is age a barrier?

[starshoes]

Hi! we are the newcomers on the block. Just want to introduce ourselves.  We may be the oldest snowbirds around in a few months when we are on the road. Eddie, is 83 years old and myself 77 this year. We have not made the leap yet but plan on this July to buy a van conversion. 

After watching Bob Wells videos I realized that age is only a number and my husband with his recent diagnose with Parkinson disease and other problems is in a wheel chair.  What better way to get him around and enjoying life again. With a RV it is so possible. he will have all his needs met. A bed, Kitchen, bathroom, when I told him my plans for us, he was so thrilled to know he will be able to see the coast again, mountains, etc. No more being home bound or setting in a wheelchair all day. We Will be 'ON The Road Again' Hope we have the pleasure of meeting you all someday.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[maki2]

Age is not a barrier other than for those people who think they are too old to travel in an RV. Of course there are plenty of that type about. But that is an attitude that can happen at most any age. Some people think they are too old for fun and adventure when they reach that horrible old age of 30. Of course those types do tend to have a mid life crisis at 45 and then take early retirements and buy "toys".

 

[RoamerRV428]

age isn't so much the barrier, for me I see it as health reasons many don't go roam and find adventure on the fly out in the world.

if you guys are healthy enough and find it will work for ya, have at it right now and go for it

 

[WanderingRose]

There are lots of folks in their 80’s out there, traveling and having a great time.

Important that both of you be reasonably healthy and fit, however, and my one concern for your plan is that your husband may be very dependent on you for most things.

He may be the more disabled of the two of you at this point, but that doesn’t mean you could not be struck down first.

It happened to me, with my husband, 900 miles from home.

That doesn’t mean you can’t go and do, but have a system in place where he can call for help, and perhaps avoid very remote places where calling for help may not be possible.

He may need to save your life, and you wouldn’t want him stranded if something suddenly happened to you.

Good luck.

 

[Weight]

Age is a barrier. 20 somethings are du... ... uh not experienced... yes that's it, not experienced enough for da ... I better stop here.

 

[JD GUMBEE]

Starshoes,
About the wheelchair...

If you want to get around with it, the desert life is not easy with a wheelchair compared to a scooter.
Tilt/recline is a MUST for me and it was totally useless in the desert. Shake your bones to death.
(Pride adaptive unit with suspension and all.) Great for outings where stuff is paved...that's about it.

The old scooter was far more helpful on desert ground than the power chair.
Bathrooms in camping situations are also difficult overall.
Whatever you want to buy, make certain you have lived with a similar unit as a rental for a full two week stint before buying it.

 

[GypsyJan]

It reminds me of my Aunt Inez. Uncle Roy had a stroke and she decided it would do him good to get some fresh air. So she loaded him from the wheel chair onto a piece of plywood, slid him into the pickup topper area and took him to the local park, where she unloaded him into the wheel chair, pushed him over to the picnic table and loaded him back onto the plywood on top of the table. The local ranger helped her. Uncle Roy was so happy, propped up with pillows, having a picnic in the great outdoors.

Hope someone in my family is willing to do the same for me someday!

 

[tamewolf]

May as well do it now. It’s such a bore waiting to do it for when you get younger.

 

[Riverman]

Welcome to the forum, it's great to have you here.

My dad had Parkinson's so I've had 10-years daily experience with that condition. Hang in there and get hubby on some trips. It will do him way more good to go places and see things than sitting home and worrying about his health.

May God bless you and your husband.

 

[starshoes]

Thank you everyone for your replies and advice and encouragement and Riverman thank you.
I should make it clear that I only intent to keep him at mostly campgrounds and not far from Doctors. Maybe a few nights in a Walmart parking lot if possible. His favorite place to visit.

His wheelchair is made for outdoors and rain and to go through gravel and grass. It also has a joy stick so he can drive it himself.  We won't be doing much of that. His health and well being is the upmost importance to me and to keep him safe.
I was trying to find out if this was such a crazy idea and if other people our age have ventured out. Like what was said it is better to get his mind off of his health and enjoy some outings. We have been home bound for over 3 years now. I have seen him going downhill for years but now I see his spirits going uphill. He is dreaming the dream and soon I pray he will be living it.

 

[Doubleone]

Kick Ass!  Wonderful story.  You are a very special and wonderful person.   Life is for living.   Live until we can't live any more...  When we stop living we die...   Prayers and blessings for you and yours!

 

[ckelly78z]

My parents are both 78 years old, and just came back (last fall) from thier Airstream trip through the Western National parks which was 4000+ miles and 54 days with some boondocking, and moving every 3 days. They are both sharp as tacks, and mostly healthy, but still have a youthful attitude.

They are planning 8 more rally's to attend this year in 5 different states.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the forum starshoes! I use a wheelchair because of a spinal injury and my husband and I have been fulltime RVers for over 25 years. Fortunately, I'm healthy otherwise but I'm also convinced that due to traveling I'm much healthier than I would have been if I were stuck in a house and stationary.

I started a blog years ago to provide information on accessibility at campgrounds and attractions. Click on the link below this post.
We're found that zoos and gardens are usually very accessible. Wildlife refuges are often good too if they have been designed with ponds to provide habitat for the birds and animals. The ponds are circled with flat roads that can be many miles long.

Campgrounds are hit and miss. We boondock a lot where the ground is too rocky or hilly to be very accessible but the scenery is often beautiful.
We also stay in public campgrounds. A few have excellent accessibility. Where do you think you'll be traveling? I can look through my information and pick out some of the best ones. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Good luck with all of your adventures!

 

[Galyvant]

Hi! we are the newcomers on the block. Just want to introduce ourselves.  We may be the oldest snowbirds around in a few months when we are on the road. Eddie, is 83 years old and myself 77 this year. We have not made the leap yet but plan on this July to buy a van conversion. 

After watching Bob Wells videos I realized that age is only a number and my husband with his recent diagnose with Parkinson disease and other problems is in a wheel chair.  What better way to get him around and enjoying life again. With a RV it is so possible. he will have all his needs met. A bed, Kitchen, bathroom, when I told him my plans for us, he was so thrilled to know he will be able to see the coast again, mountains, etc. No more being home bound or setting in a wheelchair all day. We Will be 'ON The Road Again' Hope we have the pleasure of meeting you all someday.

I think what you are planning to do is wonderful, my mom has Parkinson's so I can relate. I wish you both all the best!