I think about what's coming just around the corner also Phil and it ain't pretty.......it's depressing as hell actually.
Here's just a few things that quickly pop to mind that we have to look forward to:
Dementia....Alzheimer's....Parkinson's....Arthritis....Osteoporosis....Lack of mobility....Falling....Nursing homes....Diapers etc.
I think after you get to a certain point that death is a welcome friend.
I agree Ike, many of us think about all the things we may go through with old age, I think Alzheimer's scares me the most, because then I won't know anything about who I am, where I am, or what anything's about. Lost an aunt to that years ago, they put her in a nursing home, nobody could handle her privately.
We moved my husband's parents in with us when they were in their eighties, both in poor health and he had a major stroke that left him half paralyzed, bedridden, unable to speak or take care of himself. We moved our stuff into the basement and gave them run of the main floor, they both had wheelchairs, but he had to be placed into his by me or hubby.
My mother in law was very depressed and negative, she bought the book Final Exit and planned to put an end to her life when ready with pills mixed in yogurt and a trash bag over her head to assure it would work as the book recommended. Luckily she never had to commit suicide, she passed in her sleep a couple of weeks after we lost him on Christmas Day. She had nothing else to live for and was ready to go for a long time, I believe she just wished to be done with this life and her wish was granted. Both of them finally found their peace.
The one thing I don't want is to be put in a nursing home, no kids or family around us, and if one of us goes, the other's on their own. So yes, if I was is such poor health or in so much pain that I would want to end my life, I would definitely do it, either with a Dr. Kevorkian type or on my own. Some pills, alcohol, maybe a running car in the garage combo should do it. Or, like some have done, go off into the mountains in winter and freeze to death, not too painful and the wild animals will take care of the remains.
Minimalism and happiness in small things are at the core of who I am. I confess to never having been interested in "achieving" anything other than caring for my wife and raising happy kids. I was fortunate enough to be able to do that.
Why would anyone want to be remembered by people who never knew them? There isn't a single famous person, regardless of their accomplishments who after death hasn't been accused of all sorts of horrible deeds. No monuments to me for someone's dog to piss on.
Simple life for me too Underock, we're only in our 60s, and in pretty good health, so getting outdoors and enjoying the animals, trees, mountains and skies does it for me. I started working after high school, and worked blue collar/physical jobs full time and overtime all my life, that may be why I'm in decent shape now. Been very content with life so far, retirement was my main goal and I'm here. I've treated others the way I'd like to be treated, don't need to be held on a pedestal for anything where strangers can remember me.
Phil, I know your health has a lot to do with the way you're feeling now...hugs. What I recommend is always taking a look at the big picture and others around you, that's one way to put things in perspective and be happy for what you've got. All I need is to see a mother, like I did recently, in a Costco store. She was pushing her thin and contorted child who had serious disabilities, in a special strangely shaped wheelchair, because he wouldn't have even been able to sit in a regular one. When I see things like this it makes me want to cry (and sometimes I do), and I thank my lucky stars for the life I have.
Attitude is everything, don't let your mind sink to the cellar, and your body will thank you for it. :love_heart:
layful:
