Getting Old: Stoic About It or Endless Whinger?

[JK-Trilly]

Aging is something we can’t avoid, but how we deal with it varies wildly. Some keep moving forward, adapting, and continuing to enjoy life as always, while others seem to get stuck, endlessly complaining about every ache, pain, and limitation. For those aging in Thailand, the dynamic takes on an even more unique flavor.

 

For many expats here, growing older doesn’t mean slowing down. You’ll find men in their 60s and beyond who still go out to the bars, chase the same things they did in their 30s, and dive headfirst into everything life has to offer. Whether it’s maintaining an active social life, exercising, meeting new people, or traveling, these folks refuse to let age dictate their pace. They embody that classic “mind over matter” approach, embracing the here and now and staying engaged with the world around them.

 

On the flip side, there are those who seem to have hit a wall. Instead of adapting, they focus on what’s going wrong—the health problems, creaky knees, back pains, and chronic ailments. You’ll often hear them sitting around, talking about their blood pressure, cholesterol, wanting to lose weight and all the things that they feel they can’t do anymore. For them, life in Thailand has shifted from adventure to a growing list of limitations.

 

But here’s the question: Is it just a mindset, or do circumstances play a role? Thailand offers unique advantages for aging expats—relatively affordable healthcare, easy access to good food, warm weather that’s easier on the joints, and a culture that generally respects elders. Yet, it’s not all roses. Some face visa headaches, financial challenges, or feelings of isolation as they grow older without family nearby.

 

For those who’ve spent more than 20 years here, it’s worth asking: Was aging in Thailand part of the plan? Or did time simply pass faster than expected, leaving you as a senior citizen in Thailand? For some, staying here into old age feels like a natural extension of the life they’ve built. For others, the question of whether they’d be better off returning to their home country looms large.

 

The truth is, everyone approaches aging differently. Some lean into the physical realities of getting older but refuse to let them define their lives. Others see those same realities as walls that block the way forward.

 

Where do you stand? Are you still pushing forward with life, doing the same things you did in your younger years? Or have the physical aspects of aging shifted your focus, making you feel more limited than liberated?

 

Stoic or whinger—what’s your approach?

[jori123]

That  too, but relatively affordable healthcare in TH is a myth, it'll cost.  Getting older does define your life, and getting trapped in TH , would be a nightmare , getting  decrepit would be suicide fodder

[still kicking]

1 hour ago, jori123 said:

That  too, but relatively affordable healthcare in TH is a myth, it'll cost.  Getting older does define your life, and getting trapped in TH , would be a nightmare , getting  decrepit would be suicide fodder

Yes I moved away from LOS with my Thai wife many years ago My wife has a good job here and I get a good pension I could not afford to pay health insurance in Thailand which I do have here.free. Thailand is not a good country for disabled people I am 77 now 

Edited 5 hours ago by still kicking

[georgegeorgia]

So how can your wife work and you also get the aged pension??

 

Your not entitled to the old age pension if your partner is working !

[save the frogs]

1 hour ago, georgegeorgia said:

So how can your wife work and you also get the aged pension??

the thread is not about pensions

[georgegeorgia]

1 hour ago, save the frogs said:

the thread is not about pensions

I beg your pardon...

I never promised you a rose garden