Why are older relatives so reticent to follow the guideline re: coughing into your sleeve?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

No, sorry, you learned how to use computers and iPads, you can learn this.

The computers and ipads do not require changing a rote muscle memory activity. Just ask them to wash their damned hands after they sneeze.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

No, sorry, you learned how to use computers and iPads, you can learn this.

The computers and ipads do not require changing a rote muscle memory activity. Just ask them to wash their damned hands after they sneeze.

You’re right. It requires something more. Y’all are just being stubborn for stubborn’s sake and it can kill people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

No, sorry, you learned how to use computers and iPads, you can learn this.

+1

BRAVO! YES!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

No, sorry, you learned how to use computers and iPads, you can learn this.

The computers and ipads do not require changing a rote muscle memory activity. Just ask them to wash their damned hands after they sneeze.

You’re right. It requires something more. Y’all are just being stubborn for stubborn’s sake and it can kill people.

+1
THIS is why old people suck, because they won't change their ways, and think they are always right - selfish and playing the old card. Young people are at risk, too - and we have families to raise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My mom (60) with a history of lung problems told me not to treat her like she’s senile and made sure to attend every possible store she could, planned to go to a work conference (it was cancelled thanks goodness), and went to her club meeting. If I’d did not think that before, now I am having my doubts about her cognitive abilities.

My parents went to the mall, out to dinner with friends, and are upset the concert they were going to has been canceled. ILs posted on FB that they went to dinner and a movie last night. Talking to my friends and a lot of their boomer parents seem to be downplaying this to the point of recklessness. WTF!

It's a thing. They're not following guidelines and it won't be real until they start getting hospitalized for this and seeing their friends die. Mine were out walking around the city (NY) yesterday, attending a wedding shower, and going out to dinner.

Just two pieces I read yesterday on this. I'm sure there are many more:

https://elemental.medium.com/how-to-snap-your-parents-out-of-their-coronavirus-denial-6bc0f24a9178

https://www.vogue.com/article/coronavirus-baby-boomers-at-risk?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=vogue&utm_mailing=VOG_Daily_Deks_031420&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5d23877924c17c5bdcf712c8&cndid=55325423&hasha=0e3b461b8641a651617b2704d802506a&hashb=ba80d62f051d1a954331006725c934857a594337&hashc=5f3203c32c6e99e51390f1c2c21cbd9339dbb7e54ce7087955cfae4fd0bdbf58&esrc=AUTO_PRINT&utm_content=A&utm_term=VOG_Daily

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

Agree. I have adapted but I am in my 50s. I understand it would be harder for someone with another 20-30 years of habit.

I am in my early 60s. Learning to play the cello or speak Mandarin would be a challenge at my age. Sneezing into my elbow or sleeve was not.

This. I’m 57 and when I sneeze or cough into my elbow, I’m not spitting thick mucus everywhere...it’s the fine spray. If I’m sick, and coughing up mucus, I keep tissue with me. Seriously, who coughs mucus all over their arm? I was also taught to sneeze into my shirt. Better all over me behind clothing, than into the air for others to inhale. I’m baffled as to why this is so difficult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

No, sorry, you learned how to use computers and iPads, you can learn this.

The computers and ipads do not require changing a rote muscle memory activity. Just ask them to wash their damned hands after they sneeze.

You’re right. It requires something more. Y’all are just being stubborn for stubborn’s sake and it can kill people.

+1
THIS is why old people suck, because they won't change their ways, and think they are always right - selfish and playing the old card. Young people are at risk, too - and we have families to raise.

Seriously? You will be old one day and that young generation will not look at you favorably either. Although it is no excuse, there is no reason to not try to protect the young as they still have a lot to learn.

[Anonymous]

Stop worrying about your parents. They are adults and if they get sick it’s their choice. I find it hard to believe that everyone’s parent here is stupid. Maybe they feel fulfilled in their life and would rather enjoy going out in the moment, and if they get sick and die it was a life well lived.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

No, sorry, you learned how to use computers and iPads, you can learn this.

The computers and ipads do not require changing a rote muscle memory activity. Just ask them to wash their damned hands after they sneeze.

