TZ757300 From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 2836 posts, RR: 7 Posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 1234 times:
Doing a bit of personal research, I was looking at the list of people around the world who have lived to 100, 110, 115 and oldest at 122. While this seems like such a feat, with further reading it seems most have their share of physcial problems such memory loss, blindness, needing blood transfusions, etc due to their age (though any of this can happen at any age, but more so the older you get).
So question is, would you want to live as old as these people have?
For me, I wouldn't want to get so old that my health deteriorates so much that I'm not able to enjoy myself fully.
Airportugal310 From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 3056 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 1224 times:
Quoting TZ757300 (Thread starter): So question is, would you want to live as old as these people have?
No thanks. I would like to live to about 70-75...ideally. Not my choice but that would allow me to enjoy some retirement. Get it out of my system and then...bye bye.
Also, no funeral for me. Burn me up and throw the ashes out of a plane.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8197 posts, RR: 28 Reply 2, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 1218 times:
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Quoting TZ757300 (Thread starter): For me, I wouldn't want to get so old that my health deteriorates so much that I'm not able to enjoy myself fully.
For me, I think I wouldn't mind living up to the point where either 1.) life was too much of a hassle health-wise, or 2.) my health started depending heavily on other people taking care of me.
Then there are considerations of spouses and descendants. Would be nice to see grandkids grow up and even have great-grandkids if at all possible.
I think about this quite often, because my lone surviving grandparent (my dad's mother) turned 92 this year, and is still in (relatively) good physical health, and very good mental health. She still lives on her own, cooks her own food, does a lot of her own shopping (walking to the store when she needs to), does Sudoku and plays Chess on the computer, learned how to use email and chat a few years ago, reads a ton, etc.
But with all that, she's been ready to move on for years now, and I don't blame her. Her husband died 24 years ago, both her siblings died within the last 10 years or so, and even a few people from among her nieces and nephews have died. Her contemporaries are few and far between these days, and although she has TONS of friends/family who talk to her and visit her, I can understand how, ultimately, she's probably quite lonely.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
Airport From United States of America, joined Aug 2009, 1393 posts, RR: 9 Reply 3, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 1217 times:
I'm endlessly curious as to where advancements in healthcare and medicine will take us. Not that I have an informed opinion in any case, but I have a hunch that, at least my generation's average life-span could be well above the current -- perhaps well over 100.
Here's an interesting statement -- the first human to live 1,000 years has already been born.
wn700driver From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 1203 times:
Quoting Airport (Reply 3):
Here's an interesting statement -- the first human to live 1,000 years has already been born.
Yeah, and I'm already about 30 now, believe it not...
Seems funny, but it is entirely plausible. But we'll have to merge at least a few relatively separate scientific disciplines first. We'll see what happens...
steeler83 From United States of America, joined Feb 2006, 8802 posts, RR: 19 Reply 6, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 1147 times:
Sure, I'd love to live to be 100. A couple of the people I give care to where I work are 100 or older, and they're two of the most independent people there! To them, 100 is the new 77!
Do not bring stranger girt into your room. The stranger girt is dangerous, it will hurt your life.
Silver1SWA From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 4536 posts, RR: 26 Reply 7, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 1141 times:
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 2): But with all that, she's been ready to move on for years now, and I don't blame her. Her husband died 24 years ago, both her siblings died within the last 10 years or so, and even a few people from among her nieces and nephews have died. Her contemporaries are few and far between these days, and although she has TONS of friends/family who talk to her and visit her, I can understand how, ultimately, she's probably quite lonely.
This would be the hardest part of living so long. To outlive everyone close to you would be very lonely I imagine.
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
wn700driver From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 1064 times:
Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 7):
This would be the hardest part of living so long. To outlive everyone close to you would be very lonely I imagine.
Depends on who you are. Every death is tragic... Well, ok, maybe not every one, but I see your point. But, in my experience, I have always been able to make new friends pretty much wherever I go. I've noticed that I have a habit of relocating significantly every two to four years, so I guess this has become a neccessity. But who's to say you can't do the same with your age too?
I could see being sad for the loss of loved ones. But lonely? Doesn't seem mandatory...
Silver1SWA From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 4536 posts, RR: 26 Reply 10, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 1055 times:
Quoting wn700driver (Reply 9): Depends on who you are. Every death is tragic... Well, ok, maybe not every one, but I see your point. But, in my experience, I have always been able to make new friends pretty much wherever I go. I've noticed that I have a habit of relocating significantly every two to four years, so I guess this has become a neccessity. But who's to say you can't do the same with your age too?
I could see being sad for the loss of loved ones. But lonely? Doesn't seem mandatory...
But for some, couldn't developing close relationships and having to experience a sense of loss when they go be a painful cycle?
Here is an example I find similar. Take our number 1 senior ramp agent here at SAN. He has been with the company almost 30 years and has seen probably hundreds of faces come and go. He no longer talks to many, especially newer people, and just keeps to himself. He stopped bothering with developing social relationships in the work place long ago. I dunno, I see that as the same kind of thing.
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
Cadet985 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 1408 posts, RR: 5 Reply 11, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 1049 times:
As long as I can go through life without being a burden on others (this includes having full control of my body and faculties), and being happy, I wouldn't mind living as long as possible.
