How long do you want to live?
Discussion
glenrobbo said:
Skyedriver said:
So very true. If only I had an expiry date it would help enormously.
Here ya go!
https://www.medindia.net/patients/calculators/deat...
So, with 14 years left, I can safely chuck in my job and live ok on my savings.
Thanks for that, it's so liberating
Got a new passport last year. Do wonder if I'll be around to apply for the next one.
Edited by croyde on Sunday 7th April 08:03
"They" reckon the first person to reach 150 may have already been born...and eventually will be commonplace (or possibly a lesser age, like 120 or 130)
Doesn't stack up for me, 75 years as an old person (I'll give the 60-74's some leeway
)
I've said before, retire at 50 (with a good pension) and quick death at 65. 48 now, and not changed my mind. Dementia runs in my family though, so that may blight my views
Retire at 68 and (maybe) have a few good years - also doesn't stack up for me
Doesn't stack up for me, 75 years as an old person (I'll give the 60-74's some leeway
)I've said before, retire at 50 (with a good pension) and quick death at 65. 48 now, and not changed my mind. Dementia runs in my family though, so that may blight my views
Retire at 68 and (maybe) have a few good years - also doesn't stack up for me
johnboy1975 said:
"They" reckon the first person to reach 150 may have already been born...and eventually will be commonplace (or possibly a lesser age, like 120 or 130)
Doesn't stack up for me, 75 years as an old person (I'll give the 60-74's some leeway )
I've said before, retire at 50 (with a good pension) and quick death at 65. 48 now, and not changed my mind. Dementia runs in my family though, so that may blight my views
Retire at 68 and (maybe) have a few good years - also doesn't stack up for me
Health seems to be going backwards not forwards. Doesn't stack up for me, 75 years as an old person (I'll give the 60-74's some leeway
)I've said before, retire at 50 (with a good pension) and quick death at 65. 48 now, and not changed my mind. Dementia runs in my family though, so that may blight my views
Retire at 68 and (maybe) have a few good years - also doesn't stack up for me
Dealing with the NHS for anything other than genuine emergencies is utterly painful.
I guess the life expectancy between wealthy and poor will get significantly wider. I can see one going down as the other goes up.
Much of it depends on your mentality toward life thus far..
Have you depended on others most of your life? Happy to ask for help? Happy & able to manipulate others / delegate?
If yes, then you’re probably better set up for old age than others..
My wife and i are fiercely independent, no kids or family to pass things onto and have helped and watched our parents walk into old age, done the dementia walk over 7 years with one of them right to the end, bought bungalows and now fully cared flat for another, he is now in the flat (sorry! Apartment) and absolutely loves it, the home has its own shopping area, 24 hr care should he need it, he absolutely loves it affter his lonely bungalow. Either of us would hate it but he’s been happy to have others help him his whole life, he’s a story teller and loves an audience.. not for us.
My side, my parents have never asked for help and the age is currently closing in on them, much harder for them, they suffer in silence as their issues are their own and it will continue like that for them, 75 & 80 seems the cut off point for very active people if you want to remain physically adventurous, i cant see me or my wife wanting to go beyond this so we’re cashing out over the next 20-25 years, anything left over will be given to charity (cant see how we could spend it all even with paying for operations, cruises etc)
chase the dragon at some point around 2050 i reckon as we’ve always remained children in the way we conduct our lives together.
Have you depended on others most of your life? Happy to ask for help? Happy & able to manipulate others / delegate?
If yes, then you’re probably better set up for old age than others..
My wife and i are fiercely independent, no kids or family to pass things onto and have helped and watched our parents walk into old age, done the dementia walk over 7 years with one of them right to the end, bought bungalows and now fully cared flat for another, he is now in the flat (sorry! Apartment
) and absolutely loves it, the home has its own shopping area, 24 hr care should he need it, he absolutely loves it affter his lonely bungalow. Either of us would hate it but he’s been happy to have others help him his whole life, he’s a story teller and loves an audience.. not for us.My side, my parents have never asked for help and the age is currently closing in on them, much harder for them, they suffer in silence as their issues are their own and it will continue like that for them, 75 & 80 seems the cut off point for very active people if you want to remain physically adventurous, i cant see me or my wife wanting to go beyond this so we’re cashing out over the next 20-25 years, anything left over will be given to charity (cant see how we could spend it all even with paying for operations, cruises etc)
chase the dragon at some point around 2050 i reckon as we’ve always remained children in the way we conduct our lives together.