You’re right. It requires something more. Y’all are just being stubborn for stubborn’s sake and it can kill people.

+1
THIS is why old people suck, because they won't change their ways, and think they are always right - selfish and playing the old card. Young people are at risk, too - and we have families to raise.

Seriously? You will be old one day and that young generation will not look at you favorably either. Although it is no excuse, there is no reason to not try to protect the young as they still have a lot to learn.

PP here. Exactly my point. If old people want to cough and sneeze all over each other, let them.

[Anonymous]

OP, I have no answer to your question but I feel your pain. My Mom had a habit of touching her eyes. It was a stress response. When she'd get stressed or be thinking deeply she'd raise her hands in a praying motion and touch the insides of her eyes. We could not get her to stop it when she was sick. I chalked it up to being too set in her ways. This from the woman who made her daughters have their hair held back by 50 bobby pins when they wanted to grown out there bangs because hair in your face was so gross. SMH...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both my parents and my in-laws cannot seem to get on board with this. My mom is actively offended every time I ask her to do this and my ILs like can't seem to figure out how to do it. They say they aren't used to doing it. What is the problem?

Your kids spread more germs than those that do not cough into their elbows. I cough/sneeze with a tissue over nose and mouth or into top of sweater or blouse. Tough toodles if you don't like it. I don't like you snotty nose brats never washing their hands or wiping them on their clothes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My mom (60) with a history of lung problems told me not to treat her like she’s senile and made sure to attend every possible store she could, planned to go to a work conference (it was cancelled thanks goodness), and went to her club meeting. If I’d did not think that before, now I am having my doubts about her cognitive abilities.

My parents went to the mall, out to dinner with friends, and are upset the concert they were going to has been canceled. ILs posted on FB that they went to dinner and a movie last night. Talking to my friends and a lot of their boomer parents seem to be downplaying this to the point of recklessness. WTF!

My parents, who are 63 and 70, DGAF and brag about how they're out at restaurants and bars. And guilt-tripping me for cancelling a visit in early April.

I ordered carry-out from a local deli today (I flew back from LA last night--a saga unto itself--and have no food at home) and was shocked at the number of old people there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an older adult here’s my take. We were taught a different way. It was ingrained in us from the time we were toddlers. We did it for decades. Now, 5, 6,
7 decades later there is a change in protocol. Coughs and sneezes aren’t planned. They come on us suddenly without planning. Our bodies are trained to put our hands to our mouths as we have done for more than half a century. And our heads remember that isn’t right. So in those fractions of a second while the sneeze is coming, we become paralyzed and the sneeze goes where it goes.

Better it go into your hand, as we were taught rather than into the air, as happens when the sneeze happens while we are to figure out where to
Send it

But bottom line. You’re expecting too much.

No, sorry, you learned how to use computers and iPads, you can learn this.

The computers and ipads do not require changing a rote muscle memory activity. Just ask them to wash their damned hands after they sneeze.

You’re right. It requires something more. Y’all are just being stubborn for stubborn’s sake and it can kill people.

+1
THIS is why old people suck, because they won't change their ways, and think they are always right - selfish and playing the old card. Young people are at risk, too - and we have families to raise.

Seriously? You will be old one day and that young generation will not look at you favorably either. Although it is no excuse, there is no reason to not try to protect the young as they still have a lot to learn.

PP here. Exactly my point. If old people want to cough and sneeze all over each other, let them.

You do realize the younger generation ( my guess you) are not the vulnerable ones in this scenario, right? Just do your thing and leave the older gen to do theirs. They die, it’s on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop worrying about your parents. They are adults and if they get sick it’s their choice. I find it hard to believe that everyone’s parent here is stupid. Maybe they feel fulfilled in their life and would rather enjoy going out in the moment, and if they get sick and die it was a life well lived.

So, set aside the grief it would cause the kids and grandkids if they die. I'm also distraught about the thought of them dying isolated and alone in a hospital room, not being able to visit them, my child not allowed in the building. It's distressing to think about funeral planning in the midsts of the pandemic. This isn't just like "oh well, they're dead now." Dead/dying elderly parents are a BIG DEAL all the time, but moreso now when things just won't run the way we're used to them running.

[Anonymous]

Dumb boomers.