Last time we brought up the ‘disappearing acts” of what we had BP (Before Pandemic) and what we lost. the comments were very thoughtful.
Any sense of normalcy has evaporated for those of us 70 and above, and will not return in our lifetimes.
-Lauren
For one reader, the damage is immediate.
…There are things BP that I miss, but more like affordable vegetables and basic courtesy. Life just got tougher on folks already struggling, it would be nice if that was reflected more in AARP publications.
-Sylvia W.
Sorry you feel that way, Sylvia – we’ll try to do better next time.
Several readers pointed out the drastic shift in shopping habits…
We now live in a third world type country shopping-wise. When you want to purchase something these days you often must take what is available rather than what you really wanted….
-John
Bang! Lost the job, January 2020, another March 2020. Left my state, now living with family, staying healthy altogether, patience( oh my) tech skill and fitness classes online with new friends since 2020 is a welcome beginning !
-Belinda
I look back at the time BP (Before Pandemic) with a pair of rose-tinted glasses. Gem Spa was still around! You could look at people’s faces! Walking on the sidewalk didn’t involve an obstacle course with bags of trash on one side and sidewalk sheds on the other! You could visit other people and go to gatherings and not need proof of vaccination! Stores gave out free food samples! Masks were for Halloween!
Changes
Life has definitely changed since then…for good (so many more people are on board with washing their hands, telecommuting is now a thing).
And for the not so good – like businesses that were part of my inner map of my hometown. Lord and Taylor (read about it here); Gem Spa and its egg creams; the Roosevelt Hotel (my go to when I needed a clean restroom in Midtown); the Cupping Room (from my Camelot days); the New York Health and Racquet Club gym chain (my exercise program took a BIG hit).
I miss the people that worked at these places too – all out of work). I miss stores open 24 hours, and full store shelves. Luckily, I haven’t lost anyone to Covid but I know plenty of people who have.
What disappeared?
The plague has certainly taken more than its share from us, some minor, some major, some drawbacks and some improvements. I’ve shared some of mine.
But how about you? What disappeared during the Plague? Tell us about it in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
COMMENTS
11 responses to “Open Thread Update: Disappearing Act”
In the process of having to regroup about businesses being so scared that they are not able to be hospitable and allow another human the right to use a bathroom makes me boil. Before the pandemic they were being bios to the homeless. Since the pandemic it feels like they are choosing who they want to share with based on unspoken bias. Not allowing a fellow human basic rights is the lowest of lows as an influential society. “We” have gone so far from basic that it is showing up in our children!
Everything has changed for the worse for senior citizens. We will never be the same again. All our hard work and savings are going down the drain.
Any sense of normalcy has evaporated for those of us 70 and above, and will not return in our lifetimes. I’ve never been comfortable with people coming in close to me, but now I avoid it strenuously.
It also facilitated extreme ideologies. No question that’s worse. Ironically, I find more people willing to smile, so there’s hope.
We lost more than we know to this covid pandemic, and the real damage will be felt for years.
I lost the friendship in the camaraderie of being in an office, standing around with a cup of coffee, and sharing ideas with coworkers.
We lost good local restaurants that employed people who were not just waiters and waitresses but friends. More chains seem to have survived.
We missed doctor’s appointments and tests. We will not know what we missed health-wise.
We lost some of our freedoms.
There seems to be an overall ‘privileged’ attitude prevalent in AARP and its satellite newsletters. It reminds me of the so called financial advice articles that start with ‘stop buying Starbucks every day’, SMH
There are things BP that I miss, but more like affordable vegetables and basic courtesy.
Life just got tougher on folks already struggling, it would be nice if that was reflected more in AARP publications.
Cranky today, sorry not sorry – it needed to be said.
