Seniors who have hung up the keys, do you have any regrets?

[garyb1st]

So I'm going to try the road trip in the car starting next week.

Does this mean you're no longer going to RV? I get the economics of traditional vs RV travel but there's nothing like sleeping in my bed and eating in my home (on wheels)

 

[Oldgator73]

What's to explain, Hawking like most every other great thinker did his breakthrough work in his 20's, 30's and 40's, his mostly with Roger Pemrose ( Singularity Theorem and ..2nd Law of Black Hole Dynamics). He like Einstein wasn't infallible, he argued the Higgs-Boson particle didn't exist and would never be proven and admitted the worst mistake of his life was his position on information retention in black holes, he was wrong on both accounts.. Hardy never implied you become stupid after middle age, only the revolutionary breakthrough ideas ordinarily happen early on in life, especially in mathematics.

I think those that worked with, for and were students of Hawking would say he was very capable up until his death at 76 despite his physical ability. He was diagnosed with ALS at 21. Most with that diagnosis live about 5 years. You posted “A persons mental acuity declines along with physical ability.” Clearly this was not the case with Hawking. His physical ability pretty much left him in his 20’s and he was still one of the top scientists in his field when he died at 76.

 

[Kirk]

His physical ability pretty much left him in his 20’s and he was still one of the top scientists in his field when he died at 76.

But it probably did impact his driving ability.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Does this mean you're no longer going to RV? I get the economics of traditional vs RV travel but there's nothing like sleeping in my bed and eating in my home (on wheels)

Not at all. Just giving something else a try.

 

[Oldgator73]

But it probably did impact his driving ability.

We lived in Cambridge for several years. Several villagers that frequented the local pub worked at the university. One guy said he was walking from one building to another and a computer generated voice behind him said “Move out of the damn way”. He turned around and it was Hawking. So he could drive his vehicle of necessity quite well (if not rudely).

 

[Larry N.]

Clearly this was not the case with Hawking. His physical ability pretty much left him in his 20’s and he was still one of the top scientists in his field when he died at 76.

Nor with a great uncle of mine. He died in a nursing home at 103, still smoking about 4 cigars a day (this was many years ago) and though he could no longer get out of bed unassisted, his mind was still pretty sharp. His sister (my grandma) died some years later at 102, still not down to dementia, though physically pretty weak. 6 or 7 years prior she was still driving to the grocery store in her small town.

 

[old RV guy]

I think those that worked with, for and were students of Hawking would say he was very capable up until his death at 76 despite his physical ability. He was diagnosed with ALS at 21. Most with that diagnosis live about 5 years. You posted “A persons mental acuity declines along with physical ability.” Clearly this was not the case with Hawking. His physical ability pretty much left him in his 20’s and he was still one of the top scientists in his field when he died at 76.

Who said Hawking wasn't capable? Compared to you or I a 25% reduction in Hawkings cognitive ability would still be 500% smarter than we'll ever be, it's a matter of relativity ( no pun intended) Hardy's position was that scientific breakthroughs occur during a persons first half of life which was most certainly the case with Hawking. There's a reason for that and it's that mental acuity like physical ability declines with age. That is Hardy's point and it most certainly applied to Hawking as it did to Newton and Einstein. Both Newton and Einstein were at the top of their fields until their deaths, but like Hawking they were no longer breaking new ground. And like Hawking both Newton and Einstein found themselves in error quite often later in life. Newton's alchemy nonsense for example and Einstein's position(s) regarding sub atomic physics ( " God doesn't play dice with the universe").

 

[Oldgator73]

Who said Hawking wasn't capable? Compared to you or I a 25% reduction in Hawkings cognitive ability would still be 500% smarter than we'll ever be, it's a matter of relativity ( no pun intended) Hardy's position was that scientific breakthroughs occur during a persons first half of life which was most certainly the case with Hawking. There's a reason for that and it's that mental acuity like physical ability declines with age. That is Hardy's point and it most certainly applied to Hawking as it did to Newton and Einstein. Both Newton and Einstein were at the top of their fields until their deaths, but like Hawking they were no longer breaking new ground. And like Hawking both Newton and Einstein found themselves in error quite often later in life. Newton's alchemy nonsense for example and Einstein's position(s) regarding sub atomic physics ( " God doesn't play dice with the universe").

