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Transportation Appliance is the best description ever for a car and completely changes how you view it. I certainly don’t buy a new coffee pot or toaster every 3-5 years, not do I care that much about their aesthetic.
Today I saw a VW beetle, vintage, cute as a bug in a rug. I immediately wanted it. I’m a Transportation Appliance person by nature so this surprised me.
Most of the things we own can be described as an ‘appliance’ or ‘utensil.’
I'm gonna start thinking of my pants as my "cover my butt utensil"
Just a thought but I got a senior dog that no one else wanted. He is happily snoring at my feet. He is older than me at 77 (11 human years) but he is my lifeline and odds are good I'll outlive him.
That’s what we plan on doing one day. So many sweet old pups that need a good home. You’re a doll for doing this.
That is so sweet. :)
This!
Thank you.
Wow that you still have a 94 ford ranger 😭 I was gifted my moms when I was 17 and drove it until I was 26. I ran it to the ground and sold it for $600 to a farmer when it could no longer make trips over 3 hours. It would break down… but the start back up 15 minutes later 🤣 I know damn well that truck is still out there hauling hay.
I gave my dad's 94 Ranger to my neighbor. They tinkered with it and drove it to Mexico. I love knowing the work truck will live on forever.
You can adopt senior pets too. They need love and don't last long. I do this and it's worked out great for pups and me.
Consider a chair lift for those steps. Used, figure $500 (three year old price) and up. Contact realtors who list in retirement areas and let them know what you want. Have cash. Also check online markets such as FaceBook Marketplace, Craigslist, community message boards, etc.
I do not know how much the chairs are at full retail.
Yeah those things are really nice and pretty much eliminate the trip hazard that comes with having flights of steps
I paid $3500. last year.
Lots less costly than a broken hip!! Thanks for the info though. I had wondered about the current costs.
I think in the 3,000 and up range new
Trying to sell mine out of a house I just bought.
I'm sorry about your dog. We lost what may be our last pupper in November but we'll see. There are many senior dogs who need forever homes.
Or just become fosters and get the dog used to live in with people and help them transition to their younger homes. That way each dog is temporary
Uplifting!! Have you ever thought about fostering, especially adult and mature dogs or cats who just want a warm place to rest, and a full belly?❤️
You can foster or adopt a senior dog!
You can get a stair chair! I'm trying to get my 87 year old dad to buy one. If the stairs get too much that is.
After falling twice on stairs, I will never own another home with stairs. (I’m 81)
I have a tri-level home with seven stairs up to the bedrooms and four stairs down into the family room. I have always thought that having stairs and going up and down multiple times per day was much better for my leg muscles than not climbing stairs at all.
I grew up with a 2 floor house. The laundry was in the basement. After watching my mom drag laundry from upstairs bedrooms to the basement and back again I decided never to have stairs. My one floor house was ideal lol.
Maybe you could foster a dog so you could enjoy the companionship?
My area has a seniors for seniors program for older kittens and puppies. It helps everyone out!! And spreads love around and the program will care for the furbabies if their new to them people go wait for their furbabies on the Rainbow Bridge.
Not exactly the same thing, but I'm in my mid fifties and I frequently wonder, "How long before the things in my house look and feel dated like they did when I visited my mother's or grandmother's house as a young adult?"
Over the last ten years,we have had to replace the microwave four times. About six years ago, we had a fridge fail, and the repair parts no longer existed. We bought a new fridge and stove for the kitchen. Three years ago, we had to buy a new washer as repair parts were again not available. We bought a new washer and dryer set. Last year, we bought a new dishwasher. The water heater will be replaced next year. No worries about your home looking dated, the crap sold doesn’t last that long!
Have you considered the slinky method?
Dude. Those last two sentences are legendary.
I want to read a 5 book series to find these as the final words. What a beautiful turn of phrase.
❤️❤️ keep exercising and eat healthy. It's hard!
I'm only 46, but this makes me think of my grandmother: she loved cats, but as she got into her mid 80s, was afraid to get a new cat because she was afraid it would outlive her. When her neighbors were trying to rehome a 6-year-old cat, my mother promised to take the kitty in if/when the time came so thaty grandmother could adopt her without worrying.
