Good place for an elderly folks holiday?

[NancyL]

If anyone should have the ordasity to suggest to me that I am too old and infirm to do so...............I would be absolutely livid. They may be Senior Citizens, but would be surprised, at 70+, they are as decrepit as you are suggesting,

I don't know any male foreigners living in Thailand, over 70, who aren't nearly dead (most are dead).

I only know one woman.

How long do you think you have left?

Without serious medical issues?

Audacity? ..........

A 45 year old man visits his doctor. He asks the doctor, will I live till 80? The doctors asks, do you drink? No said the man. Do you smoke? No said the man? Do you do drugs? No said the man. Do you go with loose women? No said the man.

The doctor replies, so why do you want to live till you`re 80?

I know you're just trying to be cutesy, Cyberfarang, but you're adding nothing to the discussion and just reinforcing the views that there is no good reason to live to be 80.

As someone who has assisted many expats in their 70s and 80s, I can tell you that they want to continue to live and enjoy life and would look at this type of joke the way that a black person would look at a white comedian from the 1940s telling jokes as if he was a Negro from the southern-U.S., wearing black-face. In other words, this joke is in very bad taste. It's ageist and you should be ashamed of yourself.

[cyberfarang]

If anyone should have the ordasity to suggest to me that I am too old and infirm to do so...............I would be absolutely livid. They may be Senior Citizens, but would be surprised, at 70+, they are as decrepit as you are suggesting,

I don't know any male foreigners living in Thailand, over 70, who aren't nearly dead (most are dead).

I only know one woman.

How long do you think you have left?

Without serious medical issues?

Audacity? ..........

A 45 year old man visits his doctor. He asks the doctor, will I live till 80? The doctors asks, do you drink? No said the man. Do you smoke? No said the man? Do you do drugs? No said the man. Do you go with loose women? No said the man.

The doctor replies, so why do you want to live till you`re 80?

I know you're just trying to be cutesy, Cyberfarang, but you're adding nothing to the discussion and just reinforcing the views that there is no good reason to live to be 80.

As someone who has assisted many expats in their 70s and 80s, I can tell you that they want to continue to live and enjoy life and would look at this type of joke the way that a black person would look at a white comedian from the 1940s telling jokes as if he was a Negro from the southern-U.S., wearing black-face. In other words, this joke is in very bad taste. It's ageist and you should be ashamed of yourself.

Lighten up, it`s suppose to be the time of good cheer and merriment. Not so young myself, and you`ll find that most old folks enjoy a bit of humour minus all the political correctness. What has wearing a black face have to do with it? Unless telling the jokes down a coal mine.

OK then enough of my vulgar jollity, I apologise if I am being offensive to some people tonight. Now down to more serious matters and the question in hand. I think Chiang Mai is not an ideal location for the people the OP has in mind. Some seasons it`s covered in dense smog, hilly in places and many tourist attractions involve a lot of trekking about.

I think a coastal resort would suit them better, with transported tours laid on, beach relaxation, fresh air and decent hotels and many European style restaurant. Phuket or Ho Hin comes into mind.

[NancyL]

No, I don't agree at all. Chiang Mai is a great place for the elderly. I made perfectly reasonable suggestion. Read the OP again. Presumably he's in Chiang Mai. He doesn't want to send his friends to Phuket or Hua Hin.

Nights at Vivo Bene Village with day trips and a tour guide make perfect sense. What's the problem? Of course you don't want to come here in March - May. I find many tourist attractions that don't take much "trekking about". Not everyone is here to ride ziplines and go river rafting. Some like the khontoke dinners and panda exhibit.

[uptheos]

Great, travel to the other side of the world to seek a hotel next to a hospital.

He said they were elderly , not on deaths door step.

Careful what you say ..... your years are adding up also.... and before you know it......?????

My years have already added up and I have an incurable neuropathic problem.

