know someone who sews, you can make or have one made that matches your personality or your favorite outfit. Set an example. Make a statement. Show that you care.