It helps to have an exit plan for the pets. When my mother was dying, I told her I would take her cat. I was hoping it would help her to ease out of this life.
The cat was pretty old. The other cats would attack her, so she lived in my home office. I put a screen door on the room, and put a heat lamp up for her on my desk.
Edit: thank you for the comments. Ilked tha cat too,sothathelped. I had her for 3 1/2 years, she died at 23.
Thank you for taking the kitty cat in and being considerate for what the kitty needs were and giving it a sanctuary!
we got a new puppy last year and they ask about our age, there are really shelters out there who don't let people adopt puppies once they reach age 75, even nowadays you might have another 20 years to go before you jump over the cliff.
I like dogs with the same energy level I have. In my 70's, I don't have puppy energy! My last 4 dogs have been seniors at adoption. They know how to behave in a house already and they don't have that crazy energy. Besides those seniors desperately need homes and love. None have lived with me for more than 4 years, but it has been so worth it.
I’m 62–I rescued a senior terrier last November
I rescued a slobbery sweet old lab , she only lasted a few years but I gave her the best life possible and she was good for me as well
Some rescue agencies will waive adoption fees for senior people who adopt senior dogs!
This is so awful. My dad will be 93 next week. No pets, no life insurance, crazy car insurance, ... he's 100% fully capable, healthy, mentally and physically. Sure his body aches sometimes but, doesn't everyone feel that way regardless of age?? He says it's 'age discrimination ' . I quote, "Just because I'm old doesn't mean I'm stupid or irresponsible." "Those fuckers wish they will make it to my age!"
Your dad sounds like a boss.
The best approach might be to foster (and then foster fail) a senior animal. One whose life expectancy is shorter than your own.
I often think that our cats are probably the last ones we'll have. The youngest is three and a half now, born under our next door neighbor's house.
There’s always that ‘foster fail’ thing!
You might live another 20 years, but how many of them will be in cognitive decline? Or in a nursing home? It’s pretty rare for a 95 yo to live independently.
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24d
Right? My gramma (102) lived on her own until 100.
Between my wife and I, 90+ is pretty common in our family trees. Most recent grandmother was within a couple weeks of 100. Lived on her own with a dog. It's as if her daily 3-5-mile walk and healthy food helped keep her going strong until the very end.
Really? How many people over 85 do you actually know???
My mother is in this position right now. She has a dog who's 5 years old and my mother is 76. She was hesitant to get the dog but I promised I would take her if anything happened to my mother and her husband. Now she wants a cat but is afraid it would outlive her. Of course I would take her cat, as well as the dog, but I think cats are more sensitive to change than dogs.
My grandmother died, so my parents took her cat. And when they died, I took him. He was a very easygoing cat but he hated when we would leave for a weekend. He would YOWL at us for hours when we came back. We had cameras so we know he didn’t do it when we were gone. He had some serious abandonment issues.
You were a good boy Gray. Take care of the rest of the family until I get there.
I'm 32. I never had pets growing up and my cat is 13 years died last year. I have another cat as well but I swore to myself that after she's gone I'll never own another pet unless I'm sure they'll outlive me and that someone will be there to take care of them when I'm gone.
I decided to take a pet vacation after my dogs died 5 weeks apart in 2018. Big mistake...lol. Within 6 months, I was fostering an orphaned, brain damaged possum. In April 2020, a cat abandoned a 2 day old kitten in my garage. I couldn't just let it die, so I took it in. Now, I have 5 cats. There are two dogs here, but they're my son's, even though they love me more. I'm older than you, so I obviously worry about my cats outliving me. My youngest son tells me to stop saying that, but you do start thinking it at some point. Anyway, my point is you're young, so never say never. Nothing in life, including waking up tomorrow, is guaranteed, but don't live like you're about to drop. Plus, if you're on the Cat Distribution System's mailing list, they will find you.
"Plus, if you're on the Cat Distribution System's mailing list, they will find you." I love this. This is why I have two kittens at home today. They found us.