When I was younger I wanted to live forever but now at 61 I am realising that I couldn't afford that.
Where I currently work I'm at least 20 years older then the next oldest colleague and I feel that I'm 'tolerated' due to my experience at my particular skill and that I do act and sort of look 20 years younger.
But I do feel somewhat an outlier due to my age and not sure how much longer I could work there.
But working is the only way I can afford to live a life where I can run a car, a motorbike and go on holidays and trips.
Retirement would mean just existing and what's the point of that.
Yep, I should have thought about this when I was 20, but I was too busy mucking about
Where I currently work I'm at least 20 years older then the next oldest colleague and I feel that I'm 'tolerated' due to my experience at my particular skill and that I do act and sort of look 20 years younger.
But I do feel somewhat an outlier due to my age and not sure how much longer I could work there.
But working is the only way I can afford to live a life where I can run a car, a motorbike and go on holidays and trips.
Retirement would mean just existing and what's the point of that.
Yep, I should have thought about this when I was 20, but I was too busy mucking about
Kerniki said:
Much of it depends on your mentality toward life thus far..
Have you depended on others most of your life? Happy to ask for help? Happy & able to manipulate others / delegate?
If yes, then you’re probably better set up for old age than others..
My wife and i are fiercely independent, no kids or family to pass things onto and have helped and watched our parents walk into old age, done the dementia walk over 7 years with one of them right to the end, bought bungalows and now fully cared flat for another, he is now in the flat (sorry! Apartment) and absolutely loves it, the home has its own shopping area, 24 hr care should he need it, he absolutely loves it affter his lonely bungalow. Either of us would hate it but he’s been happy to have others help him his whole life, he’s a story teller and loves an audience.. not for us.
My side, my parents have never asked for help and the age is currently closing in on them, much harder for them, they suffer in silence as their issues are their own and it will continue like that for them, 75 & 80 seems the cut off point for very active people if you want to remain physically adventurous, i cant see me or my wife wanting to go beyond this so we’re cashing out over the next 20-25 years, anything left over will be given to charity (cant see how we could spend it all even with paying for operations, cruises etc)
chase the dragon at some point around 2050 i reckon as we’ve always remained children in the way we conduct our lives together.
This highlights that you stand a much better chance of having a good quality of life for longer if you have a good pension / enough money during your retirement.Have you depended on others most of your life? Happy to ask for help? Happy & able to manipulate others / delegate?
If yes, then you’re probably better set up for old age than others..
My wife and i are fiercely independent, no kids or family to pass things onto and have helped and watched our parents walk into old age, done the dementia walk over 7 years with one of them right to the end, bought bungalows and now fully cared flat for another, he is now in the flat (sorry! Apartment
) and absolutely loves it, the home has its own shopping area, 24 hr care should he need it, he absolutely loves it affter his lonely bungalow. Either of us would hate it but he’s been happy to have others help him his whole life, he’s a story teller and loves an audience.. not for us.My side, my parents have never asked for help and the age is currently closing in on them, much harder for them, they suffer in silence as their issues are their own and it will continue like that for them, 75 & 80 seems the cut off point for very active people if you want to remain physically adventurous, i cant see me or my wife wanting to go beyond this so we’re cashing out over the next 20-25 years, anything left over will be given to charity (cant see how we could spend it all even with paying for operations, cruises etc)
chase the dragon at some point around 2050 i reckon as we’ve always remained children in the way we conduct our lives together.
When the impact of pensions are factored in, I would anticipate life expectancy will go into reverse scarily fast.
Not bothered about death and being dead, didn’t exist prior to November 1970 anyway and was fine with that.
It’s not being able to do stuff that’s scary, I am 53 and do a bit of cycling’s, running and weights, diet isn’t perfect but eat a lot of veg.
It’s a trade off between indulgence, time and not engine up a knackered old wreck trapped in a non functioning body.
At my wife’s aunts, she is 85 this year and still very mobile, mentally alert and everything.
We all just need to realise it’s not forever and try to be positive, appreciate stuff and be active.
