Thursday, October 11, 2007
Will I Live To Be 80?
I recently turned 65 and had to choose a new primary care physician for my Medicare program. After two visits and exhaustive lab tests, he said I was doing 'fairly well' for my age. A little concerned about that comment, I couldn't resist asking him, 'Do you think I will live to be 80?' He asked: Do you smoke tobacco or drink alcoholic beverages?''Oh no,' I replied. 'I don't do drugs, either. 'Do you have many friends and entertain frequently?''I said, 'No, I usually stay home and keep to myself.' 'Do you eat rib-eye steaks and barbecued ribs?'I said, 'No, my other doctor said that all red meat is unhealthy!' 'Do you spend a lot of time in the sun, like playing golf, sailing, hiking, or bicycling?''No, I don't,' I said. 'Do you gamble, drive fast cars, or have a lot of sex?''No,' I said. 'I don't do any of those things.' He looked at me and said, 'Then why do you give a shit?'