In this age of gentle euphemisms and “snowflakes” it is no doubt horrifying to label those over 80 as “crones.” I take the liberty since I approach that threshold myself and know many people beyond it. That has required a personal survey of the future, filled with visions of self-decline, home care, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice, and so on.
The most striking thing about the whole slide of age is the common agreement of a decline to “second childhood.” With good intentions, the elderly are fed, cheered up, kept active, pushed to stay curious and socially engaged. Treated, in fact, as if they were elementary school students gradually regressing through kindergarten and preschool. Even using some of the same tools (arts and crafts) and techniques (group singing.)
That is wrong.
Children are being socialized, taught how to survive in their culture, with expanding horizons of mind and body. A child sitting alone in a corner is a problem to be dealt with. An old person in the same situation may be quite content.
Crones have a lot to remember. They enjoy the luxury of being still and relaxed within tiring bodies. They have slow and gentle needs, when modern medicine does not intrude. They have already gone through civilized culture and are mostly happy to just watch it from now on. People in a different stage of life.
Not children. Not to be treated as such.
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 