Why do old people count their diseases and types of medication to others like they're something to be envied??

Question

Why do old people count their diseases and types of medication to others like they're something to be envied??

Answer 1

Perhaps it is because, it becomes a major part of their lives, as their bodies begin to fail them.  I don't believe they think it's something to be envied, but it is something they have in common with one and other.

You'll be old one day with any luck, I hope you are more tolerant then.

Answer 2

Maybe that's the only thing they have to talk about because they don't have to go to work or anything.

Answer 3

In some ways medical care is a great adventure, like going water skiing or climbing a mountain.  It costs a lot and if you are the one involved you might as well get some enjoyment out of it.  If you had a heart transplant or bypass surgery or survived some dire disease like cancer, wouldn't you feel like you had a tale to tell?  

In some ways if you can't be a hero for stuff you did, why not be a hero for the diseases you have faced?  

Answer 4

I am sort-of an old person, I was born in 1945.

I don't talk about diseases or medicine because, currently at least, I have neither, but I notice that a lot of people my age and older do.

A lot of this is announcing that YOU STILL EXIST in the world.Women especially seem invisible once they hit 50. If you are single, you are regarded as non-existent unless someone wants babysitting, money or consolation.If you show an interest in Barack Obama or who won the pole vault in the Olympics, some younger people look at you as if a dog has started to talk, it is so unexpected. If you appear lonely - and a lot of us baby boomers are - you are encouraged to go to the local pokies, senior citizens' centre or bowling club - where you will be annoyed by people ranting about diseases and medicine - which is where I came in.

When your life revolves around the limits imposed by arthritis, then that is what you talk about.

Speaking personally, I LIKE talking about anything but!