A friend of mine, living a few kilometers away from my place, was diagnosed with final CANCER.
He had a big open tumor on his throat, which have been removed recently.
But after testing in the lab, it was detected as a final cancer and only a few months to live.
He is 2 years older as me and always working in his garden.

Last year, I went to the funeral of many of my friends/buddy.
Some of them a lot younger as me.
Most of them died of CANCER or a disease.
They were good raking care of their health and doing many activities.

 

In the days I was working, I was the head of a team of 65 people.
Most of them a lot younger as me.
The last one died 4 years ago because his body was rejecting the new lungs.
Many of them had a healthy lifestyle and were watching their health.

 

Yesterday, at the usual bar, there was a guy dancing and having fun.
He was drinking beer and some spirits and smoking a cigar.
His age?
82 years.

Ever since I was diagnosed with a Cardiac anomaly and the usual old man's diseases, I try as much as possible to control my health

Taking medicine, avoiding food and drinks which are unhealthy for me, trying to do some exercise, etc.
I am ok for my age, although I can not do what this 82 year old man was doing.

 

Sometimes I ask myself, is it all worth the hassle?
After reaching 65 years of age living like a hermit?
Only to live a few months or years more?

Would I not be better off to enjoy my old age and enjoy what life is worth enjoying?

 

I read the joke about a man going to the doctor, and the doctor asked him:
- do you smoke?

 NO

- do you drink alcohol?

 NO

- do you go out with other woman every day?

 No

- do you pratize dangerous sports
 NO

Then why do you want to live a long life if you don't enjoy it?

 

What are your thoughts about this?

 

Dont know

Whatever

I think...there sure seems to be a lot of depressed and anxious people on this forum.

More and more people are paying the price of a life of anxiety and stress as they age. Being happy and relaxed is one of the most efficient way to remain in good health. Of course it ain't magic. Other factors come into play, especially genetics and your body's ability to manage all those toxic substances that the industrial world releases in the environment. But happy people with solid social networks usually live longer.

 

At the end of the day, we all die.

Only one answer, you're a long time dead and there's no rush.

I am no longer young. I no longer enjoy doing what younger people do. I am happy to go when my time comes.

In general I have had a healthy and enjoyable life with enough of everything, and I have little desire to stagger on to the bitter end. Indeed, if I were to have, or develop cancer, I would want it over quickly before the painful metastases begin. If my time were close, I would be tempted to arrange a holiday with my close family in Canada, Switzerland or Belgium and see if I could arrange a nice cosy euthansia party there.

So many women and not enough time (or money).

As long as you can do what you want to do why worry? We all have our own 'yardsticks' by which we judge things (and ourselves). Personally, I've always believed that when the day arrives that you need to take regular medication that is the beginning of the end. My Mrs complains that all I do is sit in a chair all day, every day, drinking tea/coffee and munching biscuits. I try to explain to her that is what I've always done, having worked in an office from age 16. I've never had the urge to climb Mount Everest. Running, swimming, cycling, hiking, camping, playing rugby and football were sheer torture for me. If bodyweight remains within reason and vitals within range (good enough to be a regular blood donor) why worry?   

But it's not a question of just wanting to live longer.  There's the important issue of remaining healthy as you age. When you're young your body can take a lot of abuse but as you get older you have to work a lot harder to remain healthy. Look at these old geezers like the Rolling Stones. Now they all have strict diets, personal trainers, constant medical supervision. If you want to be old and a broken-down wreck then go for it.

I am 79 and I have had 2 blackouts this year. I realise that the next one may be fatal. I take the medicine that the Thai doctors have prescribed for me.

 

Since the last blackout I have started to exercise regularly for a couple of hours a day in 3 sessions, something I have never done before.

 

After the last blackout I could barely walk to the toilet or to my computer.

 

I read up on the internet, and started using, the UK Health Service Exercises for the elderly and I can now breathe better, walk perhaps 100 to 150 metres on the flat level ground and just use my walking stick for balance just in case.

 

Since the beginning of this year I have lost 10 kg without going on a diet.

 

I can still do a lot of the things I user to do but they take longer. I can cut the grass (we have nearly 2 acres) for around an hour and this morning as it was cooler I only had one short break to relax and refuel the weed whacker.

 

Nowadays I do the things I know I can do, try 4 or 5 times the things I think I can do, and get somebody to do the things I know I can't do.

 

I am reasonably happy and not sad or depressed at all, and I am very lucky as my Thai wife of 23 years supports me.

 

I want to live a few more years as I would like to see my son graduate from uni in 3 years time ( he is 19 now). After that all the time I have left I want to spend with my wife and not to be a huge burden to her.

 

When it is my time go, I hope it is peacefully and painlessly in my sleep.

 

 

 

43 minutes ago, jaywalker2 said:

But it's not a question of just wanting to live longer.  There's the important issue of remaining healthy as you age. When you're young your body can take a lot of abuse but as you get older you have to work a lot harder to remain healthy. Look at these old geezers like the Rolling Stones. Now they all have strict diets, personal trainers, constant medical supervision. If you want to be old and a broken-down wreck then go for it.

I reckon that its not the length of life but the quality of life.I'm almost 73 and gave my Thai Dr the Living Will document (DNR) last visit and she said she wished more seniors would do that.

I am 80. While I still have quality of life, I intend to enjoy it.

21 minutes ago, jaideedave said:

my Thai Dr

Just curious? Being registered at a GP's surgery (or group practice these days) is the norm in U.K. Here in Thailand I've been treated by A/E doctor's in two different Government hospitals and also three times for outer ear infections by the same doctor whom my Mrs says is an ENT specialist at his High Street clinic in our next larger town. Is your Thai doctor a hospital consultant you see regularly?