I wouldn't travel to anywhere and stay next door to a hospital, unless I had to

attend daily for some kind of treatment, otherwise I'd like to see the back of them.

[Farang99]

I think your friends should reconsider and perhaps choose another country. To spend the last measure of their physical strength and hard earned moneys to visit a country that has so little to offer beyond cheap whores, food and booze that can be had elsewhere. Where they will be scammed and fleeced from the first taxi from the airport to dirty waterfalls Charging 10x local price to enter. Where they can be injured/killed on the roads with no accountibility, with bent Cops, and Hospitals that will not treat the injured until funds are deposited in advance.

Perhaps if they were from China or Japan, eager to spend on expensive Golf Courses or private Sky-Lantern shows for 10000 baht per person. If they must come by all means OK, but Thailand has made it clear they are not wanted or needed anymore.

If this is all you think of Thailand, why are you here?

[MAJIC]

Unless you, or somebody with extensive Thailand experience, is acting as a chaperone/guide, tell them to forget it. They'll be ripped off by taxi and tuk tuk drivers, and shysters of every color, dragged into tailor and gem shops, and

stumbling/falling on terrible pavements.

They'd be captive in their hotel, and may as well be Iin Morocco being cleaned out, closer too.

Spain and Portugal are nice at that time.

I agree with you! Thailand is going to be too tough on this couple I foresee them running into problems which they will not be

prepared for or able to cope with,as you have already pointed out.

They would be safer and still have a great time in Malta,as I did a few years ago!and a highly civilised lifestyle,with no worries about

Medical problems if it all goes wrong!

Edited December 23, 2015 by MAJIC

[MaeJoMTB]

MaeJoMTB -- if you really do live in MaeJo, you should come to a meeting of the Chiang Mai Expats Club where you'll see fifty or sixty men over age 70 and a couple dozen women above that age too. You simply don't get out very much, do you?

Seen enough episodes of 'The Walking Dead' already, thanks.

[VillageIdiot]

Great, travel to the other side of the world to seek a hotel next to a hospital.

He said they were elderly , not on deaths door step.

Careful what you say ..... your years are adding up also.... and before you know it......?????

Spot on Gonzo! Well said. Some people often mock the things they are to be.

I find so many malcontents posting here and wonder why the hell they live or visit Thailand in the first place. To them everything is wrong or bad or evil. That includes the people, the food, the government, the police, the laws, the traffic, the drivers,etc.. Nothing ever lives up to their standards or expectations. If that is the case, get the freak out of Thailand. Go home or to another place you can bitch about.

These are people who refuse to adapt or are incapable of adapting. This isn't their home. This is the Thai people's home. They manage. I happen to enjoy it here. I enjoyed living in Japan. Hell, I even enjoyed living in Southern Illinois. Yet in each of those places there were people who never stopped bitching day in and day out how bad it was. Just leave. And do let the door hit you on the ass on the way out.

You are exactly right.

Yes, go home complaining misfits.

It's the obvious solution to the plight of the unhappy camper... strike the tent.

It immediately solves their own problem, as well as the problems they create for Thais, whose unwelcome guests they are.

Above all, the speedy and unceremonious departure of malcontent farangs is a boon for those of us who have made Thailand our home, raise families here and try to live in harmony - insofar as possible - with the people and their culture.

Obnoxious, arrogant farangs spoil the scene wherever they are. There seem to be more of them nowadays. Look at how negativity has come to dominate the ThaiVisa forums.

[Gonzo the Face]

Great, travel to the other side of the world to seek a hotel next to a hospital.

He said they were elderly , not on deaths door step.

Careful what you say ..... your years are adding up also.... and before you know it......?????

My years have already added up and I have an incurable neuropathic problem.

I wouldn't travel to anywhere and stay next door to a hospital, unless I had to

attend daily for some kind of treatment, otherwise I'd like to see the back of them.

......heaven forbid...... say you don't look to stay close to funeral homes ?????? !!!!!!

