You might want to calm down a bit and think logically.
First, its not just putting on a mask. It is everything that has gone along with it (including crippling what was a raging economy).
Second, read the mask orders from places like Jefferson County/Tri County. It requires wearing a mask, even if outside, if you are around people who are not part of your household. So yes, that has a dramatic effect on most peoples life if they follow the regulation.
77 and lung problems is high risk. But you wearing anything less than a N95 mask will not protect you from contracting COVID. And what do you mean by your statement about walking up to you without a mask and being in for a surprise. Because to me, that means you are threatening violence. Which, with you being a 77 year old with bad lungs, likely could mean a trip to the hospital for you. And/or a trip to jail. Neither of which are a place you want to be in general, but especially if you have a phobia of COVID.
Finally, 137,000 deaths. First, that statistic is overstated, as if someone had COVID along with a heart attack/stroke, car accident........ Do you know how that death is recorded? COVID.
And even if that wasn't the case, 137,000 deaths in a US population of 330,000,000 is, overall, pretty insignificant.
Turn off the TV. Do some research for yourself. Practice critical thinking. You are almost certainly going to be ok.