# Letters: We must address challenge of aging before it’s a crisis > Source: > Published: 2026-07-13 23:00:33+00:00 **Getting your** [Trinity Audio](//trinityaudio.ai)player ready...**Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.** #### We must address aging before it’s a crisis Re: “[Older adults fear becoming a burden more than death](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/07/09/older-adults-fear-becoming-a-burden-more-than-death-survey-finds/)” (Page A1, July 9). This article touches on a neglected issue — older adults who fear becoming a burden. It’s become more socially acceptable to rely on external resources for childcare, but care for our elders is culturally expected to be a family burden. How can we change our society so that accepting help no longer feels shameful and providing care no longer feels overwhelming? Almost all of us will eventually reach this point of old age, yet we only pay attention when it becomes a crisis. **Rabab Karimjee** *Santa Clara* #### Data center water use requires a solution Re: “[Data center could emerge on empty chunk of land at prime San Jose site](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/07/08/san-jose-tech-property-data-economy-ai-build-real-estate-develop-jobs/)” (July 8). I don’t use water to air condition my house. I have a heat pump. My truck recycles its own water to cool the engine. Why can’t data centers cool without using tons of water? When the next drought comes, who will go without water — the data centers or us? Maybe we need a concerted research effort to solve this major problem. **Brian Drygas** *San Jose* #### State should lead in water management Re: “[Amazon says its data centers use 2.5 billion gallons of water](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/11/amazon-says-its-data-centers-use-2-5-billion-gallons-of-water/)” (June 11). Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future, and the Bay Area proudly stands at the center of that transformation. But leadership in innovation should also mean leadership in responsible water management. A recent Mercury News article reported that Amazon’s data centers across multiple states used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025 to support the growing demand for AI. California is already home to hundreds of data centers, with more planned as AI continues to expand. At the same time, our state faces recurring droughts, devastating wildfires and increasing pressure on its water supply while residents are routinely asked to conserve. Innovation and sustainability should go hand in hand. Technology companies should invest in water-efficient cooling systems, expand the use of recycled water where practical and be transparent about their water consumption. If the Bay Area leads the world in AI, it should also lead in protecting California’s water future. **Jacob Askins** *San Bruno* #### Caltrans puts taxpayer money to good use As a lifelong resident of San Jose, I’m pleased to see significant repairs being made by Caltrans, especially on Highways 280 and 87. According to the Caltrans [website](https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/santa-clara-projects), overnight paving on I-280, which bisects San Jose, is almost complete and Highway 87 repaving is complete. In addition to repaving, improvements are also being made to guardrails, drainage systems and bridges. It also seems as if trash is being picked up more frequently. It’s good to see our tax dollars are being well spent on these critical traffic corridors. **Steve Sosnowski** *San Jose* #### Dairy industry influence drives school lunch plan The decision to bring whole and 2% milk [back to school lunches](https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12548) reflects the influence of the dairy industry more than the needs of today’s students. Millions of Americans — particularly people of color — are lactose intolerant, making cow’s milk an unsuitable choice for many children. At the same time, nutritious plant-based milks such as soy, oat and pea are widely available and can meet students’ nutritional needs without excluding those who cannot digest dairy. Schools should provide meals that are healthy, inclusive and reflective of today’s diverse student population. Continuing to prioritize dairy over plant-based alternatives ignores both public health and the growing demand for more compassionate food choices. If we truly want school nutrition programs to serve every child, plant-based milk should be treated as a standard option — not an afterthought. **Ralph Findlay** *San Jose* #### AI is blunting our critical thinking skills I see a quiet crisis unfolding: We are outsourcing our minds to artificial intelligence. When algorithms write our papers and solve our problems, we aren’t becoming more advanced — we are short-circuiting our own intelligence. Critical thinking, deep focus and true creativity are mental muscles that require development. If we don’t use them, they atrophy. If we rely on automation for every intellectual task, we risk raising a new generation that cannot think critically and solve problems independently. True innovation requires struggle, curiosity and original thought. If we want the next generation to be genuinely smart, we must scale back our reliance on AI and encourage students to do the heavy lifting themselves. Let’s reclaim our brains before we forget how to use them. **Dong Cardenas** *Mountain View*