Apart from a traumatizing attack when I was 7, I had never touched a cat before 4 years ago. Saving the grey ditz sitting next to me now put me on the list. I know very few people who intentionally got a cat, and I've discovered that list is impossible to get off of...lol. It's always, "Hey, now that you've finally settled in with that one, here's another one," and they won't stop. They're ruthless 😃😃.
I knew there was a reason they keep turning up on the doorstep!
I’m ‘only’ 54 but I like to slap my big $ purchases and say “it’ll see me out” 🪦
I bought a fancy belt yesterday and thought something similar, I'm 57
I have several belts that hang in my closet. The one I use every day is an old Polo brand leather belt from the mid 1980s. If they told me I’d still be using it in my 60s I woulda given them a “yeah, right 🙄”.
Funnily enough I threw out an old belt at the same time (I always throw something out when I buy something new) I reckon I got it in Desert Hills outlet mall in the 90s? As you say thinking back, I'd not imagine still having it all this time later. (Still fits but its wrecked)
Sheesh- you're an infant!!!
(Kidding- i get it)
I am going to borrow this, it’s so perfect!
The only new furniture I will look at buying again is a coffin.
I'm 71 and that thought has crossed my mind on a few occasions. Honestly, when it occurs to me it doesn't feel like an emotional response, it's is more along the lines of, "Well, I don't need to think about replacing this."
I'm 70 and find myself still buying more stuff that I don't need. I purge stuff occasionally but need to purge the whole house.
- Barring anything beyond my control, I'm going for 100.
I have big things I want to accomplish, so I'm trying to quell any thoughts of last one/last time, EXCEPT where I live. I do NOT want to move again, ever. I'll eventually need to hire help to care for the yard and gardens, but I like to tell people that some day they're gonna find me dead in the back yard.
This reminded me of My mother. She said the exact same things. She loved her garden! She was a pragmatic woman, and told me to promise if she ever became a burden, I’d just off her in the garden when she wasn’t looking, haha.
She had retirement set up to trigger on her 68th birthday, and then at 67 she was diagnosed with aggressive pancreatic cancer. She was the healthiest, most active person I knew! She made it to 2 days past her birthday, to make absolutely sure retirement kicked in and paid out for dad.
In her last two days in the hospital I brought in her gardening gloves, and as many flowers as they would let me take into the room, so she could smell and see them as she faded away. She was going for 100, which was a bit of a long shot.
But you know what they say, shoot for the moon and you’ll land among the stars.
I hope you get much more time! I hope you get the time she didn’t, and accomplish everything you want to, and somebody finds you one day at 102, having taken a permanent blissful nap under your tree, while somebody ELSE does the hard yard work!
Your mom and you both sound like wonderful people. She did well with you, and I'm sure she was proud. I wish the best for you. May she rest in peace ❤️
You sound like me. I’m 62. We bought and remodeled our dream home three years ago (still finishing up). I love hearing “I have big things to accomplish.” Best way to live a long life, I think, is to always have plans, be doing stuff and striving. I hear way too many mid 60 year olds winding down planning for old age. This time in my life is my big, next, chapter.
Roman Polanski directed a movie last year when he was 90. Good luck.
I'm 46 so not "really old" but I do have congenital heart disease that seems to be getting worse. I went on a couple of cruises two years ago and realized that's probably the last out of country vacations I will ever have. I'm scared to leave again in case I have heart-related problems.
This is why I work out. Between dad’s medical issues (CHF, kidneys. Etc.) and mom’s (diabetes, thyroid) — I already know I’m in for it.
It’s one thing with a terminal diagnosis but chronic illnesses where you just keep fading — let’s not go that way.
My father bought a new SUV right before his 80th birthday and said it would probably be the last car he ever buys himself but he always talks about dying . . . He’s a POS and they tend to live forever.
Facts
I think of this all the time. I am now with my last dog and maybe my last cat. A lot of the items I buy are now "buy it for life" items.
My wife and I are 76. We got 2 7 year old cats so we can all die fairly close in time.
