The article “For Older Americans, The Pandemic is Not Over,  was written by Paula Span on February 11, 2023. The author discusses how while the pandemic has significantly improved, the effects of the virus still impact the elderly in a negative way. While the country is moving forward and has lifted many bans, the author explains how, it is not considering elderly. Many places, such as nursing homes do not even require boosters. With the amount of elderly who have pre-existing conditions, this shows that America is not serious about considering the care of older Americans. Just in January, people from the ages of 65 to over 85 “accounted for about 90 percent of the nation’s Covid deaths”. This shows how while covid cases and deaths have dropped generally, this is not the case for elder americans as it covid continues to be a pressing threat towards them. Many of them are left to defend themselves as the world continues to go on with their lives and “older adults are on their own”. I agree with the author because it does seem like the country is being very careless towards the needs of older Americans and are ignoring the fact they can not continue or progress as fast as others. It is inconsiderate to reopen everything and lift bans so quickly without the concern of what could happen to those over the age of 65 with or without pre-existing health conditions. In addition to that, Span summarizes how a lot of life has become limited for the elderly. Due to covid threats, they are not able to go out as much or live like they used to and this often can lead to depression and mental disorders. An elderly woman with diabetes was interviewed and has said that they have “orgone concerts and theater performances, indoor restaurant meals with friends, moviegoing and volunteering”. These constraints have “exacerbated the depression”. After reading this, I definitely agree that the pandemic is far from over because the elderly are consistently still at risk and because America is not being more serious about how dangerous covid still is, it will continue to be lethal. It is time for the country to step up and at least mandate more precautions in areas where the elderly are or just do whatever they can to protect those in high risk categories. 

The article “Whales, Turtles, the Alligator, Flaco: Animals in the News” was written by James Barron and published on March 1st, 2023. He discusses how many animals end up in dangerous situations which could be due to climate change or just the effect of humans. When speaking about whales, he mentions how they are often in danger due to increased online shopping. “Online shopping — have driven up the mortality rate by putting more whales in the path of more ships”. I agree with the fact that online shopping has increased the death rate of whales because as more whales cross between New Jersey and New York, ships have also become reckless when transporting things. It is important to accommodate sea creatures living in the water. As the weather is constantly changing, sea turtles are also suffering from conditions similar to hypothermia. “ ‘So more and more turtles are going further north.” A cold snap can leave them cold-stunned, a condition similar to hypothermia that throws them into a state of shock and sends them washing up on beaches.’ ” This can be due to climate change and it is crucial that humans become aware of how climate change can affect these living beings.