[jko]

Vivo Bene Village in Doi Saket opened as a facilities offering both short and long-term care. Often people come for just a few weeks to get away from the European winters. They can arrange a guide and suitable tour van to see the sights in northern Thailand. http://en.vivobene.ch/what-we-offer/holiday-or-long-stay.html

There are people on staff trained in the care of the elderly and they have a relationship with Bangkok Hospital.

I agree with this. A while ago driving north on Highway 118 just beyond Doi Saket I followed the sign “Vivo Bene Village Swiss Restaurant & Bakery” thinking might buy some goodies. I got more than I expected.

After a few kms on narrow roads I arrived to find a quiet RESORT as pleasant as anything in town. There is a pool, big grounds with very tall trees, a lake, an organic veggie garden, fitness centre, etc., - basically everything you'd need for a pleasant holiday.

In addition, they employ some ex-nurses who can look after old folks or anybody with some infirmity. I did not have time to look at any rooms, but what I did see gave a positive impression. I Googled their web site later, and this would seem to match the OP’s requirement, but provided the guests don’t mind staying a bit out of town.

They also feature a number of package deals including full board and free laundry. There is also one package featuring an optional health check up. Your blood sample is sent to the lab whilst you relax at the ‘Village’ and get the result next day.

This might therefore be a good place for resident expats who would like their elderly parents to come here, and be in safe hands.

Why these guys did not call it ‘Vivo Bene Resort’ is incomprehensible, as stuck with the ‘Village’ name they must be missing out on the market. I wish them well anyway.

Lastly, I am surprised at the number of depressing comments on this post. Sounds as though a few folks would be better and happier going back to where they belong. In truth, we are all privileged to be able to live here, despite the few negatives which in other forms, might exist in any country.

Others don't seem to realise that there are countless numbers of people well over 70 who are still adventurous and bold enough to enjoy travelling around the world, despite a few health problems.

I doubt whether some of the respondents to this post will be in that category when they reach three score and ten.

[MaeJoMTB]

Others don't seem to realise that there are countless numbers of people well over 70 who are still adventurous and bold enough to enjoy travelling around the world, despite a few health problems.

Didn't one of them just die on a kayak trip?

[Chicog]

http://travel.saga.co.uk/destinations/asia/thailand.aspx

[Sparkles]

If anyone should have the ordasity to suggest to me that I am too old and infirm to do so...............I would be absolutely livid. They may be Senior Citizens, but would be surprised, at 70+, they are as decrepit as you are suggesting,

I don't know any male foreigners living in Thailand, over 70, who aren't nearly dead (most are dead).

I only know one woman.

How long do you think you have left?

Without serious medical issues?

Audacity? ..........

Well many of us said good bye our 70th birthday a long time ago and guess what we are still doing what we did when we were 60.Quite depressing, for you, that you don't know any people who arent nearly dead.Maybe the reason is that don't want to know you

[NancyL]

MaeJoMTB -- if you really do live in MaeJo, you should come to a meeting of the Chiang Mai Expats Club where you'll see fifty or sixty men over age 70 and a couple dozen women above that age too. You simply don't get out very much, do you?

Seen enough episodes of 'The Walking Dead' already, thanks.

MaeJoMTB, this thread is an amazing display of your ageism. I can't believe that you actually made it to the Top 20 in the Thai Visa "Poster of the Year" Contest. Are you really representative of what this forum wants as a representative of the "ideal" poster?

Mercifully, you have had the good sense to lay low and not join in the merriment of the contest. I wonder if the only humor you know is mean spirited humor. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/879554-vote-now-poster-of-the-year-2015-sizzlin-hot-semifinal-round/

[louse1953]

I think your friends should reconsider and perhaps choose another country. To spend the last measure of their physical strength and hard earned moneys to visit a country that has so little to offer beyond cheap whores, food and booze that can be had elsewhere. Where they will be scammed and fleeced from the first taxi from the airport to dirty waterfalls Charging 10x local price to enter. Where they can be injured/killed on the roads with no accountibility, with bent Cops, and Hospitals that will not treat the injured until funds are deposited in advance.

