It was astutely pointed out to me by a reader recently that in debates about the new healthcare law in the US, participants in the program are commonly referred to as young and healthy, or old and sick; the idea being that the young and healthy need to subsidize the old and sick to ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Aside from political expediency to talk about big ideas in short sound bites, the assumption that old equates with sick is a stereotype that should not be accepted into the common psyche, or by any of us.
We often live out what we expect. So, it’s important not to accept a condition we don’t want to live out.
I know lots of people in mature years that are healthy and well. It is not a given that more birthdays equates with sickness. Far from it!
Yes, it does seem from outward appraisal that people in senior years tend to have more health issues than youngsters. But there is no law that says it has to stay that way, or that another person’s experience has to be our experience.
Paul commanded, “Come out and be separate!” Healthcare is so frequently and vehemently debated in the public arena these days that it is vital to not be naïve about stereotypes hammered into public consciousness that negatively characterize you and me.
Rise up and rebel! We are not either young and healthy or old and sick. We are immortal children of God, divinely endowed with the capacity to stay healthy regardless of how many years mortal mind identifies us with.
We are ageless spiritual beings. And healthy ones too!
“Life is eternal. We should find this out, and begin the demonstration thereof. Life and goodness are immortal. Let us then shape our views of existence into loveliness, freshness, and continuity, rather than into age and blight.” ~Mary Baker Eddy
Thanks for that great reminder! We must every day declare that we express youth, vitality, etc. Vicki
I’m glad you pointed this out! I have to tell you about my mother-in-law who is not a Christian Scientist or maybe not just one who studies it. She celebrated her 100th birthday in January. She takes no medicine. She used to take blood pressure pills, but decided a number of years ago that she didn’t need them and stopped taking them. She eats whatever she likes–although not in huge quantities (she is a little lady).
Her doctor said once that he hoped what she had could rub off on him! He was surprised that she had stopped all meds and was thriving. I would say she has been honest, hardworking, willing to help anyone in need that she could, with strict morals, and filled with common sense. Qualities that are ageless!
That’s inspiring about your mother-in-law, Anonymous! Thanks for sharing. And thank you, Evan, for that crucial reminder on handling the claims of youth and age, not only in general belief but in regards to the health care debate… a vitally important issue!