So the woman liked her solitude, so what? I think extroversion is overrated.
That being said, who knows, she may not have wanted to be so isolated. Maybe she felt like a discard. I think that our society devalues old people and places too much emphasis on youth.
"They sell us everything from youth to religion, at the same time they sell us our wars.” Jackson Browne, ‘Lives In The Balance’
I guess I did not take it as an editorial stating that being a recluse was bad.
Both neighbors, one being a widow, the other an elderly couple with one in a wheelchair, have my name and phone number if they need anything.
If I see them struggling with something on their property - I go help. I've lived on my property for over 10 years, and just found out the elderly couples name 3 weeks ago.
I think it was that we should be aware of what is going on around us, when we can, than a critical statement about how a person such as Ms. Perry made the choice to live.
Heck, I lived in a secluded beach house for several years leaving it only when I had to, and I enjoyed the solitude. :)
Well, I agree that the 'neighborhood watch' suggestion is part of the point of the editorial, but they did say:
"Had it not been for the violent manner of her death, she might have died alone as well."
...making the point that it is a bad thing that she was alone.
They also say:
"For many reasons, ranging from our computer-driven lives to the layout of our cities and our culture’s attitudes about aging, we live in a time of increasing isolation.
Our point: We should do whatever we can to discard that trend."
At least part of that paragraph referenced how old people are treated as discards in our society.
It sounds to me like the lady got out and about and was friendly with people. Perhaps she didn't feel like sharing the particulars of her personal life with people, such as being a widow, etc. I really don't see how any of this would have saved her. She only needed to know one phone number if a phone call were the thing that would have saved her life: 911.
So the woman liked her solitude, so what? I think extroversion is overrated.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, who knows, she may not have wanted to be so isolated. Maybe she felt like a discard. I think that our society devalues old people and places too much emphasis on youth.
"They sell us everything from youth to religion, at the same time they sell us our wars.”
Jackson Browne, ‘Lives In The Balance’
I guess I did not take it as an editorial stating that being a recluse was bad.
ReplyDeleteBoth neighbors, one being a widow, the other an elderly couple with one in a wheelchair, have my name and phone number if they need anything.
If I see them struggling with something on their property - I go help. I've lived on my property for over 10 years, and just found out the elderly couples name 3 weeks ago.
I think it was that we should be aware of what is going on around us, when we can, than a critical statement about how a person such as Ms. Perry made the choice to live.
Heck, I lived in a secluded beach house for several years leaving it only when I had to, and I enjoyed the solitude. :)
Well, I agree that the 'neighborhood watch' suggestion is part of the point of the editorial, but they did say:
ReplyDelete"Had it not been for the violent manner of her death, she might have died alone as well."
...making the point that it is a bad thing that she was alone.
They also say:
"For many reasons, ranging from our computer-driven lives to the layout of our cities and our culture’s attitudes about aging, we live in a time of increasing isolation.
Our point: We should do whatever we can to discard that trend."
At least part of that paragraph referenced how old people are treated as discards in our society.
It sounds to me like the lady got out and about and was friendly with people. Perhaps she didn't feel like sharing the particulars of her personal life with people, such as being a widow, etc. I really don't see how any of this would have saved her. She only needed to know one phone number if a phone call were the thing that would have saved her life: 911.
p.s. the secluded beach house sounds lovely...
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing...
ReplyDeleteI miss it sometimes :)