I guess it’s beyond your capabilities to comprehend the one sentence you posted that I replied to. Good night.

 

[old RV guy]

I guess it’s beyond your capabilities to comprehend the one sentence you posted that I replied to. Good night.

And with that have a great rest of the day yourself.

 

[RayIN]

We don't travel anymore, still have the MH in the garage. DW was in hospital 4-2024, lost 30#, now weighs 89# and is very weak. I've turned into her caregiver, as she says.

Staying busy; last July I bought a new to me farm tractor W/front loader to make taking care of our farm easier. In January 2 trees blew down during a storm, onto my old pole barn, $55k to replace Ins. co. adjuster said. Now when weather improves I've gotta clean out as much of the barn as is safe so it can be rebuilt. Gonna hire that rebuild done.
So- Yes, I'm staying busy. When I have nothing else to do, there's 1,500' of new farm fence to build, and about 160' to repair.
If anyone gets really bored and knows how to build farm fencing you're welcome to come help.
BTW, I was 82 Christmas day; my mind thinks otherwise, but body says "reality-check". I have heart problems, #1 is slow heart rate, last month it hit a low of 38 BPM. When I stood up I got dizzy and had to sit back down. Dr. took away 2 heart meds and now I'm doing OK, it's low/mid 50's at rest, 88 working out.

Never give up!

 

[RayIN]

I think those that worked with, for and were students of Hawking would say he was very capable up until his death at 76 despite his physical ability. He was diagnosed with ALS at 21. Most with that diagnosis live about 5 years. You posted “A persons mental acuity declines along with physical ability.” Clearly this was not the case with Hawking. His physical ability pretty much left him in his 20’s and he was still one of the top scientists in his field when he died at 76.

Our oldest daughter died from ALS complications, about 6 years after diagnosis. She could only move her eyes the last 3 months. Her husband was her caregiver and worked a full-time job. While he was at work a service came in to care for her.
Her illness and death was hard on her husband, He took his life 3 months later.

 

[DutchmenSport]

garyb1st,​

I did not read all the posts, and I (hope) I have many more years of RVing ahead of me before I have to hang up the key. I retired 3 years ago and immediately went out of my mind with boredom.

Now grated, we still have our camper and we still have possession of our stick-n-brick home, but what saved my sanity was to volunteer. I volunteered as a camp host in North Carolina 3 years in a row for the months of July and August. It was fantastic.

Then I broke into a gig in Louisiana on a historic plantation site. I dress in 1821 attire, do plantation house tours, and do a LOT of carpentry work on the site. It's all volunteer and I cannot get enough of it. If I could, I'd move permanently to Louisiana and never leave the park.

My home is in Indiana, and if it comes to the point where I cannot make the Louisiana gig work for me any more, I think I'll find some way to volunteer much closer to "home". State Parks are always looking for volunteer help. There are Civil War and Revolutionary War re-enactor groups, there are historical sites that need volunteers, even hospitals, libraries, and nursing homes. The need for volunteers is great everywhere.

I was shocked one day when I went to visit my mother in a nursing home and I heard this old man come into the building, singing and shouting his "Hallalujah's!" as he greeted the elderly residence there. He was the visiting minister for that day, sharing his "faith" with anyone who gave him the time.

To my second shock, I looked at the man and literally said, OMG! That man was one of my college professors....(some 46 years ago!) (Disclaimer: The college was a church sponsored Christian College). And you know what? I went up to him and said "hi!" He looked at me and immediately said .... My Goodness, "David" how are you!

Although he retired as a College Professor (sometime in his life), he did not stop. He found a meaningful way to continue sharing is "passion" with others and brought a lot of joy to the residents in that nursing home! He remembered my mother too, called her by name! What an amazing man!

 

[garyb1st]

If anyone gets really bored and knows how to build farm fencing you're welcome to come help.

Where do you live Ray? I'm a totally inexperienced try anything DIY type. I've actually thought of buying a piece of property and a tractor with a front end loader to clear the property. Just thought I was too old. But I won't be 82 until June. Never even sat in a tractor other than at the local Fair but it sounds like it would be fun. After reading your post, I'm thinking maybe I'm really not too old.