Perhaps if they were from China or Japan, eager to spend on expensive Golf Courses or private Sky-Lantern shows for 10000 baht per person. If they must come by all means OK, but Thailand has made it clear they are not wanted or needed anymore.

I guess you don't live in Thailand then.

[louse1953]

If anyone should have the ordasity to suggest to me that I am too old and infirm to do so...............I would be absolutely livid. They may be Senior Citizens, but would be surprised, at 70+, they are as decrepit as you are suggesting,

I don't know any male foreigners living in Thailand, over 70, who aren't nearly dead (most are dead).

I only know one woman.

How long do you think you have left?

Without serious medical issues?

Audacity? ..........

You should get out more,as i know plenty of well over 70,approaching 80,and still riding bikes and motor bikes,drinking piss and horizontal folk dancing on occasions.

[louse1953]

Great, travel to the other side of the world to seek a hotel next to a hospital.

He said they were elderly , not on deaths door step.

Careful what you say ..... your years are adding up also.... and before you know it......?????

Spot on Gonzo! Well said. Some people often mock the things they are to be.

I find so many malcontents posting here and wonder why the hell they live or visit Thailand in the first place. To them everything is wrong or bad or evil. That includes the people, the food, the government, the police, the laws, the traffic, the drivers,etc.. Nothing ever lives up to their standards or expectations. If that is the case, get the freak out of Thailand. Go home or to another place you can bitch about.

These are people who refuse to adapt or are incapable of adapting. This isn't their home. This is the Thai people's home. They manage. I happen to enjoy it here. I enjoyed living in Japan. Hell, I even enjoyed living in Southern Illinois. Yet in each of those places there were people who never stopped bitching day in and day out how bad it was. Just leave. And do let the door hit you on the ass on the way out.

You are exactly right.

Yes, go home complaining misfits.

It's the obvious solution to the plight of the unhappy camper... strike the tent.

It immediately solves their own problem, as well as the problems they create for Thais, whose unwelcome guests they are.

Above all, the speedy and unceremonious departure of malcontent farangs is a boon for those of us who have made Thailand our home, raise families here and try to live in harmony - insofar as possible - with the people and their culture.

Obnoxious, arrogant farangs spoil the scene wherever they are. There seem to be more of them nowadays. Look at how negativity has come to dominate the ThaiVisa forums.

These are mostly the johnny cum lately's who left it too late in life and will have problems adjusting.

[arunsakda]

I field alot of questions What to do? Where to stay, In Chiang Mai? Still love "my" Chiang Mai but have found (unfortunately) Thailand cannot be all things for all people. I can't look at Thailand through the eyes of others but I would suggest it's better to do so without unrealistic expectations, nostalgia, or romantic illusion. Not necessarily appropriate for frail pensioners, possibly befuddled by age and ill prepared to deal with pervasive greed and corruption.

Perhaps of we had proper pavements and no Songthaew Alligators demanding 10x legal set fare for a short trip.

[rogeroc]

It's because a few of the "wise-guys" who had no real knowledge besides their own prejudice and fear piped in. These are some of the same misogynists who think that no western woman would ever want to retire in Thailand despite it being a wonderful place for us. Incidentally, I know at least six or seven western women over age 80 who live independent lives here and at least three dozen over age 70

Oh dear what unsupported accusations about wise guys with no real knowledge and a bit of misogyny thrown in for good measure. Disappointing!

Great if people in their 70's are able to enjoy Chiang Mai but the OP does indicate some poor health and disability.