It’s not being able to do stuff that’s scary, I am 53 and do a bit of cycling’s, running and weights, diet isn’t perfect but eat a lot of veg.
It’s a trade off between indulgence, time and not engine up a knackered old wreck trapped in a non functioning body.
At my wife’s aunts, she is 85 this year and still very mobile, mentally alert and everything.
We all just need to realise it’s not forever and try to be positive, appreciate stuff and be active.
Pit Pony said:
Jamescrs said:
Skeptisk said:
Possibly the opposite. Having to go up and down the stairs is giving them exercise and May help them stay fit
Agree with this, my in-laws who are only early 60s decided to move into a. Bungalow 2-3 years ago from a decent semi, they had no mobility or real health issues, since moving to a bungalow they now find stairs very hard work because they have developed bungalow kneesMy parents have 2 double beds and shower room up stairs, and 2 double bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs.
My only wish is when the time comes it is relatively quick and should i find myself degenerating I'd want to found a way to end my own life. Even at my age now I have no fear of death and have no belief of anything 'after'
My Mum is 84 and as fit as a fiddle. Still gets walked by her Dog 3 or 4 miles a day, big garden which is immaculate, keeps Chickens, still drives and looks after herself fine with minimal help from us three kids.
I aspire to be like her...so 84+ and counting for me.
Eating well and keep moving are the key to a good age.
I do worry about death in older age though...anyone else? I think it's the fear of missing out on what my kids are doing etc.
I aspire to be like her...so 84+ and counting for me.
Eating well and keep moving are the key to a good age.
I do worry about death in older age though...anyone else? I think it's the fear of missing out on what my kids are doing etc.
Edited by Timothy Bucktu on Sunday 7th April 09:03
Nomme de Plum said:
I'll be 70m this year and live in a 3 story house with main living accommodation of 1st floor and master bedroom suite 2nd floor. The stairs are great help to help keep muscles in shape especially as I regularly forget why I'm going up/down. I do 2 personal training sessions a week now too. Mostly weight based. It is really important as we age to keep bone density up.
My only wish is when the time comes it is relatively quick and should i find myself degenerating I'd want to found a way to end my own life. Even at my age now I have no fear of death and have no belief of anything 'after'
I live in a 'Duplex' so have a long set of stairs from the front door to the lounge, then another set to the bedrooms.My only wish is when the time comes it is relatively quick and should i find myself degenerating I'd want to found a way to end my own life. Even at my age now I have no fear of death and have no belief of anything 'after'
I constantly go up and down them because I forget why I used them to get to another level, until I return to where I started
What puzzles me is that I can operate computer systems and consoles at work with hundreds of buttons perfectly, ride motorbikes and drive quick cars yet wander around my home looking for my phone when it's in my right hand
I have a neighbour with the same two sets of stairs who must be in her 90s. Poor thing needs others to help her to get down the stairs, very very slowly and walk her to a taxi for hospital appointments.
One set of stairs and about 30 metres to the car takes 15 minutes.
She must be trapped in her lounge when others are not around
Edited by croyde on Sunday 7th April 09:08
bristolracer said:
I work with the elderly.
They retire, do the motor home/ cruise holiday thing
Then age starts catching them up.
Mobility issues, poor knees, hips etc
They lose their driving licence
They become house bound
Their partner dies and they are alone
Soon mobility gets so bad that climbing stairs even getting outside becomes impossible
They fall and really hurt themselves, broken pelvis etc
They mostly sit inside watching TV all day
Dementia is not uncommon.
They rely on outside care for basic hygiene help
They all say ‘don’t get old’
It’s grim
I’ll take 75 and a heart attack.
I think in the U.K. it’s often worse for old people with the climate. They retire, do the motor home/ cruise holiday thing
Then age starts catching them up.
Mobility issues, poor knees, hips etc
They lose their driving licence
They become house bound
Their partner dies and they are alone
Soon mobility gets so bad that climbing stairs even getting outside becomes impossible
They fall and really hurt themselves, broken pelvis etc
They mostly sit inside watching TV all day
Dementia is not uncommon.
They rely on outside care for basic hygiene help
They all say ‘don’t get old’
It’s grim
I’ll take 75 and a heart attack.
