Denial Or ..?

[PeaceBlondie]

There is some kind of elderly retirement community for wealthy Thais, near Bangkok. My landlady and her late-80's mother bought a home there, but they are both so active (and have more beach homes than the former president of Nicaragua) that I don't know if they live there yet.

My parents did that in 1976 - moved into an upscale Florida retirement complex. Some folks had boats, they all still drove cars. Three full time staff just for activities, 16 hours a day. They stayed until Dad died (in a nursing facility, the last two months or so). When I got there two days later, Mama said, "Let's go check out that final retirement center, where they take care of you hand and foot until you die." She died there, several years later. They liked the idea of no children (some grandparents prefer to be absentees, like my folks). They were the generation who fought world war two, and nobody owned German or Japanese cars. They learned how to live as old people, and accepted the fact that their friends were dying far faster than folks died 45 years previously.

It is not for everybody, but it could work quite well for thousands of older expats.

[Tinkelbell]

Thailand immigration's worst nightmare!

Imagine "forgotten" renewal dates; lost passports, broken hearing aids, misplaced false teeth... All happening in the visa office!!

What a genuinely wonderful person you seem to be.

Agree !

Nice to have 'FBN' on board where we can get a good laugh with his great sense of humor.

[Bagwan]

Thailand immigration's worst nightmare!

Imagine "forgotten" renewal dates; lost passports, broken hearing aids, misplaced false teeth... All happening in the visa office!!

You forgot the queue for the toilet - and those who couldn't wait that long.

[JAS21]

Of the many reasons my wife wants to retire in Thailand, the top is that she doesn't want to end up in any kind of "old folk's home." She knows she can return to her village and be cared for until her dying day. She says I'll get the same treatment but I'm counting on being the first to kick!

We have already done this. We know that the family will look after us. Though we are in BK and they are mostly in Kanchanaburi. Having a 'maid' 'carer whatever' is not that expensive here is it!

In the UK my mother paid close on £800 per week in a nursing home. We both decided at that point no-way!!

Anyway I though most of you guys had somewhat younger wives. Thought that I was the only one who had a wife just a little less 'long in the tooth' than me.

Having said this, there probably is a market, surprised that an enterprising local hasn't tried it.

edit to remove some funny looking spaces...

Edited May 31, 2008 by John45

[Dakhar]

I would like such a place as this, not for myself, but to stick (abandon) my mother in law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bagwan]

Where would you rather your relatives or yourself spend your last days? being looked after by the scum of the earth on minimum wage in Birmingham or by some caring well paid nurse in a place by the beach?

A somewhat intemperate view don't you think? My view is that if God wanted to give the world an enema he's stick the pipe in Birmingham, but no sentient person would label it's inhabitants as 'scum of the Earth'. They are far more acceptable human beings than, say, the Burmese Generals or any Thai pooyai.

Could set it up on Walking street or Soi 6, sure we could get the girls to dress up in what ever uniforms the OAP's wanted not just nurses uniforms...

You'd have to trash the cacophony of sound that they call music in those parts and have a never ending diet of Val Doonican, Ruby Murray, Bing Crosby. Jimmy Shand, Andy Stewart, Victor Silvester, Laurence Welk, Richard Claderman, The Beverley Sisters ........ That lot would quickly send you to sleep - permanently.

Oops! Are my prejudices showing?

Nothing good on TV?

[LooseCannon]

Of the many reasons my wife wants to retire in Thailand, the top is that she doesn't want to end up in any kind of "old folk's home." She knows she can return to her village and be cared for until her dying day. She says I'll get the same treatment but I'm counting on being the first to kick!

For the wife & myself this is the only way to go. Surrounded by family.

You can still employ a nurse or helper that could be full-time or part-time as required.

Someone to clean the house would be no problem.

All this could be done very cheaply & combined with the additional care that extended family would provide, it would be a very safe & comfortable environment.

Maybe a business opportunity for someone would be some sort of 'agency' that provides nurses & helpers. Provide some training & vetting of the potential helpers & match them to the particular 'requirements' of the elderly farang. The helpers would be monitored & supervised to ensure the best of care.For the farang with no family in Thailand this would provide some measure of protection.

Bagwan - where can I get that Val Doonican video from?

[lilBob]

I will still feel the same way in 10 years time.

Um .. you can't know that you will be here in 10 years.

With this sort of logic why bother get up in the morning, there's a good chance that you won't make it to lunchtime.

Brutal? They're opinions ..

It's reality. The mortality rate in a retirement community made up of people aged 60+ is considerably higher than that of the general community.

