When people talk about getting older, the usual concerns are money, health, security. Makes perfect sense. If you do not have financial stability or basic health, everything else becomes much harder. But let’s assume you have those boxes reasonably ticked. Then what then becomes the real concern?

For me, it is mobility. I think about it more and more everyday. The ability to move freely, confidently, independently, with agility and speed. Once we stop moving enough, the body responds fast in a bad way after the age of 50. Muscles weaken. Balance slips. Joints stiffen. Strength fades. Before long, simple tasks can feel like a lot more effort. I see people around my own age who already look hesitant in their movements, lacking confidence because of an absence of basic balance and core strength. It makes you realize how quickly function can decline if it is not maintained.

On the plus side I think much of it seems preventable. Regular movement does not have to mean marathon training. A daily walk. Some light resistance training. Stretching. Basic bodyweight exercises. 30-45 minutes of consistent exercise 4-5 times a week can go a long way. The old saying about using it or losing it seems especially true as you age. After the age of 50, consistency is far more important than intensity.

What do you think? After finances and general health, what worries you most about aging? Do you think much about mobility and physical independence, or is that not something even on your radar?

My biggest concern is social isolation. I just turned 60 I'm lucky I have 3 or 4 friends but they're usually occupied by their wifes or girlfriends. Making new friends is now much harder than ever before, and I move around a lot.

I've been here in Pattaya area for over 3 years I see a lot of guys around my age or in their 70's who are desperate just for someone to talk to..a few have tried to say "hey, let's meet up at so & so restaurant...well, they talk my ear off ENDLESSLY. They're so bad; 0.0 listening skills. So, I take my hits and a few hours later I ghost the hell out of them. They thought they caught themselves a marlin!

What I'm saying is I don't want to become desperate to make "friends" like what these guys have resorted to - My list of friends can easily dwindle down from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 to ZERO. It hasn't happened to me yet but it will if I don't make some changes.

1 hour ago, SoCal1990 said:

What is The Biggest Concern as We Age?

Trying to spend all the money I've accumulated over the years.

2 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

When people talk about getting older, the usual concerns are money, health, security. Makes perfect sense. If you do not have financial stability or basic health, everything else becomes much harder. But let’s assume you have those boxes reasonably ticked. Then what then becomes the real concern?

For me, it is mobility. I think about it more and more everyday. The ability to move freely, confidently, independently, with agility and speed. Once we stop moving enough, the body responds fast in a bad way after the age of 50. Muscles weaken. Balance slips. Joints stiffen. Strength fades. Before long, simple tasks can feel like a lot more effort. I see people around my own age who already look hesitant in their movements, lacking confidence because of an absence of basic balance and core strength. It makes you realize how quickly function can decline if it is not maintained.

On the plus side I think much of it seems preventable. Regular movement does not have to mean marathon training. A daily walk. Some light resistance training. Stretching. Basic bodyweight exercises. 30-45 minutes of consistent exercise 4-5 times a week can go a long way. The old saying about using it or losing it seems especially true as you age. After the age of 50, consistency is far more important than intensity.

What do you think? After finances and general health, what worries you most about aging? Do you think much about mobility and physical independence, or is that not something even on your radar?

Mobility and finances are interconnected.

The moral of the story: Don't run out of money or insurance coverage in old age. Wherever you are. Buddhist enlightement will not cover hospital bills.

1 hour ago, Furioso said:

My biggest concern is social isolation. I just turned 60 I'm lucky I have 3 or 4 friends but they're usually occupied by their wifes or girlfriends. Making new friends is now much harder than ever before, and I move around a lot.

I've been here in Pattaya area for over 3 years I see a lot of guys around my age or in their 70's who are desperate just for someone to talk to..a few have tried to say "hey, let's meet up at so & so restaurant...well, they talk my ear off ENDLESSLY. They're so bad; 0.0 listening skills. So, I take my hits and a few hours later I ghost the hell out of them. They thought they caught themselves a marlin!

What I'm saying is I don't want to become desperate to make "friends" like what these guys have resorted to - My list of friends can easily dwindle down from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 to ZERO. It hasn't happened to me yet but it will if I don't make some changes.

Social interaction is really important for mind health, i agree guys on output only are best avoided. I'm not looking for friends because i have enough so i tend to avoid talking to people. Best way to meet people is through interests, that way you have plenty of time to work out if ok for not

3 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

When people talk about getting older, the usual concerns are money, health, security. Makes perfect sense. If you do not have financial stability or basic health, everything else becomes much harder. But let’s assume you have those boxes reasonably ticked. Then what then becomes the real concern?

