Can people out live their use?

Do you think people can out live their use? Thoughts, discuss.

 

The way conventional society is set up? Absolutely. Just about the time that they get warehoused into 'homes' where people who don't care about them, do a shitty job of keeping them alive until they rot in their beds....

Should they be able to? No...

Aging is a part of the cycle of life and we need to get back to where all segments of society from young to old are welcomed back in fully, each in their own roles...

As you age and your body is no longer able to do the physical, you should be sharing what you know and have learned with the youngest generation.

 

What do you mean by their "use"?

 

Having something, anything, to offer that creates some sort of impact on society or those around them I guess.

Like Tom's example;

Finding something to offer despite whatever one's age and ability is.

 

This depends entirely on whether you mean by "use". Their use to other people? Use to themselves? Purpose?

The first thing that came to mind was dementia I've known people with Alzheimers who didn't know their own names most of the time and spent their lives in a state of confusion, fear or delusion, completely dependent on others. They certainly couldn't be useful, either to themselves or anyone else, and their quality of life was very low. I think "outliving their use" makes it sound incredibly harsh, but I think people who don't have a grip on their minds or reality are the closest to what you might be talking about.

Even those who are physically worn out or impaired can make useful conversation or be someone's comfort, support or joy, and they stand a chance at some quality of life.

 

I don't really think people are here to serve some kind of use, therefore its impossible to outlive one's use.

The point of life is just to be, and everyone, no matter the age, is capable of that.

 

By that argument we can do away with most humans regadless of age.

 

Take me as an example. I have imparted my knowledge of my trade to my sons and they have taken over our company. Out of many companies on Angie's List--2 have won an award here recently.One company has been here 40 years and ours about 5. I taught them well,I think. I can no longer rip and tear like I did when I was young, so I haven't been working with them much lately. I have my little niche, but roofing is a young man's game,really. So,perhaps I have outlived my usefullness. I do what I can do ,but inevitably--I'm aging and becoming less usefull to them. So what should be done with me? Am I now a burden that should be ignored or wherehoused soon?

 

If anyone tries to warehouse you man, run away and come on up...

 

Thanks brother. I do have some pills set aside for when the 1st time somebody has to change a diaper!!

 

Meh, we have a water hose... lol

 

Take your money and travel the world my friend! I see it more as - you paid your dues, raised your boys into hard working men, preserved the honor in your family. You've ''given'' alot, not it's time for you to ''take'' a bit!

 

Actually, that is a good point though.

A person can make the decision for themselves, if and when they have outlived their usefulness. Of course, that goes for any age.

I would hope though, that those who truly have knowledge and experiences to share, stick around to share them as along as possible.

Personally, I flip between wanting to stay around til I'm a shriveled old man of 293, cranky and mean as hell... except to kids, whom I will tell stories to about the good old days... (while stoned of course.... err.. me, not the kids...) and thinking I'll go fight a bear when I think I may lose mobility soon.

 

I can see it --hang the old man in a tree and hose him down.

I just had a cousin die. He had alzheimers and didn't know anyone or anything. Pretty much useless, but you have to hand it to people that take care of these folks in a loving manner. I think some other societies consider their aged as more important than ours. We are living in a throwaway society,so I guess it's not much differant with an old person than throwing away an old phone or computer.

 

Thanks ,shivaya. It's all a man can do ,really. I'm proud of them and they'll take care of me,I'm sure.

 

Most folks who outlive their usefulness choose to do so- by not taking advantage of what they could have going for them when physical abilities diminish. It seems that around here, the aged are looked on as disposable... and too many willingly adopt that.

 

Most outlive their usefulness by getting jobs and becoming a part of the "system" = brain death

 

I plan on taking my own life at the height of my powers. I want death to be the timely culmination of my efforts. Willed, and cheerful. A retiring on top.

 

I'm sorry, but I think that is an inhuman question.

people should not be judged for their use, like some sort of android,
but valued and respected as sentient beings capable of love and
deserving of human rights.

the question seems to imply that if someone is no longer useful
they can go on the scrap heap. how would they feel about that?

I know how I would feel.

I find it a shocking idea.

 

I was born to knock shoemaker levy 9 into Jupiter. But gravity took care of it, and I've sort of been coasting since '94.