Even though I am not over 60 years old I must be considered by you to be in 'denial'.

Add to your list "I don't want to be surrounded by old farangs".

I like babies, young children, teenagers, young adults, middle aged & old people. I like being around all these age groups, I like talking to them & socializing with them.

That's the beauty of Thailand - four generations living under one roof.

If you want to live in a 'retirement village' - good luck you & I wish well.

For myself I have zero interest or desire to live in a 'retiremant village' & I have given my reasons.

I agree I don't want a retirement home environment, what's wrong with hiring a live-in nurse/cook/maid or 2 all in one to look after you in your dodage and for anything else on offer, maybe purchase a car and hire a driver on a casual basis if she can't drive.

there would be many middleaged Thai women who could look after in "invalided farang' very well and would think it a good job.

Or hire a ex bargirl well past her prime(well maybe) and have a nurse to make house calls.

Just a couple of alternatives I'm sure there are many more options other than a retirement home watching others dieing and just waiting your turn

Personally it won't happen to me I intend to be shot by a jealous husband at the age of 87

Hey with viagra it's possible

lilBob

[stanoly]

I will still feel the same way in 10 years time.

Um .. you can't know that you will be here in 10 years.

With this sort of logic why bother get up in the morning, there's a good chance that you won't make it to lunchtime.

Brutal? They're opinions ..

It's reality. The mortality rate in a retirement community made up of people aged 60+ is considerably higher than that of the general community.

Even though I am not over 60 years old I must be considered by you to be in 'denial'.

Add to your list "I don't want to be surrounded by old farangs".

I like babies, young children, teenagers, young adults, middle aged & old people. I like being around all these age groups, I like talking to them & socializing with them.

That's the beauty of Thailand - four generations living under one roof.

If you want to live in a 'retirement village' - good luck you & I wish well.

For myself I have zero interest or desire to live in a 'retiremant village' & I have given my reasons.

I agree I don't want a retirement home environment, what's wrong with hiring a live-in nurse/cook/maid or 2 all in one to look after you in your dodage and for anything else on offer, maybe purchase a car and hire a driver on a casual basis if she can't drive.

there would be many middleaged Thai women who could look after in "invalided farang' very well and would think it a good job.

Or hire a ex bargirl well past her prime(well maybe) and have a nurse to make house calls.

Just a couple of alternatives I'm sure there are many more options other than a retirement home watching others dieing and just waiting your turn

Personally it won't happen to me I intend to be shot by a jealous husband at the age of 87

Hey with viagra it's possible

lilBob

Lots of ageism in some of these comments. You younger guys , if you live long enough will have to deal with aging issues. There is something of value in every stage of life. Seniors can share their lives with other seniors instead of a nurse or some impersonal attendant. I lived in an age restricted , no one over 62, in Florida. Some very wise, great people there, of course some were waiting for something. I think a retirement center for old persons in Thailand would be a great idea for many people. Does anyone know about this place? http://www.nursinghomethailand.com/en/ I've heard from somewhere that the rates are about $1000 a month with 24 hour medical available.

[LooseCannon]

Lots of ageism in some of these comments. You younger guys , if you live long enough will have to deal with aging issues. There is something of value in every stage of life. Seniors can share their lives with other seniors instead of a nurse or some impersonal attendant. I lived in an age restricted , no one over 62, in Florida. Some very wise, great people there, of course some were waiting for something. I think a retirement center for old persons in Thailand would be a great idea for many people. Does anyone know about this place? http://www.nursinghomethailand.com/en/ I've heard from somewhere that the rates are about $1000 a month with 24 hour medical available.

I don't think there is any ageism at all in these comments, just an alternate point of view.

There has been no derogatory comments about old people, no old people have been discriminated against or abused.

Reasons have been given why I & others find a 'retirement community' undesirable & a number of alternative solutions have been suggested.

I know & have known many people over the age of 60 & like you say, some are very wise & some are great people, but none of them as far as I know live or have lived in a 'retirement community'. For every person living in one of these communities there are at the very least an equal number that choose not to.

You say that a retirement centre in Thailand "would be a great idea for many people." I agree with you, as seen through the course of this topic, it has generated more support than opposition. I am one of the many people that it would not suit & have given my reasons, which may be unpalatable to some, but that's life.

I would be interested to hear from supporters of these communities as to what they consider the benfits & advantages to be.