For me, it is mobility. I think about it more and more everyday. The ability to move freely, confidently, independently, with agility and speed. Once we stop moving enough, the body responds fast in a bad way after the age of 50. Muscles weaken. Balance slips. Joints stiffen. Strength fades. Before long, simple tasks can feel like a lot more effort. I see people around my own age who already look hesitant in their movements, lacking confidence because of an absence of basic balance and core strength. It makes you realize how quickly function can decline if it is not maintained.

On the plus side I think much of it seems preventable. Regular movement does not have to mean marathon training. A daily walk. Some light resistance training. Stretching. Basic bodyweight exercises. 30-45 minutes of consistent exercise 4-5 times a week can go a long way. The old saying about using it or losing it seems especially true as you age. After the age of 50, consistency is far more important than intensity.

What do you think? After finances and general health, what worries you most about aging? Do you think much about mobility and physical independence, or is that not something even on your radar?

I'm pretty active and fit but i still need to do stretches every day, if i don't i regret it, it totally depends on what injuries you are carrying and health conditions, i try and keep healthy (exercise and diet) to minimise potential problems

Discipline is important to maintain health. I have morning and afternoon exercises, plus a low-carb diet. Gold and swimming. Mental exercise is as important as the physical.

AI has the potential to help ageing people. For example, a rogue app invaded my phone. Normally, that would be panic stations. With AI help, I sent it packing.

My biggest concern is a stroke, or a spinal breakdown that cancels my mobility. I am not worried about Alzheimers, genetics are on my side.

4 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Trying to spend all the money I've accumulated over the years.

That's a very real thing for many. I for one probably have more than alot of expats due to never living outside my means.

It's hard for savers to let go sometimes.

Meaning.

5 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Trying to spend all the money I've accumulated over the years.

Two easy ways to leave this world broke in Thailand: Read "Die With Zero" by George Perkins. Or increase your daily short time consumption from two to four.

Hoping your children are settled and doing well in their lives. Being there for them and the grandchildren as much as possible. Living in a place you're comfortable, enjoying what you like most. Doing what you can to finish your personal bucket list. Doing what you can to ensure your gut microbiome is working as well as possible, as it's the most important factor in overall health. If you have a partner, having her know you're always there for her.

6 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Trying to spend all the money I've accumulated over the years.

What a strange thing to say.🙃🙃

7 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

When people talk about getting older, the usual concerns are money, health, security. Makes perfect sense. If you do not have financial stability or basic health, everything else becomes much harder. But let’s assume you have those boxes reasonably ticked. Then what then becomes the real concern?

For me, it is mobility. I think about it more and more everyday. The ability to move freely, confidently, independently, with agility and speed. Once we stop moving enough, the body responds fast in a bad way after the age of 50. Muscles weaken. Balance slips. Joints stiffen. Strength fades. Before long, simple tasks can feel like a lot more effort. I see people around my own age who already look hesitant in their movements, lacking confidence because of an absence of basic balance and core strength. It makes you realize how quickly function can decline if it is not maintained.

On the plus side I think much of it seems preventable. Regular movement does not have to mean marathon training. A daily walk. Some light resistance training. Stretching. Basic bodyweight exercises. 30-45 minutes of consistent exercise 4-5 times a week can go a long way. The old saying about using it or losing it seems especially true as you age. After the age of 50, consistency is far more important than intensity.

What do you think? After finances and general health, what worries you most about aging? Do you think much about mobility and physical independence, or is that not something even on your radar?

Mobility is connected to physical health and mental health, so I guess I would say health comes first in any scenario, and a sustainable economy is also connected to physical and mental health.

Sustainable Economy or Economical safe

Maintain good mental health which means it is easier to make good healthy solid choices to maintain physical health.

7 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

What a strange thing to say.🙃🙃

Get used to it, I'm very different to most here.

17 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Hoping your children are settled and doing well in their lives. Being there for them and the grandchildren as much as possible. Living in a place you're comfortable, enjoying what you like most. Doing what you can to finish your personal bucket list. Doing what you can to ensure your gut microbiome is working as well as possible, as it's the most important factor in overall health. If you have a partner, having her know you're always there for her.

When your bucket list is Empty, what then ?

Is that something to worry about? I do not have ny bucket list anymore, and it feel relieving and quite comforting actually.

Priorities changes the older you get, and for some people that is worrying, but I feel relief, tru relief. There is things I want to do, but it is no more egoistic like climbing K2 or racing motorbikes, it is more about sustainable tings, grow more things, be better at taking care of myself, so I can be someone for somebody else, and myabe thats what worries me most, stop being someone for someone else, and can not contribute anymore, and become a burden.

4 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Get used to it, I'm very different to most here.

Well is you continue meeting up for the 99,- baht breakfast, the 70,- baht big chang mid day, and 60,- baht Tom Yam take away in the afternoon it will take some time.