Personally believe if you are a senior, you should adopt a senior pet. The saddest thing I see at shelters (all of our adoptions through the years have been at shelters) is an older animal whose owner just passed. Please don’t get puppies or kittens as a senior.
Also a major tripping/falling hazard with small busy pets
I completely agree with you. It makes the most sense. I'm 58 and have had a multiple cat household for many years. I still have five living with me. I'll see them all to the rainbow bridge and then will adopt a senior dog as my final pet.
My wife’s 80 year old aunt bought a Yorkie puppy, lasted 4 weeks until the aunt decided she couldn’t walk it enough, and the puppy made puppy messes. She returned it to the breeder and did not get her $1500 back. My wife was so upset she bought this poor dog, after one of her sisters talked her into it.
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24d
I have wondered if there are any nonprofits that help seniors with pet care.
My 90-something aunt lived in another state and would have liked to have a cat, but couldn't fully care for it. Pets are so important for emotional health, I tried to find some kind of service that could help but came up empty.
I would be happy to volunteer to clean litter boxes, monitor feeders, vacuum pet fur, make vet runs, etc, to help a senior keep a pet at home. I bet lots of people would.
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24d
Oh, that's another good idea! Especially if it could pair pet owners who are gone all day with seniors who could enjoy them...hmmm....almost like a senior pet-sitting service. Win-win!!
My idea is seniors fostering esp older dogs, with costs and support assistance as needed by the agency. We can very often do a lot. But if backup is there when we can’t? I wouldn’t have to worry if I’m hospitalized. Or it’s too difficult to get to or pay for a vet visit. Or I can’t always walk my dog. Us seniors worry about all these things. With a safety net we could provide a home and love to rescues most of the time. And know the pet will be cared for if we can’t. All the shelters are overwhelmed and I believe funding for seniors fostering seniors could be there. The costs of keeping pets in a facility is more than just $. The cost of loneliness is huge.
I have a friend who does this, and I don't know how he handles the constant losses. He is a saint.
I was pretty close to my next door neighbor, but we legit got into a fight about her, at age 84, adopting an almost one year old dog. She got really mad when I asked what her long term plan was for the dog, and she didn't have one. Long story short, she passed at 87. I got a dog and two cats. I love them dearly. I have no idea what would have happened to them otherwise.
And I was feeling bad about adopting a young rescue at age 69. I can't even imagine doing that in my 80s.
Fortunately, we have several plans for our dog. First, there's a niece of my wife's who is a doggy person and would take her. Plus, over the past few months we've developed a close relationship with a local dog training facility. They have a small pool of rescues that they foster, and I would make a generous donation to them to take in our dog and place it in a new home.
You are a hero!❤️
Absolutely and totally agree. Imho, it's irresponsible to get an animal companion that you know will out live you. If you truly love animals, you do what's best for them. That's not best, that's cruel. It's utterly selfish. What a horrid thing for any animal to experience. I'm 59, our cats (3 years old) are our last because of that reason. Our last dog passed away 3 years ago. If we're able to afford another (afford to properly care for - we always adopt) it will be a senior dog.
I'd modify your statement to say it's irresponsible for anyone to get an animal companion without a backup plan in the event they can no longer care for it.
Shelters are full of animals (especially cats) that non-seniors wouldn't care for and gave up.
I'd don't see the problem with pet adoption by a senior with a contingency plan for it.
Just remember that at age 59, your remaining life expectancy is probably to your mid 80s. You've already survived all of the things that could have gotten you when you were younger.
I adopted a senior dog for my dad. He was 12 and my dad was 79. He died 3 years later, the day after my dad. Best buds til the end.
My first two dogs had previously belonged to a woman who had died from cancer (she adopted them from the shelter herself). That woman's parents had taken them in, but were old and had to move into supported accommodation, so their neighbour had taken them and promised to rehome them together. The poor things were stuck there for a while because most people only wanted one. They were the sweetest, most loving dogs. I've had a few different dogs now and I definitely prefer the seniors, they are much more relaxed companions than hyper puppies.
