Join Early Retirement Today
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-15-2016, 04:37 AM   #221
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Alberta/Ontario/ Arizona
Posts: 3,393
Quote:
Originally Posted by LARS View Post
Off topic, but love Canmore. Spent a winter there (renting) and skied Lake Louise all winter. Gorgeous part of the world. Top ten drive: Icefields Parkway.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum
Yes, I agree. That drive up to Jasper is truly breathtaking. Have done it a few times in a convertible.
Danmar is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 01-15-2016, 04:50 AM   #222
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Southfield
Posts: 58
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful." (George Box). DW and I are perfect examples of the dilemma of longevity planning. My first episode of stage 4 colon cancer was in 1993, when I was told to get my affairs in order. I had a 3% chance of survival and an estimated 6 weeks to 6 months to live. 2007 I had my second, it was "only" stage 3. Just this past December I had another major cancer surgery, fortunately stage 1. My genetics have a known defect, so I will in all likeliness get it again.

3 years ago DW had stage 4 breast cancer. They wouldn't even give her an idea of longevity, they always said "let's just get through this week". She'll be on maintenance chemo the rest of her life, however long that might be. Statistically the new drugs have extended life to about 6.5 years. Yet in some cancer forums she's met some with similar circumstances who surpassed 20.

Actuary tables don't help us much. Family history doesn't in her case. In mine, I've lived longer than any of the men in previous generations except 1, so family history says I ought to be gone already.

I will ER this year, once I am fully recovered. I am fortunate to have good retirement benefits, so health care will not be a huge burden. How long am I planning for? I just use the 30 year model (I will be 60 this year). I doubt I'll make it 10 years, but a lot can happen in medicine in that time, and I've beat the odds already enough to know that spending everything I've got in 10 years would not be wise. DW could make it 3 more years or 20 - who knows? And to the OP point, various models with various assumptions put me anywhere between 80% - 100% success probability. Good enough for me. If we're gone in 10 years, there will be an estate for the kids. As long as we're having a happy retirement, that's OK with me. I also have gained confidence through this forum that I can make any adjustments along the way if the models change, so I don't fret about running out of money.

Who knows what the future brings? For me, it brings a happy retirement in 2016!
__________________
The best way to predict the future is to invent it. - Alan Kay
fishndad42 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 05:59 AM   #223
Full time employment: Posting here.
shotgunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 534
Quote:
Originally Posted by aggie76 View Post
A very good friend who is a pretty well known wealth manager who specializes in retired and near retired told me this a few years ago:

After working with HUNDREDS of retired folks over the years I can safely say to my newly minted 60 year olds....Guys..when you turn 60 you have ABOUT 10 maybe 15 years left that you can do all those things on your list that you have talked about for 20 years. Sure ..some will only have 5, some will be a robust 85 BUT the vast majority of the 60 and beyonds that I have worked with and known for decades of experience have only had about 10 years to git er done. Once you hit your 70's, especially around 75, you just don't have the energy or the desire to take that trip to Upper Outer Inner Lower Slobovia..you just don't have the energy or desire to see every major league ball park...on and on...

I watched my parents and all of my aunts and uncles plus their friends go thru the retirement years ( they are now all gone). Some died early but a lot lived till their 90's BUT virtually none of them did a lot of the type of activity that we all have on our lists ( see $$$$) much past their mid 70's.
My "planning" is all based on hitting it hard for the next 10 years and then let nature and the finances take its course.
I don't think I have read a better argument for retiring early as this. We all like to believe we will be the exception but most of us will not, especially males. I have long thought around age 70 would be the time I move from living in a small ranch house to a condo. Let someone else mow the lawn, shovel the driveway and do the upkeep.
__________________
Never surrender what you really want for what you want right now.
shotgunner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 06:22 AM   #224
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
kcowan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pacific latitude 20/49
Posts: 7,677
Send a message via Skype™ to kcowan
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danmar View Post
We also live in a mountain town (Canmore Alberta about 5,000 ft) and here activity is the norm even for older people. We see people biking/running/hiking/skiing all the time. You don't necessarily have to be an athlete, just keep your legs strong so you can get around.
I went through a rough patch for my left leg with a torn Fascia, then an infected spider bite, then a broken bone in the foot. Has taken a concerted effort to restore mobility but I have made it!

You are so right about the importance of mobility to maintaining good health.
__________________
For the fun of it...Keith
kcowan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 06:28 AM   #225
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by aggie76 View Post
A very good friend who is a pretty well known wealth manager who specializes in retired and near retired told me this a few years ago:

After working with HUNDREDS of retired folks over the years I can safely say to my newly minted 60 year olds....Guys..when you turn 60 you have ABOUT 10 maybe 15 years left that you can do all those things on your list that you have talked about for 20 years. Sure ..some will only have 5, some will be a robust 85 BUT the vast majority of the 60 and beyonds that I have worked with and known for decades of experience have only had about 10 years to git er done. Once you hit your 70's, especially around 75, you just don't have the energy or the desire to take that trip to Upper Outer Inner Lower Slobovia..you just don't have the energy or desire to see every major league ball park...on and on...

