Gateway to Death

The “gateway to death” abruptly commenced at age 65 years, prompted by prior months of endless mail and e-mail from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicare “affiliates.” Even after enrollment in Medicare, the geriatric junk mail keeps on coming. But, that’s neither here or there.

In the book, “Natural Causes,” author Barbara Ehrenreich declares that she is “old enough to die.” While not professing to refuse all medical treatment, Ehrenreich has decided that many of the superfluous routine tests are not worth the time, effort, or inconvenience. The worst case scenario, one she wishes to avoid, is “overdiagnosis.” There is now much agreement here with Ehrenreich‘s stance.

There are two appointments scheduled, one dental and one medical, for this month. The appointments were deferred until then to incorporate the new Medicare coverage. All future appointments will be reduced to one medical and two dental per year. Eye examinations will remain at two per year. Any geriatric medical tests are subject to refusal.

Continuing observations of senior citizens has yielded the conclusion that their physical decrepitude, in general, will not be personally workable. A means to “check out” before extreme physical degradation occurs will be a priority.

Addendum: There are no visits with moms scheduled at this time. Also, the transition to a cheaper wireless plan has yet to be accomplished.