First of all there is the 13 hour plus flight to consider which will be extremely uncomfortable unless they can afford Business Class and then another hop from BKK to CM to worry about. Then as we all know the climate can be stifling and harder to bear for those not familiar with living in a hot country. As for any sort of disability access Chiang Mai would be a nightmare, there are hazards everywhere you go even for younger able bodied people. On top of all this infections can spread very quickly and could be particularly dangerous if health is weak.

If they want to make the trip i think that is admirable but they should be aware of the reality of the risks and harshness of CM. It is not about being ageist is is about being realistic.

[hml367]

It's because a few of the "wise-guys" who had no real knowledge besides their own prejudice and fear piped in. These are some of the same misogynists who think that no western woman would ever want to retire in Thailand despite it being a wonderful place for us. Incidentally, I know at least six or seven western women over age 80 who live independent lives here and at least three dozen over age 70

Oh dear what unsupported accusations about wise guys with no real knowledge and a bit of misogyny thrown in for good measure. Disappointing!

Great if people in their 70's are able to enjoy Chiang Mai but the OP does indicate some poor health and disability.

First of all there is the 13 hour plus flight to consider which will be extremely uncomfortable unless they can afford Business Class and then another hop from BKK to CM to worry about. Then as we all know the climate can be stifling and harder to bear for those not familiar with living in a hot country. As for any sort of disability access Chiang Mai would be a nightmare, there are hazards everywhere you go even for younger able bodied people. On top of all this infections can spread very quickly and could be particularly dangerous if health is weak.

If they want to make the trip i think that is admirable but they should be aware of the reality of the risks and harshness of CM. It is not about being ageist is is about being realistic.

And don't forget the visits to Chiang Mai Immigration should they stay long enough to necessitate that. There have been posts intimating (not my opinion) that the long waits and frustrations of the Immigration office in Chiang Mai are the cause of negative effects on the health of the elderly.

Edited December 26, 2015 by hml367

[NancyL]

These are people coming for a holiday, not to relocate. They are visiting a friend, the OP. If they have to deal with CM Imm, it will be for, at most, a tourist visa extension and those are a doddle, compared to getting a retirement extension.



As I and one other poster suggested, they can stay at Vivo Bene Village where everything is designed for the elderly and they'll arrange for a van and driver to take them to "low impact" tourist sights. I've arranged several private tours with licensed Thai tour guides for elderly visitors, where the guide doesn't leave the side of the person, because the person has issues with balance or forgetting where they are. Many Thai people are used to guiding their grandparents around.

Edited December 26, 2015 by Sheryl
Comment critical of other posters has been removed by Moderator

[Sheryl]

Please keep it civil -- and to the point of the post, which was to make suggestions of suitable places in CM.

Some posts have been removed and others edited for civility.

[cpq11]

Thank you Nancy and jko. I was surprised to see how many people think that ‘old’ people should not travel to Thailand. I cannot think of any other country which has more respect for the elderly than here, nor has better private medical facilities.

My friends were thinking of coming in early March, but have now postponed until November. This was on my advice - I fear the burning season will happen again, and temperatures may even be higher than previous years, judging by current global trends

I visited Vivo Bene meantime – yes, this is actually perfect for elderly or disabled people, as it has ramps to access every facility. The swimming pool also has a ramp and waterproof wheelchair. The grounds are well kept, and a golf buggy will take you anywhere inside the facility on demand. I had lunch here, and the food was good. There is an organic garden which supplies the kitchen with veg. There are nurses here, but not in typical uniforms. They look like ordinary staff, so you do not get the impression of a care home at all. I saw one guest in a wheelchair, the rest of the facility looked just like a nice resort.

It is obviously a bit out of town (18 km) but well away from noise and pollution. It would therefore fit the needs of any folks seeking a rest, or for elderly parents or relatives of residents who want to make sure they spend a holiday in a safe place. All going well therefore I will book my friends here.

Edited January 21, 2016 by cpq11

[NancyL]

Thank you for the update, November should be a much nicer time.