[PeaceBlondie]

Some of us older folks already have a "senior lifestyle" of sorts. Our friends know who Elvis and Elton were, and we tell stories that the under-35 kids (farang or Thai) cannot relate to. And, thanks to modern science, we are still spry. I just spent 176 minutes in the pool, exercising more strenuously than my father did when he was 65. The subject of respiratory physiology came up this month, and I was a fount of knowledge because the alveolar partial pressure of oxygen at sea level has not changed in 45 years.

[papajohn]

Some of us older folks already have a "senior lifestyle" of sorts. Our friends know who Elvis and Elton were, and we tell stories that the under-35 kids (farang or Thai) cannot relate to. And, thanks to modern science, we are still spry. I just spent 176 minutes in the pool, exercising more strenuously than my father did when he was 65. The subject of respiratory physiology came up this month, and I was a fount of knowledge because the alveolar partial pressure of oxygen at sea level has not changed in 45 years.

Thanks to Viagra

[Scott]

Actually, I think it's a good idea. When I get to retirement age, I do NOT want to be around a bunch of screaming kids where I live. If I want to see kids, I can go to a Mall. It will be a lot nicer to see old friends pass on than young guys splattered on the roads etc. It will also be nice to have a place where you can walk slowly and not get run over etc.

[tolsti]

Already being done it seems

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/hea...ome_in_Thailand

[cowbs]

Unless one checks out early, old age is a reality for all of us sometime, and a retirement "village" sounds a great opportunity in Thailand at low cost, and with caring people I'm sure.

Only trouble is older people actually moving there at old age. But could be for the expat farangs.

[TheDon]

Why would anyone want to go into a retirement village?

When its time to go in there its time to kick the bucket. When the time comes for me, I will take lots of drugs and go out that night trying to pick up as many girls as I can and hopefully have a heart attack. Pick a really pretty girl with the best ass you can find, pop 30 viagra tablets and go out smiling

[A_Traveller]

Well they are a growing business in the EU, proving discrete services as well as security and possibly mutual aid and companionship.

Many years ago I was looking at an apartment in the UK with stunning sea views etc., only to be told that the development was only available for those over 55, so it's not such a new concept.

Regards

[CaptHaddock]

The problem with the nursing home in Thailand idea is that the retirement visa has a health requirement, if I recall correctly. Although I don't hear much about its being applied, a health requirement means that you could be refused a visa just when you are declining.

[mahtin]

Why would anyone want to go into a retirement village?

When its time to go in there its time to kick the bucket. When the time comes for me, I will take lots of drugs and go out that night trying to pick up as many girls as I can and hopefully have a heart attack. Pick a really pretty girl with the best ass you can find, pop 30 viagra tablets and go out smiling

30 Viagra tablets?

Not on my pension

[Naam]

The problem with the nursing home in Thailand idea is that the retirement visa has a health requirement

this requirement was dropped.

[Nignoy]

Why bother with worrying about visa runs, limps or crawls come to sunny queensland, the old peoples retirement state, here in the immediate vicinity of our little sundrenched island there are at least 50 of these villages, have a squint in the Mail on Sunday there is a 12 page pullout specially for the over 55,s looking for their ideal retirement heaven.there are even facilities catering specially to all the needs of the single retired gentleman in some of these villages.The care facilities included are second to none, all solvent pensioners welcome!! there cant be many pensioners left in yorkshire, they are all here in Redcliffe pensioners are flocking to the sunshine coast from all over the world, and if you get withdrawal symptoms for thailand, 350bucks gets you a coolangatta-KL-Phuket return,, EEH Ba Gum its reet grand being a retiree in sunny Queensland Nignoy

[Likenitstill]

Visa runs or retirement visa is not necessary. I have been living in Thailand for a few years and during this time I have personaly trained Thai's to deliver geriatric care to seniors. I have been actively involved with a start up project (already formed company) involving retirement communities, however have been at a standstill for nearly two yrs for a lack of capital. Going through the hoops with a venture capital firm in HK.

The idea is feasable and involves a much lower overhead cost. I have one northern girl whom I have trained looking after a 87 yrs old lady from america with severe dementia and Alzheimers and has been amazing. She runs down to the immigration departement every 3 months and takes care of the visa issues and liasing with the hospital. Active retirees would have that much better of a lifestyle given the right ammenities and freedom and or outings.

