Andy Rooney once said. “It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”

Now the nights out and the sporting events have been replaced by doctor’s visits and paperwork instead of vacations in the sun

A lifetime of fast food, limited exercise, and afternoons in a folding chair at a kid’s soccer game

Have been mentioned as contributors to the current problems by the doctor looking for possible factors to blame

A downward health spiral was noticed after being forced to submit to a jab with no long term study of cause and effect

In addition a younger life was ruled by internet addiction, poor diet and worse sleep habits that went for years unchecked

Then the crash diets started. The 38-inch waistband was really straining the top buttons

But the all you can eat buffets, the unlimited bread sticks and the c-store cappuccinos had turned a lot of people into sugar craving gluttons

Yet, work attendance had been top-notch. No sick days needed as you plowed through colds, hangovers, and muscle strains

Finally at 58 a doctor was consulted due to build up of previously ignored pains

The X-ray revealed a dot on the lungs, or the electrocardiogram found an irregular heartbeat, or a visit to the orthopedic surgeon revealed a need for a new hip

Any one of these causing the stress of medical bills to escalate at a rapid clip

Is the recommended doctor in network or not? How far is it to make the appointment?

And the look on the boss’s face having to cover your job is one of resentment

Knowing hours spent on hold trying to work out insurance details were appalling

Missing work, now on unpaid leave and dealing with a call center whose message advises you are 28th in line behind the others who were calling

Only to find the surgeon was in-network but the available radiologist and specialist were not

Eventually returning to work with a limited list of things you can do and most duties you cannot

While trying to think of a way to manage your new $400 a month prescription costs

As you lay awake in bed, seeing poorer golden years ahead as your rainy day fund quickly exhausts

Eventually due to age, prescription drugs and your mind going to mush, retirement starts to sound like a good idea

Besides the younger hires are coming for your job as an early retirement package might be the perfect panacea

So you sit on your front porch with your cat and your-what-might-have-been regrets

Not realizing in this rapidly crumbling world you’ve more than paid your debts