Have You Won the Game of Life?

[JK-Trilly]

To the true champions of life, those 75 and older, living the dream in Thailand, and still kicking it like you’re 45: do you look in the mirror and think, Yep, I’ve won the game of life? Or maybe you don’t think it, but deep down you suspect maybe it’s true because, well, you’ve lived a long life already and obviously things could have always turned out much more pear shaped.

So you made it this far, happily and hopefully healthily, and you’ve done it in Thailand, no less. That’s seemingly not just winning; that’s more like winning with a cherry on top, isn’t it? Or maybe it’s not for you? But if it is, then what’s the secret sauce to making it work? Is it the spicy som tam with runny fermented fish? The tropical weather? The ridiculously good/bad beer? Or is it simply the notion of knowing you’ll never have to shovel snow again?

There’s got to be some wisdom to be gotten from it. What choices do you think got you to this golden stage of life, where everything feels comfortably on track? And for the rest of us still in our 50s or 60s, what advice would you give to help us get to where you are now?

It’s probably not luck. Presumably you’ve made some good or great calls along the way. Was moving to Thailand one of them? Did it change your life for the better—happiness, health, wealth, romance or maybe all four? Then is it the people, the culture, the laid-back vibe, or maybe the healthcare that helps you sleep better at night? Or is life in Thailand something completely different for you than any of the above?

[KhunLA]

Hell yea, definitely won.  I never expected to live past 30, especially after I started riding motorcycles.  That and a few other vices, and risks I'd take, just for the hell / thrill of it.

 

Game changer aside from trying to kill myself, financially, was realizing, I'd never be able to retire, let alone as early as I did, if I remained an employee for anyone or company.  Learned to use them, and the system, instead of being used up by them.

 

Only I would ever pay myself what I was worth.  From that point the rest is history, and made life easy and even more fun.

 

Somehow I still didn't kill myself, knockin' on 70 in less than a month.  3+ yrs past life expectancy for a yank born in 1954.  Since I made it this far, might make it to 80, or so I read.  

 

Been much more health conscious the past 15 ish years.  Especially the last 2+ years with major diet change, and never felt healthier, aside from simply being older, and avoid bouncing since I don't do it nearly as well as I used to.

 

Been one hell of a ride 

[Yagoda]

I won life's Lottery when I was born in American citizen. That means I have the freedom to choose my own path in life, and basically do whatever I want. Now I want to live in Cambodia and bang legal teenagers in Bangkok and smoke a lot of weed,, so that's what I do.

[Terrance8812]

44 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

I won life's Lottery when I was born in American citizen. That means I have the freedom to choose my own path in life, and basically do whatever I want. Now I want to live in Cambodia and bang legal teenagers in Bangkok and smoke a lot of weed,, so that's what I do.

 

Canadians, Europeans, Australians, Brits, and citizens of many other countries enjoy the same freedoms you’re referring to, often with even greater benefits. For instance, several countries issue passports that offer better visa-free access to more countries than the U.S. passport. Additionally, Americans living outside the United States are uniquely burdened by the requirement to pay taxes on their worldwide income, something 99% of other nationalities don’t face. Furthermore, many Americans struggle to open bank accounts when living overseas, as their citizenship makes them a compliance headache for banks due to FATCA regulations.

 

To be honest, being an American living abroad looks like a raw deal, they miss out on the perceived benefits of being American while shouldering all the downsides. Unsurprisingly, a significant number of U.S. expatriates renounce their US citizenship each year to escape these frustrations.

[Yagoda]

11 minutes ago, Terrance8812 said:

 

Canadians, Europeans, Australians, Brits, and citizens of many other countries enjoy the same freedoms you’re referring to, often with even greater benefits. For instance, several countries issue passports that offer better visa-free access to more countries than the U.S. passport. Additionally, Americans living outside the United States are uniquely burdened by the requirement to pay taxes on their worldwide income, something 99% of other nationalities don’t face. Furthermore, many Americans struggle to open bank accounts when living overseas, as their citizenship makes them a compliance headache for banks due to FATCA regulations.

 

To be honest, being an American living abroad looks like a raw deal, they miss out on the perceived benefits of being American while shouldering all the downsides. Unsurprisingly, a significant number of U.S. expatriates renounce their US citizenship each year to escape these frustrations.

