BobbyG

I know the OP was offering up his observations in jest, but last spring I encountered subtle "age-ism" when my buddy was in the Intensive Care Unit and it was scary. My friend is 69 and very fit, however he encountered complications after surgery and was unconscious and on life support with infections and some system failures (Not Covid). Suddenly, this youthful, active guy I've known for 30 years looked much, much older. I am his designated power of medical attorney (which I never thought would come into play) and when I arrived the medical staff began telling me all the things they might do if he were younger and healthier.

I whipped out my phone and showed them photos and videos of us hiking, RECENTLY and explained his daily exercise routine including 90-120 minutes of walking daily. They then decided to switch to more aggressive treatment and after a couple of days he began to recover. Mentally, the sedation had him delirious, but again, I was able to show them videos of him recently lecturing on and discussing labor relations. The staff began to work harder and speak to him more respectfully, even though at the time he wasn't able to respond coherently.

Next week my friend turns 70 and is fully recovered from his surgery and the complications. He's back to his daily routine and I have joined him on some hikes...except now I choke up a little when I think I almost lost him.

I will never forget how horrifying it was to have the medical staff treat him like some elderly write-off.