SHOULD OLD PEOPLE HAVE A “USE BY” DATE?

Old people have a “shelf-life, or “use-by” date. Thinking about your use-by date will help you focus on managing your life; especially your later years.

USE BY 8-8-2030

Wikipedia defines “use-by date” as:

Generally, foods that have a use by date written on the packaging must not be eaten after the specified date. This is because such foods usually go bad quickly and may be injurious to health if spoiled.

Foods with a “best before date” are usually safe to eat for a time after that date, although they are likely to have deteriorated either in flavour, texture, appearance or nutritional value.

The Geezer has modified the Wikipedia definitions for himself:

Old people have a “use by date” and care must be taken after that date. This is because old people usually go bad quickly and may become injurious to themselves or others.

Old people with a “best before date” usually are safe for a time after that date, although they are likely to have deteriorated in flavor, texture, appearance and value. 

The problem comes in defining the dates; and, we have the same problem that the food industry has. Usually the dates are conservative and the food, or old person, is still “safe” for a period of time after the “date.” It is a guide that warns you to be careful.

Some  senior “best before” dates have been codified:

Driver’s licenses

Hospice

Social Security

Medicare

Ombudsman

Abuse

Exploitation

Privacy

Mandatory retirement

Shelf lives are different for different people; just like food. You need to look in the mirror to determine your shelf life. Then you can best use your life before that date.

Use by date for a can of food.

Know your “use by” date before it “matures.” You may not know that you are “going bad.”

The “use by” date can frequently be found on the left buttock.

THINK OLD!