Thinking about age based risks
The coronavirus directly affects different age groups differently and yet we are social creatures and so your actions have indirect affects on others. Below are my thoughts on how to think about and convey age based risks to myself and others. I know that younger people aren’t as worried about the virus for themselves but they need to be worried for the community as a whole. So think of the following when you’re thinking about the extra touches and interactions you’re gathering up during the day.
Age 10-19 To the best of my knowledge you are unlikely to get sick unless you have an underlying condition. However for every additional touch you make you’re increasing your chances of being an active carrier and spreading the disease within your household and within your community. Are you willing to infect your parents or grandparents? Would you be willing to look at the risks to them listed below and tell them you were a carrier.
Age 20-64 The risk of hospitalization is not insignificant for this group. As a thought experiment roll a die. If it comes up a one or a two, you will be taking up a hospital bed that is needed by an elderly relative. As you are thinking of your extra touches think about talking to the doctor who is going to have to make the triage decision to unplug this elderly patient and put you in their place.
Age 65+ You are in a high risk category. Think about rolling a die. If it rolls a one, you’re dead. If it doesn’t roll a one and you live with another older person you need to pass the die along to them and they need to roll it. If they roll a one they’re dead. The die keeps passing to any close people in your network.