There's a shelter in Florida that refused to let my friend adopt an adult dog because she was 72. No cats, either.
we adopted a great pyr once who was already 7 years old, and we only had 3 years with her, good for her, bad for us,
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24d
My (60sF) thought exactly. When I lose one or both of my 9-year-old dogs, I’m going to get a couple elderly cats and give them the best of their final years.
I’m 56 and my dog is three. I have thought she might be my second to last dog. Which felt weird.
Just turned 63 and been retired 3 years but my brother was 3 yrs old when he got sick and died.
This is the mystery of life that today could be your last day regardless of age as you never know.
This is guaranteed in life is that one day we all will die we just do not know when, so make the best of each day.
Yes: bought my car in 2022 and because it is a very reliable brand and I keep cars for more than 100,000 miles, I hope I die before it does! ETA 65 yo.
You probably have another 17 years or so ahead so keep the miles down lol
My Dad said that with his second but last car, well he's just bought another one! (He's 84)
I’m on wife #5
Not really. But I did think recently if I get a puppy (dachshund) at 59 it might outlive me?
I moved in March and this will be the last time I move. The house is my dad’s but it will be mine soon. Don’t be jealous, it’s a 720 sq. feet 100+ year old farm house that needs new windows, roof, electrical panel upgrade, and a kitchen remodel.
Hubby and I decided if there’s some reason why we have to leave we’re just setting the place on fire, collecting the insurance and starting over.
My parents are in their 80's and live in an independent living complex, all neighbors are their age and older. When their dog died a few years ago they thought it would be their last dog. Then they started taking in abandoned senior dogs from a local rescue. Some they foster, others they care for in their final years. I remember one that was very ill and expected to only live a few weeks. My parents decided to give him a lot of love while he was still here. He lived for over a year on love and a wagging tail. Current elderly rescue is 15 years old, they've had her for 2 years already. I'm glad for them. They've been able to accept "last home", "last car", etc.. Last dog was one they weren't okay with. I like how they found a way around it. Those in their complex have arrangements made for their pets if they pass before their pet. Smart.
That is great, I would love to do that. I had one rescue (that I adopted at 8) who lived to 17. He was the sweetest old man and I was honoured to be able to give him a decent home after his 2 previous owners had neglected him. Puppies might be cute but older dogs have so much love to give.
That’s wonderful, it makes me happy to read it.
I'm retired for a couple of years. I have a cat and wonder what we'll do if she dies. I probably would get a used cat instead of a kitten.
A USED CAT!!!!! Lol I love that
TBH, nearly all of the pets we've had over the years have been used. Some have been late model though.
Same!!!
I prefer to refer to them as second hand.
I bought a new car as soon as I retired thinking I would never have to buy another. Ridiculous. I’m researching new cars now, seven years later. And I suppose I’ll be researching again at some point.
I am 61 and bought my first brand new vehicle last year. The reason I bought brand new is it really might be the last car I will need.
I bought it with cash so there is no interest payments, I hope it lasts until I am no longer able to drive, which should be in 20 years.
Last time I paint the house. It was satisfying.
Not "really old" but older. Our two cats will be my last. I'm 59 and they're 3 if they live thier full life, I'll be too old to get and look after more. I'd pass away before them and can't guarantee thier future.
Our last dog who passed away three years ago, was our last. It breaks my heart but I have lupus and my husband has Crohn's. He's 10 years younger than me and was in perfect health until covid when he developed Crohn's. After he got it we realized we can't be sure we'll be healthy enough to properly take care of a dog, walking them etc. I've had dogs since I was 12 so that one hits especially hard. :(💔 We can't afford another pet atm (afford as in properly care for, we always adopt) either but if we suddenly find ourselves with more, adopting a senior dog may be an option. I hope we can.
Things you don't realize/think about until you're there. I'd never tell a young person some of the things you may experience when you're older because some of it truly sucks. No point in making them feel shitty about their potential future.
I'm 60. I had those thought when we got our last kitten. He will most likely be the last kitten we ever get. The kitten level energy may be to much by the time we get to be 75.
I'm in my 40s, but am planning to die in my current home.
