crofter...thanks for the tip. I will have to budget for a back up generator, the RV Im looking at has one already on board and it has been serviced. But a small back up would probably be wise, especially if Im going to boondock as much as possible.
Being a longtime camper makes adaptation to van life infinitely easier, as compared to someone coming straight out of a lifetime of S&B. Once you get the business about pooping, showering, and shampooing figured out, the rest is easy. Many, I should say most, people I've seen set up kitchens in their vans and cook their meals there. For my part, I cook my meals outside, as I don't want the van smelling of food for when I go to grizzly country. All I ever do inside the van is boil water, and then I put the Coleman stove next to the open side doors.Deb_A said:I have the right attitude, though. I'm not going to be living "in" my van, I'm living "out of it." If I'm boondocking and the weather is bad for a few days, I can deal. I used to go camping a lot, so it's not a big deal to me to be trapped inside for awhile, as long as I can get some air flow going.
That's what my folks did after they retired. Got an RV and drove all over America until they found a place that really appealed to them and seemed like an obvious choice. No rush, enjoying themselves all the while.Deb_A said:Ultimately, I'm looking for a place to settle in my old age once I get too old to live in a van. By living in places that appeal to me and learning what life there is really like year-around, I can make an informed decision.
QinReno said:I think another demographic that will start to become more common in the future as living costs continue to go up, is for strangers to move into houses owned by others, for the purpose of mutual support. How many elderly people live in big houses all alone? A lot, I'll bet. In a college town, they'll often rent out rooms to students. But they are probably also a lot of them in non-college towns who might like roommates. But this is a possibility for down the road in the future, and may not be someone's 1st preference, but is another option.
QinReno said:DF, I was indicating rent, plus some companionship and support. Not physical handling. Most people can't handle that in normal life.
I have long realized you are a conservator. However, as someone from the other side of the aisle, I obviously want to keep my freedom for "as long as I am able". No doubt true of most people. But it's all a process, and one day all of us will have to "face the raven" (reference to Dr Who). There are some things that cannot be fixed or reversed.Dingfelder said:I see. As a guardian/conservator for the elderly and living in a neighborhood where almost everyone is over 70 myself,I see people struggling with these issues all the time. I am probably over-reactive by this time to the problems of people unwilling to face the facts about their decline and therefore not learning to deal with it productively. So although I don't always tell the neighbors what I think about some of their bad decisions, when the opportunity arises to do it in a way that isn't counter-productive, I usually try to steer them toward having reasonable expectations.
That of course is the big daydream. Everyone hopes they'll be doing well up until the very end, and then when it happens it'll happen very fast and in a painless manner. Probably not at all close to the reality.LivGolden said:Quality not quantity...
QinReno said:That of course is the big daydream. Everyone hopes they'll be doing well up until the very end, and then when it happens it'll happen very fast and in a painless manner. Probably not at all close to the reality.
QinReno said:For my part, I've never had use for a gun, but I plan to get one before the social workers come for me (and I'm not indicating which direction I'll shoot - JK).
Hi Jackson, I would add to "frame of mind" one's current situation. Living the pampered life? Unable to part with belongings?Jacksonricher said:Freedom or comfort? I think you can have both,
Sure it is, if you're willing to take control and decide for yourself when the time comes.QinReno said:Everyone hopes they'll be doing well up until the very end, and then when it happens it'll happen very fast and in a painless manner. Probably not at all close to the reality.
I recently watched a netflix DVD about this very thing - except that she was "walking". The kids put her in the old folks home, but she had other ideas. I rated it as good, but it didn't make much money. Luckily, Tom (Pete in the movie) gave her some bear spray, and she used it on a couple of bad guys. Good for her.LivGolden said:Well, since I've nothing much to do today, I'll chime in here, also. Sometimes, it's not even about age- it's about how society perceives you and your situation. Some folks and agencies may believe because you are "on the road" that you are a danger to yourself. Not being in the "norm" confuses others and they react. You may not be in any "decline" but if the powers-that-be determine you are not in line with the status quo, you may end up being "taken care of"---"for your own good".
People like my sister seem to think there should be "guarantees". One wonders what pablum they've reading all of their entire lifetimes. As I get older, I find the tenets of Stoicism appeal to me more and more. Of course, when I brought this up on another thread, the usual funsters around here started quoting that great ascetic Oscar Wilde. I guess better to die with a beer in your hand than wearing a loin cloth in the desert sun.Dingfelder said:Unfortunately this phase of life still provokes so much more fear than acceptance.
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I wish we were in general much better at accepting what can't be changed and making a healthy peace with it.
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