[Naam]

Why bother with worrying about visa runs, limps or crawls come to sunny queensland...

invest 750,000 Oz-Dollars to obtain a retiree visa, pay freaking high taxes and be prepared to be kicked out when you don't pass the mandatory medical examination (formerly every two, now every four years)

[Nignoy]

Why bother with worrying about visa runs, limps or crawls come to sunny queensland...

invest 750,000 Oz-Dollars to obtain a retiree visa, pay freaking high taxes and be prepared to be kicked out when you don't pass the mandatory medical examination (formerly every two, now every four years)

Was having a chat with some recent immigrant retirees over a sherbet this lunch, their retirement home purchase price minimum of 350,000 dollars australian is deemed enough security, and a guaranteed Income and full medical insurance were the only conditions, the owners of these retirement villages are with the blessing of the Queensland Govt , brokering these deals in Europe, I will try and find out if there is a website you could have a look at, I am only repeating the results of conversations I have been part of Nignoy

[klikster]

Why bother with worrying about visa runs, limps or crawls come to sunny queensland...

invest 750,000 Oz-Dollars to obtain a retiree visa, pay freaking high taxes and be prepared to be kicked out when you don't pass the mandatory medical examination (formerly every two, now every four years)

Was having a chat with some recent immigrant retirees over a sherbet this lunch, their retirement home purchase price minimum of 350,000 dollars australian is deemed enough security, and a guaranteed Income and full medical insurance were the only conditions, the owners of these retirement villages are with the blessing of the Queensland Govt , brokering these deals in Europe, I will try and find out if there is a website you could have a look at, I am only repeating the results of conversations I have been part of Nignoy

The only conditions .. what are the income requirements? How about insurance premiums?

Looks to me to be about Bt 10,000,000 ++

That makes Thailand's requirements seem like pocket change

Edited June 3, 2008 by klikster

[klikster]

Unless one checks out early, old age is a reality for all of us sometime, and a retirement "village" sounds a great opportunity in Thailand at low cost, and with caring people I'm sure.

I note your emphasis on "village" which is essentially what I referred to in the OP.

I find it interesting that naysayers will use "nursing home" instead .. which is a totally different facility .. but very convenient to their negativism.

[IMA_FARANG]

I've long been interested in upscale retirement communities. Not "nursing homes", but for lack of a better description, dedicated Moo Baans with nice facilities that cater to we older folks.I have had a number of conversations with guys 60 and over who "wouldn't be interested in a place like that at all".

The reasons they give vary from:

"I'll never be ready for anything like that"

to

"I want independence."

to

"My wife will take care of me."

There seems to be a lot of denial among the expat community. Maybe it's virtual testosterone. Maybe it's refusing to face one's mortality. For me, if there was a stable and decently priced "Leisure World" in Thailand, I would be looking for a way in. I'm curious how many senior expats here have a plan for "help" when you can't do it all on your own?

I'm 62. No I'm not interested. Right now I have a house in a Thai Moo Ban (for want of a better term) not far from where Don Maung is. It's not perfect (what is) but is a place I can live. It's close enough to shopping, internet. etc. that I can get there relatively easily. And my Thai family is there. What else do I need?

Good luck on your business venture, if you do start it.

P.S. Just so you know, I doubt I'll make it to 70...the truth is, I don't really care...what little I have will be left to my family anyhow.

[klikster]

I'm 62. No I'm not interested. Right now I have a house in a Thai Moo Ban (for want of a better term) not far from where Don Maung is. It's not perfect (what is) but is a place I can live. It's close enough to shopping, internet. etc. that I can get there relatively easily. And my Thai family is there. What else do I need?

Good luck on your business venture, if you do start it.

P.S. Just so you know, I doubt I'll make it to 70...the truth is, I don't really care...what little I have will be left to my family anyhow.

What is it that has made you angry?

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

I'm 74 and may be interested in a retirement village in about 20-25 years. Who wants to sit around with a bunch of old farts and listen to the same old stories again and again.

I had the good fortune to take a wife that is almost ten years my junior and in excellent health. I'm sure she would look after me if required. All of my immediate family, parents and siblings had the decency to die in their sleep. So that is my plan, to wake up dead one morning.

For now I will just take my 2+ hour walk on the beach every day and enjoy life. You are only as old as you feel.

Recently took one of those test "how long will you live", fill in all the questions and it came back I'd live to 96. My wife took the same test and her results were she would live to 104. Interesting note it told her she would live to be 104.25 if she quit drinking coffee. No she didn't quit.

So I will consider a retirement home when she gets to old to take care of me.

[Bagwan]

Better than 1 in 3 UK pensioners now live abroad. I'm not sure that Thailand would be suitable for some. I wouldn't want to isolate myself so that I wouldn't have to endure moans about 'how hot it is, you can't get a decent cup of tea, and why can't we have bingo?'