Old people seem more active and have more vitality in warmer dryer climates. Plus there’s more respect for the elderly in families and the community in some countries like Japan or Italy etc and they’re consequently seen by themselves and others as more useful and thus seem happier.
In the U.K. we seem to disregard old people often as a nuisance and other people’s problems. We (the country and individuals) can often afford to send them to homes and bother with them less. So we don’t have the kind of multi generational living together than other cultures have more.
croyde said:
Retirement would mean just existing and what's the point of that.
I’d hopefully find things to do I find rewarding. I’m not looking to retire early though I also enjoy my job.Seems to me it’s about a transition between a ratio of time spent on work/projects/hobbies and loved ones etc and as you get older the ratio changes a bit but you still get as much enjoyment hopefully.
Obviously as you get older you might not be able to do the same things but you can hopefully replace those things with other things, eventually obviously it will all stop but that’s inevitable.
u-boat said:
I think in the U.K. it’s often worse for old people with the climate.
Old people seem more active and have more vitality in warmer dryer climates. Plus there’s more respect for the elderly in families and the community in some countries like Japan or Italy etc and they’re consequently seen by themselves and others as more useful and thus seem happier.
In the U.K. we seem to disregard old people often as a nuisance and other people’s problems. We (the country and individuals) can often afford to send them to homes and bother with them less. So we don’t have the kind of multi generational living together than other cultures have more.
Good point on the weather. I spent 5 weeks over Dec/Jan in a very Spanish town in northern Tenerife well away from tourist areas.Old people seem more active and have more vitality in warmer dryer climates. Plus there’s more respect for the elderly in families and the community in some countries like Japan or Italy etc and they’re consequently seen by themselves and others as more useful and thus seem happier.
In the U.K. we seem to disregard old people often as a nuisance and other people’s problems. We (the country and individuals) can often afford to send them to homes and bother with them less. So we don’t have the kind of multi generational living together than other cultures have more.
I was out, walking, hiking, driving everyday and happier than I'd been in a very long time.
Lots of people older than me out and about getting themselves up and down the steep streets of the town I had rented a flat in.
All friendly, all chatty despite no one speaking a word of English.
So different from seeing the oldies shuffling around town in glum, grey, damp and cold England.
Luckily I have an Irish passport so my retirement plan might involve a move to that island with the added plus that it's affordable even just on the UK pension.
And I was treated with respect by the surly looking yoofs hanging around on street corners
Interesting topic. Agree with a previous poster - for me it's Health span, not life span.
If I'm the master of my body and mind I'll just keeping going and hope there's enough money in the pot to sustain me.
But if I start to fail, I really don't want ambulances turning up and science keep bringing me back to life so that all I'm good for sitting in a chair looking out the window unaware I've crapped myself again. It just seems so unnatural, so cruel. I don't want to be a prisoner stuck in a body that doesn't work any more. It's one of my biggest fears.
Again a previous poster mentioned a neighbour who has a potion for when the time comes. Whilst I'm of sound mind I'm increasingly of the opinion that I'd like to set the last month of the spreadsheet as opposed to wanting it to be here but not being allowed, or physically capable or hitting the off button - that doesn't seem fair or dignified.
Easy to say I know. In reality I'm not sure we're wired to self terminate, but on the other I'm sure back in the day you'd say to your tribe "I'm a bit tired, you go on, I'm going to rest here for a while and I'll catch you up". Everyone understood. There were hugs and words of love. And then you just find a comfortable spot with the food and water they gave you to reflect on a life well lived and hope the sleep comes before the wolves do. But the worry is unfounded because a kind family member stayed behind in the bushes and nips out to hit you on the back of the head with a big rock once you've dozed off.
Maybe the modern equivalent is booking a trip to Switzerland, paying someone to take you to some nice views to you look at for the day, dictate some messages for loved ones and then meeting the nurse in the foyer of Dignitas.
Ha, I mentioned this to someone IRL once - they were absolutely horrified how morbid it was. Even pointed out I may suffer from depression!
I just see it as the circle of life. We're born, we live a life, we die.
I think it makes me treasure the time I have got knowing I'm on the clock here and it's not going to last forever.
So don't sweat the small stuff and make the day count eh!
(and on a practical note if would make pension planning a lot bloody simpler
)
If I'm the master of my body and mind I'll just keeping going and hope there's enough money in the pot to sustain me.
