In 1957 I didn’t think 48 was young, HA
Think about this
When I enlisted in USN in 1956 it was 40 yrs since start of WWI and the WWI vets were considered ‘fossils’ as the youngest of them were around 60.
My first out of country excursion was in Aug 57-58 during the ASIANFLU pandemic and WE sailed off to ASIA on schedule, living OUR lives without masks, and all this crap they are foisting on us now.
OH, until I recently heard about our 1957/58 journey, I hadn’t remembered the ‘problem’. Guess when one lives through TB, Polio, mumps, measles etal a little FLU is nil.
So, that makes about 65 yrs since I joined and Vietnam ended about 45 yrs ago, so-in essence, so guess I/we have passed fossils and are creeping up on dirt.
BTW, I did NOT hide in the attic/basement as instructed, went on with normal routine/schedule (with some modification) have done no excessive coughing/sneezing/nose running etc,
According to the ‘experts’ I am dead.
OTOH, I was never a hugger or hand shaker so this (so called) social distancing falls right into my ‘trap’.
Never had to stop work as my main ‘jobs’ consist of bulk food, medical & financial deliveries/pickups.
Enlisted in ‘56 — born maybe ‘38? That’s about halfway between my Dad’s birth (’24) and mine (’51). I didn’t have the military experience.
You point about perspective is exactly right — TB, Polio, mumps, measles, whooping cough. I’m doing my family tree research now and find LOTS of kids died before their second birthday. Then some in 18 - 25 killed in wars. After that, most made it to their mid 60s, lots in their 70s and 80s, and a few to 100.
I haven’t changed my routine much. Still been going on hikes since the first lock-down in March so keeping up with exercise and getting lots of Vitamin D in the sun. Have gone to all the stores that were open to buy parts for household repairs and improvements. Working on FINALLY completing my drip irrigation system right now.
Here’s to your health and long life!