My grandma hated shopping and once sent me to Walmart to buy her "a pair of good pajamas, ones that will last so I can die in them." She wore them in the ambulance on her last ride, although they did put her in a hospital gown.
My last reddit post... lol
My father is 86 and has refused to have another cat for many years, even though he's in excellent health and enjoys feeding the neighbor cats.
I'm 57 and when I bought my house, it was specifically with an eye toward it being my first, last, and only. You get the most bang for your buck out of living in the house rent and mortgage free after the note is paid off, so I wanted something small, single-story, close to good medical care and transportation. I got it.
I hardly ever need to drive and my 2017 vehicle only has 42k miles on it, so I really don't see myself getting another car again, and I'm deliriously happy at the notion.
However, I probably won't get a new cat when my ageing pal passes on. It wouldn't be fear of dying and leaving her alone, though. I just want more freedom to travel, and her needs tie me down. I don't have friends and family members who live close by, so I'd have to use a petsitter I don't know anything about, or I'd have to board her. Both of these would be very stressful for her, so any trip of more than a night or two puts me in a bind. But she's my last living link to my late husband. She chose him, not me. I feel a strong obligation to do what I can for her in the time she has left.
I did think that the last eclipse might be my last one. I'm 59.
I'm nearly 75, and I think about this frequently. At least at this stage in life, I can KNOW something will be the last, or for the last time--which is more than I knew for some other things as I moved through life. I find myself really grateful for what I have done/had and appreciative of what I'm doing. Which is odd, because I'm not usually the 'don't worry, be happy' type...
I am in my 60s and healthy but every Christmas I wonder how many more I will see
There are so many senior pets that need homes. If you're too old to handle a puppy consider adopting an older one.
I practice not feeling or thinking about things. Works well.
I read this and I did not necessarily apply it to just people in their Golden years because truth be told, we all could die at any given moment so really, anything we do, anything we buy, anyone we hug, kiss, touch or a song we hear, drive we take, or even food we eat could be the very last. For anyone that has nearly died at any age, young or old or even just being a senior, that is the reality. You live a little different, and appreciate things in different ways when you've come close to death, even if we don't admit it to ourselves.
At the ripe old age of 73 statements re. "lifetime warranty" take on a whole new meaning.
I’m not really old but this is how everyone should act. Could be the last so better damn be grateful and enjoy every once of it.
Well, yes, I have thought that many times.
I also realize that there are things that I will never do, or accomplish. I'll never learn how to fly a plane, or I'll never get to restore a classic car. I'll never have a nicer house, or a nicer car.
There is a lot of grieving as we get older.
I am in my early 80’s and husband is 93 and still going strong. Get the puppy or better car! However my car is also older, 2005 Toyota, and runs great. You should have things that make you happy if you can afford it!
Yeah. Our house. We weren’t ever buying another one.
Same. It’s a great house and my favorite one out of the three we’ve bought/sold previously. We’re doing the few “gotta change this” things and then that’s it. It is a weird feeling but also it’s sort of a relief
When I bought my truck, I thought to myself, it'll last until I can't drive anymore. My cat has about 12 years left. My Dr's say I should go about 15 years, so I figured we're riding through our golden years together. My wife is younger than I, so I think she'll be the last one.
As my dad was getting on and living alone, I suggested he got another dog. "No no. I've had too many dogs over the years and it hurts too much when I lose them." I gave him a cheesey grin and 2 thumbs up and said "You never know Dad, this might be the one!" He was simultaneously pissed and amused.
Yes, after losing our last kitty, no more. It's bittersweet, we love furry friends. Then there's the worry factor of our age and the practical one of high cost around here.
Cars, we keep as long as is logical.
Yep. Bought my last car two years ago. 68 and retired. Drive about 5000 miles a year
New car, new furniture a while back but I’m going to need more furniture unless I die soon.
My mother bought a Toyota Sienna back in ‘02. She has willed it to me. Hurricane Ian took the clear coat off but the interior is cherry and the air still works! I drove that sucker 1k miles recently and it’s purring like a kitten!