But if I start to fail, I really don't want ambulances turning up and science keep bringing me back to life so that all I'm good for sitting in a chair looking out the window unaware I've crapped myself again. It just seems so unnatural, so cruel. I don't want to be a prisoner stuck in a body that doesn't work any more. It's one of my biggest fears.
Again a previous poster mentioned a neighbour who has a potion for when the time comes. Whilst I'm of sound mind I'm increasingly of the opinion that I'd like to set the last month of the spreadsheet as opposed to wanting it to be here but not being allowed, or physically capable or hitting the off button - that doesn't seem fair or dignified.
Easy to say I know. In reality I'm not sure we're wired to self terminate, but on the other I'm sure back in the day you'd say to your tribe "I'm a bit tired, you go on, I'm going to rest here for a while and I'll catch you up". Everyone understood. There were hugs and words of love. And then you just find a comfortable spot with the food and water they gave you to reflect on a life well lived and hope the sleep comes before the wolves do. But the worry is unfounded because a kind family member stayed behind in the bushes and nips out to hit you on the back of the head with a big rock once you've dozed off.
Maybe the modern equivalent is booking a trip to Switzerland, paying someone to take you to some nice views to you look at for the day, dictate some messages for loved ones and then meeting the nurse in the foyer of Dignitas.
Ha, I mentioned this to someone IRL once - they were absolutely horrified how morbid it was. Even pointed out I may suffer from depression!
I just see it as the circle of life. We're born, we live a life, we die.
I think it makes me treasure the time I have got knowing I'm on the clock here and it's not going to last forever.
So don't sweat the small stuff and make the day count eh!
(and on a practical note if would make pension planning a lot bloody simpler
) Gigamoons said:
Ha, I mentioned this to someone IRL once - they were absolutely horrified how morbid it was. Even pointed out I may suffer from depression!
I just see it as the circle of life. We're born, we live a life, we die.
I think it makes me treasure the time I have got knowing I'm on the clock here and it's not going to last forever.
I just see it as the circle of life. We're born, we live a life, we die.
I think it makes me treasure the time I have got knowing I'm on the clock here and it's not going to last forever.
Death is usually a subject people feel an aversion to and the concept of ending it especially intentionally is often very tricky.
I remember when my dad was dying of cancer I still wanted him to keep going and somehow it might improve. He even said he couldn’t keep going on like that at one point. Thankfully he didn’t suffer much longer.
I know my dad was trying to put on a brave face for us and still be my dad but I’m not putting my kids through that if it happens to me. It’s nobody’s fault we’re all just trying to do our best and cling on to life though.
I'm in the for as long as I'm happy/healthy with no specific age in mind:
My partners dad died last week at 75, we reckon with the benefit of hindsight he had signs of dementia 9 years ago, the last few years had been tough for him, regular falls and confused with the odd moment of clarity; he died alone on the floor of a care home. My dad is the same age, not without some health issue, he retired at 55 spends 6 months of the year in warmer climates, plays golf a few times a week and is on the piss most of the time with his mates.
I'm 45, i've lived a pretty full life, my body has been through the wars and I feel pretty burnt out, based on how I feel if i can do another 10 i think that will be enough..
I lost a mate just before christmas after our traditional pre christmas boys night out which was fairly quiet by previous standards. He suffered a heart attack in bed at 1am: by all accounts it was fast and painless. I think if I could pick my method of dispatch that would be it, but 40s is far too young.
My partners dad died last week at 75, we reckon with the benefit of hindsight he had signs of dementia 9 years ago, the last few years had been tough for him, regular falls and confused with the odd moment of clarity; he died alone on the floor of a care home. My dad is the same age, not without some health issue, he retired at 55 spends 6 months of the year in warmer climates, plays golf a few times a week and is on the piss most of the time with his mates.
I'm 45, i've lived a pretty full life, my body has been through the wars and I feel pretty burnt out, based on how I feel if i can do another 10 i think that will be enough..
I lost a mate just before christmas after our traditional pre christmas boys night out which was fairly quiet by previous standards. He suffered a heart attack in bed at 1am: by all accounts it was fast and painless. I think if I could pick my method of dispatch that would be it, but 40s is far too young.
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