Abuse of the elderly is nothing new. I think living past 80 is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. You better make sure you were damned good to your relatives if you plan on living a long life. I know first hand resentments and bitterness await those who were not kind to family and have the gross misfortune of longevity.

Mrs. Brooke Astor is 104 years old and has been living in deplorable conditions according to close friends. So much so that her son (who is 84) has been relieved of his duties as her primary care giver, both financially and physically speaking. Mrs. Astor has been placed in Lenox Hill Hospital and her care is now in the hands of a close family friend as well as JPMorganChase in charge of her finances.

Mrs. Astor for those of you who don't know, had the reputation of giving generously for decades in New York City. She was left a wealthy widow by her difficult husband after only five and a half years of marriage. Many other relatives were cut from the will and she was left to spend freely on the community. I have enclosed some links if case you want to brush up on the amazing lineage of the Astor name. Once the wealthiest people in the world, it's unbelievable to hear about Mrs. Astor existing in her own waste day after day. Apparently there are some resentments over money and Mrs. Astor is paying the price.

Mrs. Astor, part of an amazing family tree.