Unless I am traveling, I no longer go to restaurants in my home town. I hate that restaurants think we can’t eat or drink unless we’re watching sports on multiple big screens! I hate the loud music! And, the food keeps getting worse and worse. Bacon is so prevalent that anyone trying to keep kosher and/or Muslims can’t eat in most restaurants.
Before the COVID shutdown during 2020, conventions were big business, and there were conventions for everything and everyone. Now, there is zoom.
We now live in a third world type country shopping-wise. When you want to purchase something these days you often must take what is available rather than what you really wanted. I noticed this trend start after the Trump administration started adding all the tariff’s. The pandemic and the supply line slowdown may have had some effect but the tariff’s started it.
I have mixed feelings about BP and now, about “work”. For nearly 12 years before Covid19, thought of myself as my work: Intense fundraising for environmental & social change. Great clients, supportive supervisors, donations. I was good. I loved that job. Bang! Lost the job, January 2020, another March 2020. Left my state, now living with family, staying healthy altogether, patience( oh my) tech skill and fitness classes online with new friends since 2020 is a welcome beginning !
Clean streets have disappeared …. According to morning news, alternate side rules are in effect, but many do not move their cars so the sweepers can not come through. People are just not following rules and there are no consequences. No one gets tickets for not moving. There are at least three cars on my block (main avenue in Brooklyn) whose registration stickers have been scrapped off. Some cars do not have plates but are still sitting on a major road.
There was a great Century 21 department store on Long Island (New York). It was massive and had every department you’d need and bountiful sales. As I started to venture back into the world to buy a gift, not online but through the physicality of browsing inventory, my heart dropped as I realized I would not be angling for a parking space. Looming out my windshield was a shuttered, massive concrete abandoned building. And it’s not coming back – like much else we lost.
-Where are all the workers in retail & restaurants. Sadly sparce.
Restaurants closed, portions got smaller and prices higher. Many closed due to lack of staff.
-Personality changes. Many angry & argumentive folks.
-The schools are experiencing a lot of behavior issues. Teachers are leaving the profession because they are expected to “handle it”.
I could go on and on about this subject!!!
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Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 介紹: 智能手機的相機不只能用來拍照 (Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 介紹: 智能手機的相機不只能用來拍照 (Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography)
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Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
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Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
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Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
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Saving Money with Tech
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Internet of Things: Wearables
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Internet of Things: Healthcare
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Introducción a la IA
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Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Introduction to Heart Rate Monitor Apps
Introduction to Heart Rate Monitor Apps
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Fit Fusion Workout
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Morning Stretch
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Introduction to Heart Rate Monitor Apps
Introduction to Heart Rate Monitor Apps
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Did you know your phone can measure your heart rate? Learn about free heart rate monitor apps and why they can be useful.
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Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
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Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
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智能手機攝影簡介
智能手機攝影簡介
在手機上也可以照下專頁的圖片!如果您對您手機上的這個功能還不清楚的話,您可別錯過這堂講座喔!
Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs At a Glance
Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs At a Glance
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Concerned about viruses and malware? Attend this lecture to learn how to keep your device safe!
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Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Podcasts at a Glance
Podcasts at a Glance
Learn what Podcasts are and where to find them!
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
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Morning Stretch
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Introducción a chatear con IA
Introducción a chatear con IA
Aprenda cómo aprovechar al máximo ChatGPT y otros software de IA.
IoT: Smart Homes
IoT: Smart Homes
Want to live like the Jetsons? Learn how smart home technology is making that a reality!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness
Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness
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Morning Stretch
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Mindfulness Apps
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This lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
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Online Rx Drug Resources
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Morning Stretch
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Virtual Museum Tours
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Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
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線上購物
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Intro to Smartphone Photography
Intro to Smartphone Photography
Say cheese! Learn more about your smartphone's camera.
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Morning Stretch
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Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Google Chats, and WhatsApp.
