Realistic article on Longevity

[Winemaker]

My late DF said the real question is "Where will I die?"

Once you know, then don't ever go there.

[Mulligan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winemaker My late DF said the real question is "Where will I die?" Once you know, then don't ever go there.

I have decided that is the hospital, so I will avoid that place, lol. I remember being about 8 years old and doctor telling my mom, I needed to go to hospital to get my tonsils taken out. I raised all sorts of hell refusing to go, so she relented. 45 years later they are still there with no problems.
About 10 years ago, I went to an outpatient center for a meniscus cleaning (I later figured out that was a worthless surgery money grab, as it was just normal fraying) and anesthesiologist asked me where I wanted my "knock out poison" inserted. I answered, " How am I supposed to know, you are the expert". He seemed surprised I had no prior experience in these matters.

[growing_older]

Quote:

I have no wish to become a centenarian. Previous relatives have come close- a grandfather died at 95 and his mother died at 93.

To each their own. I have some longevity on both sides of the family and those in their late 90's have been alert and engaged until the end. On the other hand, my own mother died at age 80 and in the last few years was much less mobile and not able to do much of anything except watch movies and talk on the phone. However, while she was unable to travel or engage in any active hobbies, she did seem pretty happy and enjoyed what she was able to do as much as she could. She could no longer cook, but she could discuss what she liked and didn't like. Even walking was difficult, but she had a comfy chair she liked and a tv remote she could use to select her favorite shows. It was certainly a different existence from when she was a vibrant, athletic young woman, but as she liked to say "it was better than the alternative."

I hope I am lucky enough to enjoy a long life. But whether I am or not, I hope I am able to be thankful for whatever quality of life I do have and find a way to enjoy it.

[mickeyd]

Quote:

you may not live any longer, but you'll be healthier for more of the years you're alive.

This sotra' sums up my personal longevity plan, if you will.


At nearly age 72, I exercise an hour /day, take my meds, see my doctor semi-annually, stay active, watch my diet, and help others live as well as they can. Living a healthy life, is more important than living a long life IMO.

All this, just to stay away from the dirt apartment that awaits us all.

[Koolau]

I have noticed that life gets ever more precious as I age. I used to say things like "I hope I die before I get old" - or was that just hero worship? Anyway, now even as the joint pains increase, the doctor visits increase, the body slows down, I'm not yet ready to quit. I now try to figure how to cram in as much living as possible without doing anything too foolish (not gonna jump out of a perfectly good airplane - not gone doit.)

The one advantage I'm beginning to see is that my old "30 year time-line" to make my assets last is rapidly becoming a more realistic 25 or even 20 year time line. Still, I suppose I could live to 99, so... YMMV

[Lsbcal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koolau ... The one advantage I'm beginning to see is that my old "30 year time-line" to make my assets last is rapidly becoming a more realistic 25 or even 20 year time line. Still, I suppose I could live to 99, so... YMMV

I hope you will update us in October 2036.

Personally I feel the same way. All that money and I got to enjoy it now. Unfortunately one can only eat just so much and travel just so much.

[Music Lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsbcal Personally I feel the same way. All that money and I got to enjoy it now. Unfortunately one can only eat just so much and travel just so much.

Well, we all have to eat, but there are plenty of other fulfilling things to do besides travelling.

[NW-Bound]

Hey, I eat less and less these days. I used to be a ravenous eater and scared my friends with what I could eat and not gain weight. Not so anymore. I also eat more healthy food now to keep my girly BMI of 23.

Travel wise, I started to have 2nd thoughts about the long hours sitting on airplanes, and waiting around crowded airports. Been trying to push those aside in order to squeeze in some overseas travel before it's time to just sit in the front porch and swing the rest of my life away.

[eleighj416]

Interesting! Based on the various articles you need to get on with your plan whatever that maybe. My mother is 94, has a glass of bourbon every night; wonder if scotch will do the same?

Ed

[kcowan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleighj416 My mother is 94, has a glass of bourbon every night; wonder if scotch will do the same? Ed

I think brandy also worked for my DGM.

[cbo111]

My grandfather died at 86 and my father died at 85. I was fortunate enough to have some quality conversations with both of them just prior to passing. Neither was ready to go. They both loved living and wanted just a bit more time. That, in a nutshell, is what it's all about. Both were independent til the end.


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[Moemg]

My Mom died just four months short of 100 . She was mentally competent to the end . In fact she was still wearing jewelry and dressing nicely the week before she died . She was a survivor .