An Uncomfortable Reality
05/05/2020
As Boomers, we might very well be conflicted about reopening the country after what, for most of us, has been two months or less of staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Those of us who have been conscientious about self-isolation have probably figured out how to cope with a new way of carrying on our daily lives. Maybe it has involved lots more online ordering and grocery delivery, lots less face-to-face contact with family and friends, and lots of fun or frustration dealing with digital technologies such as Zoom.
No doubt we're feeling like we want to get back to something resembling "normal" behavior, especially with the advent of spring and summer weather. But I'm guessing you're cautiously optimistic, if not downright anxious, about what "reopening" will mean. You are not alone: A recent PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll shows a large majority of Americans are concerned about it. Check out the results of the poll below:
Clearly, we are all facing an uncomfortable reality. Thankfully, Boomers are wise enough to know that most choices in life have a risk/reward ratio associated with them. But this choice is a particularly difficult one: How long should we or can we cloister ourselves away, vs. when are we ready to take some risks and jump back into the stream of everyday life?
The decision may be more obvious for some of us than for others. For example, if you have health conditions that may compromise your immunity, or you take care of an elderly parent, you are far more likely to adopt a very conservative approach to reentry. If, on the other hand, you need to return to work and you cannot work from home, you may very well believe the reward is greater than the risk.
This is one of those times when no one has an easy answer. The decision will, in fact, be very different for everyone. Hopefully, each of us will make the right one.
HappilyRewired.com is a Top 75 Baby Boomer Blog.
Image: PBS NewHour
Check out the new book featuring 156 best and worst brands of the 50s and 60s!
Comments