I watched my parents and all of my aunts and uncles plus their friends go thru the retirement years ( they are now all gone). Some died early but a lot lived till their 90's BUT virtually none of them did a lot of the type of activity that we all have on our lists ( see $$$$) much past their mid 70's.
My "planning" is all based on hitting it hard for the next 10 years and then let nature and the finances take its course.
Ran into an old guy in a bar a few years back who told me the same thing: "ok, you're 60 now...even if you live to be 90, do you realize that you have only 15 or 18 good summers left to do the things you want to do?...After that things start to go wrong..."

One of those things you know but never really realize until someone hits you over the head about it.
__________________
Living well is the best revenge!
Retired @ 52 in 2005
marko is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 06:57 AM   #226
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,232
Just found out last night that SIL, same age as I,62, has a large, very likely malignant brain tumor...

OMY? screw that...
HadEnuff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 07:23 AM   #227
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
athena53's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,326
Quote:
Originally Posted by aggie76 View Post
A very good friend who is a pretty well known wealth manager who specializes in retired and near retired told me this a few years ago:

After working with HUNDREDS of retired folks over the years I can safely say to my newly minted 60 year olds....Guys..when you turn 60 you have ABOUT 10 maybe 15 years left that you can do all those things on your list that you have talked about for 20 years. Sure ..some will only have 5, some will be a robust 85 BUT the vast majority of the 60 and beyonds that I have worked with and known for decades of experience have only had about 10 years to git er done. Once you hit your 70's, especially around 75, you just don't have the energy or the desire to take that trip to Upper Outer Inner Lower Slobovia...
Great advice. I'm almost 63 and DH is 77. Fortunately, we've been traveling together since we met in 1997. DH has limitations now that he didn't have when he was 60 and some of our expeditions, such as climbing Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, couldn't be done together now. We realized when I retired at age 61 that a trip to Australia and NZ, always a plan for after retirement, would be too much for him. We still do road trips and he happily does all of the driving, and with careful planning and pacing (and my doing the more strenuous stuff on my own) we can still travel internationally, but I am SO glad we didn't hold off till I retired.

I come from more durable stock and am hoping to travel well into my 70s (and 80s?), but there are no guarantees.
athena53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 07:27 AM   #228
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,190
Clearly there are exceptions to the averages, but it certainly seems to me that 80 appears to be a real turning point for most whereby the decline begins in earnest. Certainly was the case for my own parents despite the fact that they "lived" deep into their 80's.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum
LARS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 07:37 AM   #229
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
DrRoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,962
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danmar View Post
Yes, I agree. That drive up to Jasper is truly breathtaking. Have done it a few times in a convertible.
++++++++1
Had 2 weeks in Banff, Yoho, & Jasper parks a couple years ago. Absolutely stunning mountain scenery. My most popular photos came from there.
__________________
"The mountains are calling, and I must go." John Muir
DrRoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 07:48 AM   #230
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Car-Guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 10,863
Quote:
Originally Posted by marko View Post
Ran into an old guy in a bar a few years back who told me the same thing: "ok, you're 60 now...even if you live to be 90, do you realize that you have only 15 or 18 good summers left to do the things you want to do?...After that things start to go wrong..."
I guess that's the way I looked at it too, until I hit my early 60's. I figured I'd be good to go and do anything I wanted until my mid 70's. Since then I've had to re-balance my "projected" AA (Age Activities) to be more in line with my new AA (Actual Abilities). I've played hard during the first few years of my retirement and I don't regret it for a minute. I may make it to 90+ based on my family history (but probably not). I'm adjusting, but not just using "summers" to do the things I want. Spring, fall and winters work too. (so far)
Car-Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 07:50 AM   #231
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
DrRoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,962
Quote:
Originally Posted by aggie76 View Post
A very good friend who is a pretty well known wealth manager who specializes in retired and near retired told me this a few years ago:

After working with HUNDREDS of retired folks over the years I can safely say to my newly minted 60 year olds....Guys..when you turn 60 you have ABOUT 10 maybe 15 years left that you can do all those things on your list that you have talked about for 20 years. Sure ..some will only have 5, some will be a robust 85 BUT the vast majority of the 60 and beyonds that I have worked with and known for decades of experience have only had about 10 years to git er done. Once you hit your 70's, especially around 75, you just don't have the energy or the desire to take that trip to Upper Outer Inner Lower Slobovia..you just don't have the energy or desire.
I am 56 and DW is 55. We are still a year out from RE, but we realized this issue and started taking big trips 6 years ago. We have been to Europe a couple times and to the national parks out west and in Canada. I like to get off the road and do some hiking for the views. We know that we will get to a point where we cannot do that any more and we wanted to get a start on the list.

The photo is from a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1540.jpg (840.7 KB, 23 views)
__________________
"The mountains are calling, and I must go." John Muir
DrRoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 09:11 AM   #232
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
photoguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,301
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danmar View Post
Not sure but there are a couple of possibilities. Many mountain towns are travel destinations that attract a lot of young transients because of the hospitality jobs. They are often quite active. Climate might be a factor but I often see people in Canmore wearing shorts in the winter? So not sure.
I think culture and self-selection are huge factors. Climate too as winter in places like the front range can be way milder than a mid-west/north east winter.

