Letter to the Editor format

To the Editor:

David Brooks and Ezekiel J. Emanuel, whose article in The Atlantic about not wanting to live past 75 he cites, philosophize about health and attitudes, but their approach through averages shows insensitivity to individuals who vary in so many ways.

Dr. Emanuel suggests that people over 75 will have little or no purpose so they should expend no effort to live longer. I am over 75 and still very much have purpose. Perhaps he is trying to hold down the national cost of health care.

Mr. Brooks suggests that elders have more empathy, knowledge and maybe wisdom. Yes, some, but many do not. Surely he has seen the stubbornness, the surviving hatred and the loss of perspective that too often accompanies old age, not to mention of those in need, physically, emotionally and financially.

I am pleased to be among those smiling, but I feel lucky, not typical. I wish these able observers had shown more sensitivity in their writing about older people.

DAVID SCHENKER
Evanston, Ill., Dec. 5, 2014