Feel better now? Got you a jealous little anti-American rant out? Why don't you start a topic about who's got more freedom in the West and I'm happy to participate and educate you. Just try not to cut and paste sound bites like you just did, and ignore irrelevant things like visa-free access, which have nothing to do with anything I said or even this topic.

[FriscoKid]

6 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Feel better now? Got you a jealous little anti-American rant out? Why don't you start a topic about who's got more freedom in the West and I'm happy to participate and educate you. Just try not to cut and paste sound bites like you just did, and ignore irrelevant things like visa-free access, which have nothing to do with anything I said or even this topic.

Wow, look at that fragile ego go. 🤩 😂 

[Yagoda]

2 minutes ago, FriscoKid said:

Wow, look at that fragile ego go. 🤩 😂 

What's wrong with your ego or his? I don't quite understand the relevance of your comment?

[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Been much more health conscious the past 15 ish years.  Especially the last 2+ years with major diet change, and never felt healthier, aside from simply being older, and avoid bouncing since I don't do it nearly as well as I used to.

Does having cancer and still living count as winning the game of life or losing? Jury is still out on that.

Basically gave up on living healthy after, and gained loadsaweight till prediabetes forced me to stop eating sugar, a legal poison that is available everywhere.

Diabetes doesn't kill us directly, but it's great at making us lose our legs starting at the toes.

 

avoid bouncing

 

Something to bear in mind for old people is that retinas are more likely to detach in older people. I will never go on a roller coaster again because of that.

[KhunLA]

22 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Does having cancer and still living count as winning the game of life or losing? Jury is still out on that.

Basically gave up on living healthy after, and gained loadsaweight till prediabetes forced me to stop eating sugar, a legal poison that is available everywhere.

Diabetes doesn't kill us directly, but it's great at making us lose our legs starting at the toes.

 

avoid bouncing

 

Something to bear in mind for old people is that retinas are more likely to detach in older people. I will never go on a roller coaster again because of that.

Be able to live with or even beating cancer definitely would put one in the win category, as many of lost that fight.

 

So much more, better, information out there now, not MSM or govt/big pharma health experts, but sadly YT 

 

Actually leaning and researching, along with more importantly, results of following their advice has really enforced my lack of trust in anything MSM, govt and 'health' experts recommend.

 

A lot was common sense, that I already knew, but some specifics about diet the last few years has made a huge change in my overall health.  And future longevity, I hope.

 

On diabetes, you may want to research cutting most or all carbs out of you diet, going strict Keto or even Carnivore diet, and may keep you from being pre, and or, diabetic or even reverse type 1 or 2.  Some quite believable success stories out there.

 

Also reported to help cancer patients, to a certain degree.  Something to do with the oxidation, (ROS), the cancer cells need to grow.  If not preventing, even reversing/starving/killing off cancer cells, or at least reducing the size of some tumors, that now make them removable with surgery, and nuke any cells left over.

 

Big Pharma only wants to treat disease, with no interest of curing them, as simply not as profitable.  IMHO

 

When they do have a cure pill, they charge the most ridiculous prices for it.  Damn shameful 🤬

[RSD1]

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Feel better now? Got you a jealous little anti-American rant out? Why don't you start a topic about who's got more freedom in the West and I'm happy to participate and educate you. Just try not to cut and paste sound bites like you just did, and ignore irrelevant things like visa-free access, which have nothing to do with anything I said or even this topic.

TRIGGERED!
 

Actually, everything he said is factual. I guess that's why his post upset you. It's true though, I have two American friends who also renounced for some of the very same reasons that he mentioned. I think about 6,000-7,000 expat Americans living abroad renounced in 2020. 
 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

Won the game of life? Not yet. Still playing and I hope I have a few years left.

 

My advice is to move to Thailand when you're in your twenties or thirties. Then it isn't necessary to try to think that you're forty-five.

[RSD1]

I think any Americans who are retired and living in Thailand should feel blessed. America has no state healthcare system either and most likely never will. Plus, 50,000,000 Americans who now have healthcare under the affordable care act stand to lose it very soon.

[Ben Zioner]

34 minutes ago, RSD1 said:

TRIGGERED!
 

Actually, everything he said is factual. I guess that's why his post upset you. It's true though, I have two American friends who also renounced for some of the very same reasons that he mentioned. I think about 6,000-7,000 expat Americans living abroad renounced in 2020. 