FlyDeltaJets87 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 12, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 1047 times:
It doesn't matter how old you live as a Chicago Cubs fan. You're never going to see them win a World Series.
For me, it'd be all about my health at a given age. It would be nice to be 70 years old and still realize you have nearly 1/3rd of your life left, assuming that you would be fairly healthy and mobile even as you get close to age 100.
Cadet985 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 1408 posts, RR: 5 Reply 13, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 1044 times:
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8197 posts, RR: 28 Reply 14, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 1002 times:
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Quoting wn700driver (Reply 9): Depends on who you are. Every death is tragic... Well, ok, maybe not every one, but I see your point. But, in my experience, I have always been able to make new friends pretty much wherever I go. I've noticed that I have a habit of relocating significantly every two to four years, so I guess this has become a neccessity. But who's to say you can't do the same with your age too?
I could see being sad for the loss of loved ones. But lonely? Doesn't seem mandatory...
No, it's not mandatory. But for me personally, I have no desire to keep relocating and making new close friends.
Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 10): But for some, couldn't developing close relationships and having to experience a sense of loss when they go be a painful cycle?
Certainly is for me. I'd be surprised if it wasn't painful for most people.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
Ken777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 7440 posts, RR: 5 Reply 15, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 990 times:
Since I'm now 66 the question is a bit closer for me.
Age wise I want to be around for my wife (but prefer to be the first to go) and to watch the kids and grandkids continue to grow.
I'm not rich by any means, but the house and cars are paid for, with future cars paid for with cash - as little as possible.
Like many people (especially the ones 70 and older) the financial base for my old age will be Social Security AND Medicare, as well as VA compensation. It doesn't take a lot of medical problems to pretty well wipe out savings, especially when inflation is considered. Medical care costs are going to be a huge focus for the Baby Boomer generation and Medicare will be the core protection for us.
aerorobnz From Rwanda, joined Feb 2001, 6324 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 950 times:
I don't want to drift into old age/senility. Have met 100 year olds who are as clear and lucid as people many times younger than them - provided I was like that and still doing stuff I wouldn't mind..
However if i was to get Alzheimer's/dementia I'd want to be dead asap - no point living if you can't remember who you or your loved ones are and are unaware of your surroundings.
wn700driver From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 17, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 942 times:
Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 10):
But for some, couldn't developing close relationships and having to experience a sense of loss when they go be a painful cycle?
It certainly can be, no doubt. But that's part of the price of admission. Old age 'aint for sissies, as Bob Heinlein once said...
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 14): But for me personally, I have no desire to keep relocating and making new close friends.
Suit yourself. I'm just saying it's possible to literally never end that cycle, if you so desire. You need not be lonely...
san747 From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4934 posts, RR: 13 Reply 18, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 937 times:
I agree with the points Silver1SWA has been making, and would like to add this:
Scroll to number 1- Immortality. People have wanted to live longer and longer, even forever, but that article perfectly summarizes why I would never want to live forever (or even beyond typical life expectancy really).
Yellowstone From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 3071 posts, RR: 7 Reply 19, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 929 times:
Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 7): This would be the hardest part of living so long. To outlive everyone close to you would be very lonely I imagine.
What if we were to develop transhumanist technologies, such as nanotech that can constantly repair the human body or the ability to download consciousnesses into computers? Then everyone becomes practically immortal. That's the sort of "living older than usual" that I'd be interested in, something that gives humanity the ability to start thinking and growing on truly long-term scales. What does it matter that the nearest star is decades of spaceflight away, when you can live for thousands of years?
Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8197 posts, RR: 28 Reply 20, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 916 times:
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Quoting wn700driver (Reply 17): Suit yourself. I'm just saying it's possible to literally never end that cycle, if you so desire. You need not be lonely...
Yep, I understand and agree with what you were saying.
Quoting wn700driver (Reply 17): It certainly can be, no doubt. But that's part of the price of admission. Old age 'aint for sissies, as Bob Heinlein once said...
Or, as the line from a No Country for Old Men goes, "This country's hard on people. You can't stop what's coming, it ain't all waiting on you."
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
wn700driver From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 21, posted (2 years 9 months 2 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 893 times:
Quoting san747 (Reply 18): Scroll to number 1- Immortality. People have wanted to live longer and longer, even forever, but that article perfectly summarizes why I would never want to live forever (or even beyond typical life expectancy really).
If it makes you feel any better, a two minute read over that reveals quite a few flaws with all that. You perceptual speed is based on memory, not the act of experiencing anything itself. You time on earth does not speed up as you get older in the least. You simply have more memories now than you did as a child, and it becomes easier to "benchmark" these things. Small children do not have that ability, which is why everything seems to take forever for/to them.
My daughter actually said something pretty funny the other day. "It's still an hour until we get home?! That'll take like a thousand hours!!!"
For the second part of that article's concern, who's to say that we'll still be here when our star goes RG on us? Or even the greater extreme, when the universe gets in danger of heat-death? Now this is me being wildly fantastical, but even now, when the effects of our existence are clearly felt by our planetary environment, is not conceivable that in billions of years, we might not find a work-around to even that problem?
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