Intro to Selling Online
Intro to Selling Online
This lecture will introduce you to different online platforms for selling all kinds of items, including furniture, clothing, household items, and more.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
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Morning Stretch
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Introduction to Nextdoor
Introduction to Nextdoor
This presentation will introduce you to the most common uses for the Nextdoor app and its main features, along with some best practices for using it safely.
Usos cotidianos de la IA
Usos cotidianos de la IA
¡Todo el mundo habla de IA! Asista a esta clase para ver cómo la IA es parte de la vida cotidiana.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
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All Things Zoom
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Internet of Things at a Glance
Internet of Things at a Glance
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Functional Strength Training
Functional Strength Training
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Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
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Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
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Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
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Virtual Reality at a Glance
Virtual Reality at a Glance
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Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
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Chair Yoga
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Morning Stretch
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Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
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YouTube
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Social Media for Job Searches
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Morning Stretch
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Graphic Design Tools
Graphic Design Tools
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Introduction to TikTok
Introduction to TikTok
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Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Like to know what's happening? Come learn about X (formerly Twitter)!
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Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
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Generadores de imágenes de IA
Generadores de imágenes de IA
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Intro to Gaming
Intro to Gaming
Game on! Come discover the world of gaming and start playing!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Digital Legacy at a Glance
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Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
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Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
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Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
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How to Choose a New Computer
How to Choose a New Computer
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Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
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Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
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Virtual Tour: Lima, Peru
Virtual Tour: Lima, Peru
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Lima, Peru!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
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訊息應用程式
訊息應用程式
這次的講座會談到三款普遍的應用程式:iMessages、 Google Chat 和 微信 WeChat。您會學到如何傳送訊息、圖片、使用音訊和視訊通話, 以及瞭解這些應用程式如何確保您的訊息安全。
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
This presentation will introduce you to apps that help you learn different languages, explore the arts and art history, and even show you how to play instruments.
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Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Digital Tools to Boost your Business
Digital Tools to Boost your Business
Learn about online tools to jump-start your start-up.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
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Saving Money with Tech
Saving Money with Tech
Explore ways that tech can help you save money and manage your finances!
11 events,
31
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
¿Es eso IA?
¿Es eso IA?
¿Podemos realmente creer lo que vemos? ¡Venga a esta clase para acostumbrarse a reconocer la IA!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Understanding Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth
We’ll explain Bluetooth technology, how it works, and the way it impacts everyday life.
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Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
MyChart
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Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 介紹: 智能手機的相機不只能用來拍照 (Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography)
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Smartphones at a Glance
Intro to Chatting with AI
Morning Stretch
Virtual Tour: Belfast, Ireland
Fit Fusion Workout
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YouTube
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Saving Money with Tech
Internet of Things: Wearables
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Morning Stretch
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Introducción a la IA
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Introduction to Heart Rate Monitor Apps
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
Fitness Apps
Functional Strength Training
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Heart Rate Monitor Apps
iPhones
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
智能手機攝影簡介
Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs At a Glance
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Podcasts at a Glance
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introducción a chatear con IA
IoT: Smart Homes
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Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
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Functional Strength Training
Mindfulness Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Drones
Online Rx Drug Resources
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Morning Stretch
Virtual Museum Tours
Fit Fusion Workout
線上購物
Intro to Smartphone Photography
Balance/Strength
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Messaging Apps
Intro to Selling Online
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Morning Stretch
Introduction to Nextdoor
Usos cotidianos de la IA
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
All Things Zoom
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
Internet of Things at a Glance
Functional Strength Training
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Virtual Reality at a Glance
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Video Chat
Fit Fusion Workout
YouTube
Social Media for Job Searches
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Graphic Design Tools
Introduction to TikTok
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Morning Stretch
Generadores de imágenes de IA
Intro to Gaming
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
How to Choose a New Computer
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Virtual Tour: Lima, Peru
Fit Fusion Workout
訊息應用程式
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Digital Tools to Boost your Business
Chair Yoga
Saving Money with Tech
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
¿Es eso IA?
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Understanding Bluetooth
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