you have worked all your life, from 15 years old, til now, 70. You’ve been independent, successful in business and life. Founded your own business, made a good living and supported your wife and four kids. Your bank account is full of money, your investment portfolio is doing well. You live in a beautiful house and now it is an empty nest, all the kids have grown up, married and moved out. You and your wife are enjoying your lives, going on trips, visiting the grandkids in their homes, relaxing, gardening, finally having the time to pursue hobbies you didn’t have time for because the business got in the way and daily life was so hectic. You love your life.
But then it all changed. Life has a habit of doing that. Your wife, who is younger than you, in fact just a couple of years older than your oldest child, (a fact that his male friends are very envious of), died suddenly and unexpectedly, and left you alone. Naturally, you are devastated. She was wife #3, and after two failed marriages the soul mate you were always looking for and finally found, but now gone.
The house now is too big and you find yourself wandering around from room to room, as if looking for her. You find yourself crying at the most inconvenient times, not when you are alone, which is most of time now, but when your friends, neighbors and family stop by to check up on you. It embarrasses you to appear so weak.
‘The years go by and you are loney, and becoming frail. You can’t do the things you used to do. You get into a fender bender in the parking lot of the grocery store , and with pressure from your kids you voluntarily surrender your driver’s licens. Now you feel even more isolated and you definitely feel old. A couple of trip and falls occur, and trips to the hospital by ambulance occurs, nothing life threatening, but it is raising concerns with your children, and their suggestions to move in with one of them or a retirement home is met with hostility and refusal. You want to live in your own home. You don’t want to be a bother to your children, they have their own lives to live. And you don’t want to have them bathe you or help you go to the toilet or wipe your butt. And you aren’t old, you don’t want to be warehoused in a old age home with old people. You will be neglected and not visited, you will wither away and die. The last straw was a hospital stay because of covid, and when you are finally released from there you are taken to an acute care facility because your doctors won’t release you to your house because you live alone. You’ve tried having roommates but that hasn’t worked out.
Finally, you listened to your children and agreed to move into an assisted care facility. You really aren’t happy, but what can you do? At first, you stay in your room, not venturing out to the dining room, having your food brought to you. You don’t go into the recreation room and socialize. But slowly you relent, and go to the dining room to eat, and meet some of the people. They aren’t that bad, a little old, but most of them are women are sweet. You love being surrounded by women, and you have always enjoyed their company. It turns out most retirement homes have a population of 80% female and 20% male. Maybe you have landed in heaven! Next you start going to the exercise room, next to go play bingo, win presents to give to your children. Friends are made with most of the ladies, and you find that most of your time is in the company of one really sweet lady, until you find out she is considered your girlfriend. Actually, you are happy about that. You are now 89 years old, and she is 92, but she brags that she is 101. There is no sex involved, just romantic friendship, which takes the pressure off, as you are experiencing E.D. but still want female companionship. So this is good. You are loving your new life. You look forward to the morning breakfast, and bingo. You are now the caller, and voted in as king of the facility. Your girlfriend is voted queen. Maybe getting old isn’t all that bad after all.
About the Creator
Guy lynn
born and raised in Southern Rhodesia, a British colony in Southern CentralAfrica.I lived in South Africa during the 1970’s, on the south coast,Natal .Emigrated to the U.S.A. In 1980, specifically The San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts6 days ago in Longevity
Mapped: Global Inflation by Country in 2025
As the world enters 2025, inflation remains a pressing concern, reshaping economies, influencing policymaking, and affecting the daily lives of millions. From soaring grocery bills to rising energy costs, global inflation continues to be a topic of intense scrutiny. Mapping inflation by country provides a revealing snapshot of the economic health of nations and highlights the uneven impact of monetary and fiscal policies worldwide. A Patchwork of Inflation Rates Inflation is far from uniform. While some countries are experiencing moderate price increases, others face alarming surges that threaten economic stability. According to recent global data, the highest inflation rates in 2025 are concentrated in countries grappling with political instability, currency devaluation, or supply chain disruptions. For instance, several emerging markets in Africa and South America report inflation exceeding 50%, reflecting deep structural challenges. Conversely, advanced economies like the United States, the Eurozone, and Japan have managed to keep inflation relatively contained, typically within the 2–4% range. Central banks in these regions continue to employ monetary tools, such as interest rate adjustments and quantitative easing measures, to balance growth with price stability. Yet even here, consumers notice subtle shifts in daily costs—from housing to transport—demonstrating that even moderate inflation has tangible effects. Drivers of Global Inflation in 2025 Several key factors have driven inflation patterns this year. One major contributor is energy prices. The global energy market has been volatile, with oil, gas, and renewable energy infrastructure costs impacting both production and household expenses. Countries heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly in Asia and Europe, have felt these effects acutely. Supply chain disruptions also play a role. While pandemic-related bottlenecks have eased compared to recent years, geopolitical tensions—such as conflicts in Eastern Europe and trade disputes in Asia—continue to create uncertainty. Industries from electronics to food production face challenges in sourcing materials, which in turn drives up prices for consumers. Currency fluctuations are another significant factor. Countries experiencing rapid depreciation of their national currencies see imported goods become more expensive, fueling domestic inflation. Venezuela and Zimbabwe remain extreme examples, where currency crises exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis. Regional Patterns and Surprises Mapping global inflation reveals intriguing regional trends. Latin America continues to experience high inflation, with countries like Argentina and Brazil witnessing double-digit increases due to fiscal deficits and volatile currencies. In contrast, neighboring Chile and Peru maintain relatively stable prices, reflecting stronger monetary frameworks and proactive policy responses. In Africa, inflation hotspots such as Nigeria and Sudan reflect both political instability and rising food costs, while South Africa and Kenya maintain moderate inflation thanks to more effective economic management. Asia presents a mixed picture: India and China have seen manageable inflation, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka confront higher rates due to energy and currency pressures. Europe largely benefits from coordinated policy responses through the European Central Bank and other regional mechanisms, though Eastern European nations face elevated costs due to energy dependence and geopolitical risks. North America remains relatively stable, but the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to weigh inflation control against potential economic slowdown. Implications for Policy and Consumers Global inflation data has profound implications for policymakers. Central banks must balance the need to curb inflation without triggering a recession, often requiring a careful mix of interest rate adjustments, monetary tightening, and stimulus measures. Fiscal policies, including taxation and government spending, also play a crucial role in influencing price levels. For consumers, inflation impacts purchasing power, savings, and lifestyle choices. High inflation erodes income, making essentials like food, housing, and healthcare less affordable. Countries with persistent inflation may also experience social unrest as citizens react to declining living standards. The Path Ahead The 2025 global inflation map underscores the importance of understanding both macroeconomic trends and local contexts. While advanced economies leverage sophisticated monetary tools, developing nations remain vulnerable to external shocks and internal inefficiencies. Economists argue that long-term solutions require structural reforms, improved governance, and diversified economies to withstand price pressures. As the year progresses, monitoring inflation by country provides valuable insight into global economic health. While challenges remain, data-driven strategies offer hope for stabilizing prices and ensuring that economies can grow without imposing unbearable burdens on citizens. In a world of interconnected markets, no nation is immune from the ripple effects of global inflation. By mapping these trends, policymakers, investors, and consumers gain a clearer understanding of where the risks lie—and how to respond to them effectively.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 5 days ago in Longevity
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