2 minutes ago, Hummin said:

When your bucket list is Empty, what then ?

Is that something to worry about? I do not have ny bucket list anymore, and it feel relieving and quite comforting actually.

Priorities changes the older you get, and for some people that is worrying, but I feel relief, tru relief. There is things I want to do, but it is no more egoistic like climbing K2 or racing motorbikes, it is more about sustainable tings, grow more things, be better at taking care of myself, so I can be someone for somebody else, and myabe thats what worries me most, stop being someone for someone else, and can not contribute anymore, and become a burden.

Spent the last 39 years raising kids, mostly by myself, and hadn't the time to do the things I always wanted to do, so I'll have to finish them when we return home, where many will be easier. The physical I've already done. Now its' more traveling and hobbies.

32 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

What a strange thing to say.🙃🙃

Not really, would make a good thread. It's hard to change habits. For me I'm spending more money on clothes and travel. 5 star hotels when I can.

For me I'll spend on travel, me thinks.

7 hours ago, Furioso said:

My list of friends can easily dwindle down from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 to ZERO.

I tried speaking to a couple of guys recently and they both gave off shady vibes, so I cut it off.

One guy in my building doesn't even say hello. He must be doing shady stuff and hiding himself.

Better to have fewer friends and be cautious.

9 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

I tried speaking to a couple of guys recently and they both gave off shady vibes, so I cut it off.

One guy in my building doesn't even say hello. He must be doing shady stuff and hiding himself.

Better to have fewer friends and be cautious.

Have quite a few friends around here, although don't see them much as they're scattered until there's a get together. Most go to bars which I don't. I see foreigners in the local Lotus every time, known many but always nod or say hi. Most reciprocate but some turn away, looking like they do have something to hide or are just not sociable.

One I met in Lotus I was talking to for a few minutes and he was very friendly until his wife came over, looked at me, took him by the arm and led him away. He gave me an "I'm sorry " look walking away. I think he liked talking to another foreigner, and also thinking she didn't want him talking to other foreigners who might give him some negativity about things here.

22 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Not really, would make a good thread. It's hard to change habits. For me I'm spending more money on clothes and travel. 5 star hotels when I can.

For me I'll spend on travel, me thinks.

Clothes?

Really?

Sounds a bit effeminate.

5 star hotels?

Get out into the small sois & backroads.🙃🙃

Biggest concern is how to continue justifying that rotten deal called "Life" everyone swears by.

28 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

but some turn away, looking like they do have something to hide or are just not sociable.

They feel like you're in their territory.

9 minutes ago, blaze master said:

They feel like you're in their territory.

True, like a select couple here, thinking they want Thailand all to themselves. Antisocial towards other foreigners from a trauma left behind in their home countries.One of my top series by the way.

Don't think I have any. Not crapping out in my sleep, as prefer peaceful end to all things, and no need for drama.

8 hours ago, Furioso said:

My biggest concern is social isolation.


My list of friends can easily dwindle down from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 to ZERO. It hasn't happened to me yet but it will if I don't make some changes.

There are worse things than being alone, which is being surrounded by abusive people. I've seen people get mean with age, and if you yourself are slipping mentally/financially/physically and can't get out of the situation, it gets miserable fast.

We have a guy in his 90s in my family who came down with a slight bit of dementia. It set something off in his wife and she can't stop belittling him now since he's not the strong man he used to be. There was even an intervention to get his wife (15 years younger) to stop, but it didn't work. She said she knew it was wrong, but something came over her and she couldn't help herself. Something like this is my biggest concern.

48 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

True, like a select couple here, thinking they want Thailand all to themselves.

Yeah, there's a guy on this forum like that.

I won't mention his name.

Still haven't watched Breaking Bad. Just watched a few clips online. Looks good. It's on my bucket list.

7 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Yeah, there's a guy on this forum like that.

I won't mention his name.

Still haven't watched Breaking Bad. Just watched a few clips online. Looks good. It's on my bucket list.

It's a good one. Don't judge from the beginning episode, as it had me thinking it was a little out there. One of the best ending episodes of all time. Still trying to convince one daughter who loves series to watch it.

Nearing 80, I think more about how I will handle the ending. I have had high blood pressure and high cholesterol since my 40s. I have never taken anything for them. No philosophy, just chose not to pop pills every day. Family history of heart attacks and strokes. But here I am. Just last week, I moved 5 cubic yards of topsoil around to the back of the house in a wheelbarrow. A massive heart attack would be great, but I worry about cancer. Will I spend my last days in and out of hospitals trying to stall the inevitable or accept my fate?

8 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Trying to spend all the money I've accumulated over the years.

There they are again the “Thumbs Down Commando’s" who basically disagree with everything and everyone:

Peace