 

Income tax is probably the only reason for renouncing citizenship, and now it will be interesting to watch what will happen once Thailand introduced WWIT...

 

Generally US retiree in Thailand enjoy much better standards of living than those from UK, AUS and others on measly pensions and no health cover.

 

That's factual too..

 

And I am not a US national.

[Gandtee]

I'll be 91 next week, hopefully. Been here nearly forty years. I'll let you know if I've won the game later.😉

[RSD1]

9 minutes ago, Gandtee said:

I'll be 91 next week, hopefully. Been here nearly forty years. I'll let you know if I've won the game later.😉

Well done, 20 more to go!

[Yagoda]

2 hours ago, RSD1 said:

TRIGGERED!
 

Actually, everything he said is factual. I guess that's why his post upset you. It's true though, I have two American friends who also renounced for some of the very same reasons that he mentioned. I think about 6,000-7,000 expat Americans living abroad renounced in 2020. 
 

Actually it's not. But since you're not an American you wouldn't know. And is post didn't upset me, I just feel the need as an intelligent human being to correct blatant stupidity

2 hours ago, RSD1 said:

I think any Americans who are retired and living in Thailand should feel blessed. America has no state healthcare system either and most likely never will. Plus, 50,000,000 Americans who now have healthcare under the affordable care act stand to lose it very soon.

Retired Americans of a certain age have" state" Health Care. Please tell us how the 50 million Americans who have health care are about to lose it, citing legislation that is active, co-sponsored and supported designed to remove Health Care coverage from covered Americans.

44 minutes ago, Gandtee said:

I'll be 91 next week, hopefully. Been here nearly forty years. I'll let you know if I've won the game later.😉

When they come to wish you a a happy birthday, Raise Your Glass and tell them that will be a lot happier if you could take a dump cuz being 91 means constipation. And ask them why there's not going to be a party in Nana Plaza for you. If God willing I make 91, I want a 21 year old stripper for my present and probably a quality dump too. Happy birthday in advance dude. Way to go.

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, RSD1 said:

TRIGGERED!
 

Actually, everything he said is factual. I guess that's why his post upset you. It's true though, I have two American friends who also renounced for some of the very same reasons that he mentioned. I think about 6,000-7,000 expat Americans living abroad renounced in 2020. 
 

6705 in 2020, (highest ever) and the equals 0.0002% of population.   Guessing the only reason to do that, is to avoid taxes.   Since other countries don't have that problem, then yes, USA might have more renouncing.  Money is a good motivation, as I can live anywhere.  But if I was still earning, yea, I'd consider it.

 

UK not that far behind, since USA has about 5X the population.  Since not a tax burden to live elsewhere, then they must really hate living in the UK for what it has become, not for financial gain.

 

"2021: 868 people renounced their UK citizenship, a 30% increase from 2020"

 

Let's count how many want to enter the USA vs other countries ... nuff said

 

And for you Brits ... our Soc Sec doesn't get frozen when living in TH or other countries.  And for me, that's a 56% increase since retired, about $1,000+ USD more than when I started.

 

Some of you might want to give a 'Sieg Heil' or fly a 'Nazi flag' and see what happens 

[Lacessit]

81 yo.

 

I have survived 4 different types of cancer. Mild heart condition, spine falling apart. Cannot walk long distances anymore, as back pain gets progressively worse.

 

One year of chemotherapy has shot down my libido and immune system. Reduction in physical strength.

 

If I was American, I would not be posting here. The various medical treatments I got at zero or low cost in Australia would have taken all my assets, and then some.

 

OTOH, I will die solvent, with all my mental faculties. I am lucky in having a good woman by my side for the rest of my life.

 

I would not say I have won, I'd call it a draw.

[oxo1947]

From what I see of the American pension system -- it seems fairer then most, they dont penalize you for living in another country, Like UK -Oz -Kiwi etc---I had a retired American friend who fathered a child here and they increased his pension--

Lived 20 years UK---13 years Kiwi--20 years Oz --25 years Thailand- A lot of the time I was in the merchant navy so so saw a lot of other countries.

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, Ben Zioner said:

 

Income tax is probably the only reason for renouncing citizenship, and now it will be interesting to watch what will happen once Thailand introduced WWIT...

 

Generally US retiree in Thailand enjoy much better standards of living than those from UK, AUS and others on measly pensions and no health cover.

