I'm No Longer Middle Aged But Still Can't See

I heard a news item this morning about a current diabetes medication that could enable humans to live to 120 years of age. Clinical trials will begin in the U.S. next winter.

In keeping with this blog's only promise, prepare yourself for total honesty. Here it comes.

My first thought was: Where are the drugs to fix optic nerves??? I don't wanna live to 120 if I can't see properly.

From somewhere deep in my psyche, my next immediate thought: After cancer and all the other terrible diseases, of course. See, Mom, you did raise me right. And since cancer took you from me there is no greater enemy. Not even visual impairment.

Taking away the emotion, I'm left to wonder why we are working to extend life expectancy when there are so many people who pass away before they have had the chance to live a long life?

I don't follow politics the way I should nor do I know the protocol and prioritization of medical research. What I do know is people we all love die way before their time. Let's get everybody to their 80s before we worry about 120.

And if by some freak laboratory mix-up we cure optic neuropathy along the way, I will see you not hearing me complain.