I also thought altitude itself suppresses hunger. Front range is only at 5k feet so the effect might be small (compared to hikers in Nepal) but you're there 24/7 and a small effect could add up over the years.
photoguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 09:14 AM   #233
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 441
I am 56 and plan to ER in 2017.
Had an issue with sciatica nerve last year and since then joined the gym. I feel my legs have gained strength because of the leg exercises I have been doing. Also have lost ~ 8 lbs and feel lighter, stronger and better. I appreciate this forum--have learned a lot from you all!
Rickt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 09:37 AM   #234
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
jollystomper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,134
I'm planning for 35 but am not going to be surprised if it is shorter. Dad passed away at 72, mom at 86. I'm healthier than both were at my age, so I figure I'll go somewhere in between them. DW's dad died at 70 but her mother and most of her uncles an aunts are still active in their late 80s and earlier 90s.

Years ago I started looking at folks who were still healthy and active in their 70's and 80's and made some lifestyle adjustments with better eating, more physical activity, and less mental stress. We have loosened up our spending but are still LBYM. I still plan to retire next year but, though working, have formulated a "glide path" that is much less stressful and is allowing me a nice transition to retirement. Even if Megacorp downsizes (again) and I am let go, it will still work into our plans.

No one can predict a long future for themselves, but no reason not to try, and sometimes the journey in trying is a lot of fun in itself.
__________________
FIREd date: June 26, 2018 - "This Happy Feeling, Going Round and Round!" (GQ)
jollystomper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 10:09 AM   #235
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Alberta/Ontario/ Arizona
Posts: 3,393
Quote:
Originally Posted by LARS View Post
Clearly there are exceptions to the averages, but it certainly seems to me that 80 appears to be a real turning point for most whereby the decline begins in earnest. Certainly was the case for my own parents despite the fact that they "lived" deep into their 80's.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum
Agree. Unless you know you have a likely life shortening illness, you really have to go with established averages or norms. My generation does seem more active than our parents but eventually...... Our current spending plan only includes dividends and pension so unless we ramp up spending (quite possible) we will never run out. The question really is "what do you enjoy doing?" You want to make sure you get your fill of that while you can.
Danmar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 10:14 AM   #236
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Alberta/Ontario/ Arizona
Posts: 3,393
Quote:
Originally Posted by photoguy View Post

I also thought altitude itself suppresses hunger. Front range is only at 5k feet so the effect might be small (compared to hikers in Nepal) but you're there 24/7 and a small effect could add up over the years.
Interesting, never thought of that. When I go back to Canmore after being away for a while my workouts are real killers. Conversely, when I leave Canmore for say Ontario, I feel like a superman. Never really noticed the hunger thing.
Danmar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 01:14 PM   #237
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,190
Quote:
Originally Posted by photoguy View Post
I think culture and self-selection are huge factors. Climate too as winter in places like the front range can be way milder than a mid-west/north east winter.



I also thought altitude itself suppresses hunger. Front range is only at 5k feet so the effect might be small (compared to hikers in Nepal) but you're there 24/7 and a small effect could add up over the years.

Well all I can say is I never noticed a change in appetite (&#128545 and we spent a combined ten years in Jackson WY (6,000 +) and Bend OR (3,500+).


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum
LARS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 01:21 PM   #238
Moderator Emeritus
Ronstar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 16,543
I don't eat as much in Az (2000') as I do in Il at 500'. Could be altitude related- or it could be temperature related. I do notice the altitude difference in hiking, biking or running between the 2 places.


Sent from my iPhone (:.using Early Retirement .//82339)
Ronstar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 02:00 PM   #239
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 331
Can I blame altitude for the five pounds I've gained since leaving CO?


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum
FI by 2024 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2016, 02:30 PM   #240
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Colorado Mountains
Posts: 3,165
Quote:
Originally Posted by FI by 2024 View Post
Can I blame altitude for the five pounds I've gained since leaving CO?


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum
BINGO! I had the same experience! I gained over 20 pounds in the 12 years I lived in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia (altitude 12 ft). Unfortunately, I haven't lost it all since moving back to Colorado. (altitude 8700 ft)

I'm sure it had nothing to do with being in Virginia during my 50s and early 60s.
Hermit is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bernicke's Reality Retirement Plan tuixiu FIRE and Money 26 07-11-2016 01:38 PM
Wealthtrack : The New Retirement Reality walkinwood FIRE and Money 14 11-09-2010 03:34 PM
Early Retirement Reality TV Show? Gerbil Wheel Life after FIRE 17 10-03-2010 08:32 PM
retirement dreams and reality Khan Life after FIRE 7 04-13-2007 01:51 PM
Bernicke "Reality Retirement Plan" 2B FIRECalc support 3 05-21-2006 05:10 PM

» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:13 PM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.