Medically I've got aged related this and that. Docs suggested a Statin more than 30 years ago. Never took them. Still don't take anything other than vitamin B-12 and D-3. Pulse is usually around 60. Low BP is my concern. Lowest Diastolic was 38 and average has been under 60 for some time.

I do every thing myself. I can afford a gardener, housekeeper, painter etc., but I'm old fashioned and a penny pincher. Learned a valuable lesson years ago from a shoemaker with too many children. I asked him how he managed. His reply, "it's not the income, it's the outgo. Even in retirement, if I don't save money every month I get nervous.

 

[Kirk]

I've turned into her caregiver, as she says.

I do understand that. While I am pretty fit for the age I am, Pam has had health issues since her 50's and seems to have a collection of doctors. In addition to stomach issues, she has screws in her back, 2 plates inher right arm, an all-metal ankle(in-bone replacement), a hip replacement, a knee repair. She now uses a walker anytime out of the house and probably should do so at home as well. She also had a blood clot in her dominate eye that causes some loss of vision.

I was 82 Christmas day;

But I won't be 82 until June.

I was 82 last September and Pam will be 84 in June. The main issue that I have now is that I tire far more quickly than when I was younger and less strength. I miss the RV and would probably still have one if Pam could enjoy it but that just wasn't to be.

 

[Oldgator73]

Our oldest daughter died from ALS complications, about 6 years after diagnosis. She could only move her eyes the last 3 months. Her husband was her caregiver and worked a full-time job. While he was at work a service came in to care for her.
Her illness and death was hard on her husband, He took his life 3 months later.

Sorry to hear this Ray. Were you still AD Army or retired when this happened?

 

[Jackiemac]

Our oldest daughter died from ALS complications, about 6 years after diagnosis. She could only move her eyes the last 3 months. Her husband was her caregiver and worked a full-time job. While he was at work a service came in to care for her.
Her illness and death was hard on her husband, He took his life 3 months later.

Oh that sounds heartbreaking. So sorry to hear this Ray.

 

[RayIN]

Thanks Jackiemac. We've lost a son, a daughter, and her husband. I hope we lose no more. Our son died while we were on a trip, and no-one called us until after he was cremated.
On another note; we can't wait until warmer weather. We want to take a few short trips in-state to see how we both handle things. I'm 82, DW is 78 and in poor health.

 

[RayIN]

Sorry to hear this Ray. Were you still AD Army or retired when this happened?

Long retired, 1992. She died in 2019 from ALS, son died 2015- heart attack, he was a heavy smoker + overweight.

 

[RayIN]

Where do you live Ray? I'm a totally inexperienced try anything DIY type. I've actually thought of buying a piece of property and a tractor with a front end loader to clear the property. Just thought I was too old. But I won't be 82 until June. Never even sat in a tractor other than at the local Fair but it sounds like it would be fun. After reading your post, I'm thinking maybe I'm really not too old.

Medically I've got aged related this and that. Docs suggested a Statin more than 30 years ago. Never took them. Still don't take anything other than vitamin B-12 and D-3. Pulse is usually around 60. Low BP is my concern. Lowest Diastolic was 38 and average has been under 60 for some time.

I do every thing myself. I can afford a gardener, housekeeper, painter etc., but I'm old fashioned and a penny pincher. Learned a valuable lesson years ago from a shoemaker with too many children. I asked him how he managed. His reply, "it's not the income, it's the outgo. Even in retirement, if I don't save money every month I get nervous.

The world can use a lot more people like you. My fencing is on hold for another year.
Two dead trees blew down on my old pole barn during a storm. Luckily I had my new tractor in the garage at my house for convenience, instead of walking ¼- mile through the snow and cold to get it from the pole barn.
To replace the pole barn, the claims adjuster said $55K. Now I've gotta clean out that barn without the remaining roof falling on me. Then new barn construction can begin. None of that can happen until warmer weather.

 

[RayIN]

Kirk, I wish you and Pam the best. I keep reminding myself, we signed up for better or worse, no-one said it would be easy all the time.