3 minutes ago, The Fugitive said:

Just curious? Being registered at a GP's surgery (or group practice these days) is the norm in U.K. Here in Thailand I've been treated by A/E doctor's in two different Government hospitals and also three times for outer ear infections by the same doctor whom my Mrs says is an ENT specialist at his High Street clinic in our next larger town. Is your Thai doctor a hospital consultant you see regularly?

I believe she's a GP. I call her my family Dr thats all.At Queen Sirikit Naval hospital Sattahip.I see her every 6 months for blood work. 

Fact is, from the day you were alive, you are on your way to die.

And some dont even get to live and die, just starting.

So if you are older, you are lucky already. You made it already there to almost the end. 

It is like that. SO better dont worry that much about all and live like the 82 yo guy.

Becoming older, your body will go down and things arent that possible anymore.

It is annoying, but deal with and laugh about it. 

How old you want to get? In Japan there are lots of older people, 100 and over.

What they do?, eat healthy, still working on land, mostly not in big cities.

And what also seems to help (?), they sing. By themselves or in group.

Creating endorfine which is good, also when you laugh or feel just good.

Too much stres isnt good. So avoid that. Dont THINK too much about staying healthy, as it stresses you.

The 82 yo guy seems to act like that. Well he is right.

I lived my working life in petro chemistry, now see what it eventually does to me. getting older.

I better dont think about it, stres. But there were quite some substances not real good for health.

Same as with women (menopause) men have andro pause and that also changes your body.

But you have to deal with it, laugh and enjoy. So we should follow that 82 yo guy.

 

 

 

Not sure about want to live so long.  Already knockin' on 69 ... or ... only 69, depending what mood I'm in.

 

Why not hang around as long as possible, as everything works and still mobile.  Till that changes, no thoughts of leaving early.

2 hours ago, The Fugitive said:

Just curious? Being registered at a GP's surgery (or group practice these days) is the norm in U.K. Here in Thailand I've been treated by A/E doctor's in two different Government hospitals and also three times for outer ear infections by the same doctor whom my Mrs says is an ENT specialist at his High Street clinic in our next larger town. Is your Thai doctor a hospital consultant you see regularly?

It's a dilemma I face as well. I really do want to deposit a living will somewhere, but I never get sick, so I never get to see a doctor. I'm considering having a tattoo on my chest in Thai and English. "Not to be opened until after my death!'.

Why do you want to live so long?

I don't.  I'm good with checking out any time.  I'm more worried about living this long.

44 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Not sure about want to live so long.  Already knockin' on 69 ... or ... only 69, depending what mood I'm in.

 

Why not hang around as long as possible, as everything works and still mobile.  Till that changes, no thoughts of leaving early.

I am also 69, 1 month away from 70.

After spending almost 19 years under the ground, digging the black gold, it's not rocket science to know why most coalminers close the lights before reaching 60.

I try to live these years as healthy as possible.

But if I can enjoy a good cake with lot's of cream or a juicy hamburger, should I refuse that because it would upgrade my sugar levels?

Eat more ice-cream.  Worry less.  Enjoy the moment. 

10 minutes ago, connda said:

Eat more ice-cream.  Worry less.  Enjoy the moment. 

Ice cream Is evil.

3 hours ago, Confuscious said:

I am also 69, 1 month away from 70.

After spending almost 19 years under the ground, digging the black gold, it's not rocket science to know why most coalminers close the lights before reaching 60.

I try to live these years as healthy as possible.

But if I can enjoy a good cake with lot's of cream or a juicy hamburger, should I refuse that because it would upgrade my sugar levels?

I do what I want, when I want, with a bit of common sense thrown in.  Not much change from when a young lad, though I don't bounce of good as I used to.

 

I really don't care if I crap out tonight or tomorrow or 10 yrs from now.  Never did, and quite surprised I'm still alive 😂

Death at 60 be good enough

5 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Ice cream Is evil.

Only for those wishing to live forever.  I don't, so I enjoy the pleasures of life while I'm still sucking air.
Ice cream is great. 

12 hours ago, Moonlover said:

It's a dilemma I face as well. I really do want to deposit a living will somewhere, but I never get sick, so I never get to see a doctor. I'm considering having a tattoo on my chest in Thai and English. "Not to be opened until after my death!'.

As you will know 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) bracelets are easily available. Problem is, medics are not permitted to comply unless they have written authority from a doctor. Permission is often obtained from next of kin when someone is dying in hospital and the patient's notes are duly annotated. Your idea is a good one however!  

13 hours ago, Moonlover said:

It's a dilemma I face as well. I really do want to deposit a living will somewhere, but I never get sick, so I never get to see a doctor. I'm considering having a tattoo on my chest in Thai and English. "Not to be opened until after my death!'.

Add "I have no money or insurance" ... 😎

Cuz of all the stuff I keep putting of until tomorrow.

35 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

14 hours ago, Moonlover said:

It's a dilemma I face as well. I really do want to deposit a living will somewhere, but I never get sick, so I never get to see a doctor. I'm considering having a tattoo on my chest in Thai and English. "Not to be opened until after my death!'.

 

35 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Add "I have no money or insurance" ... 😎

Now that's a good idea. (and partly true as well)

1 hour ago, The Fugitive said:

As you will know 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) bracelets are easily available. Problem is, medics are not permitted to comply unless they have written authority from a doctor. Permission is often obtained from next of kin when someone is dying in hospital and the patient's notes are duly annotated. Your idea is a good one however!  

Thanks for that tip. A long time ago I used to wear an SOS neckless, which was a small capsule in which one could place medical details and written instructions. I shall look into that idea.

Pension = getting paid just to keep on breathing.

 

So I will be milking that even if I have to be just propped up in a corner somewhere.