The Retirement Thread

[Paulus]

We've just got back from a visit to Trent Park where we took Millie for a walk this morning.
The daffodils were in full bloom, but because it ws a sunny morning hoards of people were out and so was the local running club, no doubt in final training for the London marathon. Fortunately because we are early birds we just about beat the crowds.

 

[Chief Broom]

Afternoon folks preparing for a ride this morning i did my usual checks...tools onboard,wallet,inhaler,keys, kitchen isnt on fire etc and off i go....2 miles up the road the realisation that i had forgotten something hit me like an icy blast to the brain which it was i had forgot to put my beanie on which is weird because ive worn it every ride for 6 months. Shall i go back and get it? nah i'll do the ride with a frozen noggin and that'll learn me for forgetting things. Anyhow down comes a heavy shower so's i cower under a tree and have a brilliant realisation [im on a roll] my endura jacket has a hood! Off with lid on with hood and away we go all snug n smug with my cosy bonce! Skies clear and 10 miles on i start to 'boil in the bag' as cosy hood keeps the heat in....ho hum anyhow enjoyed the rest of a showery/gusty ride and was pleased to see and hear a large flock of lapwings on the high ground.

 

[BoldonLad]

More fool them.

People drift through life without a thought for the future and then moan when their lack for planning bites them on the ass. Remember the 7 P's.

Mrs D has MS, sarcoidoisis, diabetes, is partially deaf and blind in one eye. There may come a time when she cant drive at all.

Im 10.5 years older than Mrs D, so the day may come where age or infirmity knock driving on the head for me. I've already had a TIA which temporarily kept me from driving (not that I found that a hardship.)

Because im sensible, and because I've never been lazy or stupid enough to allow myself the become totally car-dependent, I've planned ahead. I know the day may come where one of both of us may be unable to drive so we moved to the edge of town to somewhere within and easy walk of shops, doctors and library, and an easy bike ride, walk, or bus (were 10p metres from the bus stop) into the town centre.

I've done this, hopefully, decades before the necessity of doing somis thrust upon me, so there can be no last minute ditching about ot being able to afford it etc.

Shopping can be delivered. The vast money saved on cars would easily cover the odd trip out of town for the mason, bowls, brownshirt marches, whatever, with serious cash to spare.

So I have no truck with that argument. People's lack or foresight and planning about the inevitability of ageing is completely avoidable. They only get caught out and find a major crimp on their lifestyle because theyve allowed it to happen.

I can remember a time when people took responsibility for themselves instead of moaning about being caught in a situation they could have easily avoided if they werent too bone idle lazy to do the homework when they were able to. Hope for the best but plan for the worst - if people are too stupid to live by that mantra then I've no sympathy. Bemoaning it is a waste of breath, it doesn't change a thing so why bother?

In Jon's case the mechanics of daily life are probably not going to be an issue. Its the things he did for pleasure that may became awkward or impossible. Now is the time to start thinking about potential ways around that, of finding skmething else to enjoy as I gently suggested to him yesterday, and being a sensible chap with legions of prog fans supporting him thats exactly what he'll do. Id be thinking safe then insurance, petrol, and tax money in a jar and invest in a nice dropstitch kayak andnuse the cash for taxis and coaches. Hes down at the moment, but he's a clever guy and he'll figure it out.

excellent advice, but..... not everyone has your resources, or, abilities 😂

 

[Dirk]

excellent advice, but..... not everyone has your resources, or, abilities 😂

Very true. Lack of finances will severely limit your life choices.
Fortunately, I'm not in that position...but I once was and know how it can affect you.