 

That's factual too..

 

And I am not a US national.

Agree and  our USA Soc Sec should be more than enough to live here (for marriage visa), and not taxable, here, or in the USA.  Mine's enough for retirement visa requirements.

 

The anti Yank forum never fails to shine in all it's glory.   How the hell does a positive thread turn into Yank bashing 

 

Hatred or Envy ... just a few more to add the 'that list' 😎

[KhunLA]

32 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Retired Americans of a certain age have" state" Health Care. Please tell us how the 50 million Americans who have health care are about to lose it, citing legislation that is active, co-sponsored and supported designed to remove Health Care coverage from covered Americans.

Don't you love it, when ignorant people post.  NOBODY, NOBODY, is denied healthcare in the USA, whether you can pay or not ... PERIOD

 

Some illegal immigrants even get it for free, no bills pending, afterwards 

[Ralf001]

4 hours ago, FriscoKid said:

Wow, look at that fragile ego go. 🤩 😂 

 

Yeah fragile ego is an American trait for sure.

[Yagoda]

13 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Yeah fragile ego is an American trait for sure.

They get their impressions of America from TikTok and their Leftist press.

[Presnock]

without a doubt, YES!!! I just had my 78th trip around the sun.  I spent more than 3 years in a war zone getting shot at, rocketed, chased by bad guy planes, etc, lived and worked around the world, even being shot in that career with co-workers killed when I should have been with them but opted to play golf, had a really successful career enabling me to retire with a comfortable pension which if I am married when I die, my wife will continue to receive a healthy pension throughout her life too, blessed with two wives (1st died of cancer), had 2 wonderful and brilliant daughters, one with each wife, retired in Thailand 20+ years ago and still loving it as a paradise compared to the countries I worked, including Europe, Asia, Central America and Africa.  I never was assigned at any place that had a "real" winter and I know I hate COLD weather and especially SNOW.  I eat healthy IAW the "food" books by Dr. William Li, lift weights several times a week, on days I don't lift weights, I do an hour of core exercises, and every day instead of the daily 5-10 mile run each day that I did until 65, I now do at least 6 kms every evening.  My BP remains in the healthy 30-year old, I have not even had a headache in over 25 years.  In my entire life, I have never had to be treated that would have required me to file for my insurance coverage.  To me life is great still at 78 for sure, not aches or pains upon getting out of bed each morning.  hope the best for all!

[Lacessit]

30 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Agree and  our USA Soc Sec should be more than enough to live here (for marriage visa), and not taxable, here, or in the USA.  Mine's enough for retirement visa requirements.

 

The anti Yank forum never fails to shine in all it's glory.   How the hell does a positive thread turn into Yank bashing 

 

Hatred or Envy ... just a few more to add the 'that list' 😎

Please. America has the world's highest prison population. It has to train its schoolchildren in how to avoid getting shot. It has the world's highest cost pharmaceuticals.

 

Why on earth would anyone envy that?

[Gandtee]

1 hour ago, RSD1 said:

Well done, 20 more to go!

20? That's pushing it a bit.😆

[mdr224]

No unfortunately, i had kids. Now i have to do the responsible thing and live in the west

[jvs]

5 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Please. America has the world's highest prison population. It has to train its schoolchildren in how to avoid getting shot. It has the world's highest cost pharmaceuticals.

 

Why on earth would anyone envy that?

Yes some people who have never left the USA seem to know all about the rest of the world.

I have always known i had more freedom where i was born then people who are living in the USA.

Looking forward to discussing this in a new topic.

 

[jas007]

Winning the game of life?  Very much so.  I'm 73, in good health, and I can still do whatever I want whenever I want. I'm from the USA and have excellent health insurance I can use just about anywhere in the world.  I've been retired for 18 years.  That's what I wanted to do, and I did it.

 

Anyway, I think we all sometimes forget how lucky we are.   

 

As for being an American and living abroad? I haven't had any bad experiences.  And I don't mind paying taxes once a year.  There are all sorts of ways to play that game. Taxes don't have to be a big burden. 

[jas007]

13 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Please. America has the world's highest prison population. It has to train its schoolchildren in how to avoid getting shot. It has the world's highest cost pharmaceuticals.

 

With all its faults, living in America also presents opportunities.  I left when I didn't like the political landscape, so to speak, but that was my decision. Others might disagree. That's OK.