[joseph_grobbles]

Would you rather they just disappear and die?

When people's dogs become older and inconvenient it is common for people to rationalize putting them "down" under the notion that it's some great benevolent act, instead of a selfish one. "Oh he couldn't jump on the bed any more so it was time to put him down". It's gross, but you nod and smile and pretend like they're being rational.

Similarly, many people want older people to disappear, and this is often masked in some benevolent "it's because I care so much" nonsense. People who want the elderly to disappear into some home somewhere where they can be sedated until they die. They can't jump up on the bed anymore, you see, so it's for the best. e.g. "I just want you to enjoy your retirement...best time of life...disappear"

A lot of older people want purpose in their life. They want to work. Particularly in Japan where there is an incredible pride and life purpose behind contributing and plying ones skills. I went down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos feature hole in the wall restaurants in Japan, and it was amazing how often it was quite elderly owners who would show up early and run the show, and it was clear they loved having it in their life.

[tokai]

What an insulting non sequitur.

"Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith."

[wrycoder]

I don’t think it was meant that way, at all.

I read the posts in order, and the conversation seemed natural and civil.

[tokai]

I have no idea how you can see it as civil. Joseph puts up a false dichotomy where not working as an elderly is to "disappear and die". Then some general notion of people wanting old people to disappeared is tilled at. Non of that has anything to do with Crimp's post, and is grossly missing the point of their comment.

[tough]

I vouched because I agree.

My grandparent is 70. Cooking is what keeps him alive