Yes. On my last car purchase I thought, ‘well, not my last car but probably next to last’. I’m 69 now and usually drive cars until they are worn out.
I'm 67 and we got a puppy 4 years ago. I sometimes wonder if he will outlive me. Yes, I've made arrangements for him if he does.
Our life consists of a beginning, a middle and an end. When I was in my 20 I thought 5 yrs to pay off a car that will never happen. Now at 62 I just enjoy every day. I don't worry too much about tomorrow.
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24d
I'm with you on the 50 year roof, about to put my last (30 year) roof on the house. I'll upgrade the solar on the roof when I do it, it'll pay back in 8-10 years, and even if I don't make it that long, I'll have helped the planet a bit.
I'm 55 and I have 20 yo dress shoes that still look new.
I want a puppy now but I’m 75 and what are the chances I’ll outlive the puppy! Im still working, too, and physically in great shape but age is age!
I’m nearly 50, but I’ve decided my current dog will be my last. 😢At least for the next 20 years or so. She is fine, but I got her in 2015 when I had a flexible job, was in and out of the house throughout the day, and able to train her and spend more time with her. I got a new job in 2022 that takes me away from home 9+ hours a day. She is used to it and seems to like her alone time. But I wouldn’t want to get a new puppy under these circumstances.
Have a designated, trusted person in your will to care for your animals. This is a good thing to do, regardless of your age. There is no guarantee that, just because you are young, you won't die. Leave a sum of money for this person to be able to comfortably care for the animal for the duration of its' life. This will ensure, to the best of your ability, that your beloved pet will be cared for should the worst case scenario happen. It's not fair, in this day and age, to expect someone to take on the moral and financial responsibility of caring for your animal and not be compensated. You can also leave explicit instructions regarding the $$ and appoint a trusted person to make sure that the money is used for the well being of the animal.
I actually did this for my pet tarantulas because at least one of the two will almost certainly outlive me; a fact I found out after adopting that I really should have researched beforehand. The one I’m fairly certain about can live 25-30 or sometimes even more years in captivity. The other one is currently younger but her species is about 8-20 years.
The only "last" I ever thought about was the last time I knew I would see my Mom alive. It broke my heart.
I am old enough that I no longer buy TP in bulk.
Well, the way I see it is I could have died at any time during my 71 years. So I go out and do what I want. My whole life was planning for the future. Especially for my children. One passed away at 8 months, one at 16 years and one at 38. All my hopes for them and college savings dashed. Since I bought my house when I was 26 and it's been paid off since 1998. My car is a 2008 Impala and it is immaculate. I have less than 45,000 miles on it because I worked 2 blocks from home. Hopefully I'll just keep repairing things at this point.
Sorry for your loss 🕊️🦋🎀💖💝
Thank you. That's beautiful. 🥰💛🧡❤💜
I was at a gardening thing with my adult daughter, and the speaker was talking about good trees to plant. I asked about trees that didn't take decades since I was a senior. It my daughter back a bit because she doesn't think of me as being old in that way.
I'm 58 and it occurs to me that my dog will live into my 70s. So I do think about that.
I'm 85. Happens to me every day. When you are my age you are staring mortality in the face.
I do think of this. It makes me feel a bit sad. It makes me realize how fast life goes by and how short it really is.
My current two dogs will be my last. I've got maybe 8 years left with them at the absolute max (due to their age, not mine). I will hopefully have lots of years in between when they pass and when I do -- I'm 58 -- but I can't count on outliving any future dogs, plus things like my strength and energy will decrease enough that I feel like it wouldn't be fair to a dog, or good for me, to have that responsibility. It does make me very sad, but I will still have a cat or two and to be honest, dogs take a lot of time and energy and money and I do look forward a bit to having more control of all of those things.
As a woman who lives alone, I will also miss the sense of security I get from having a couple of large, protective dogs in the house.
This made me think of the flippant decisions we make when younger that turn out to be "last times." Like when we were moving into our first new house in our 30s, we bought some nice non-IKEA bedroom furniture for the first time. It was a beachy style we liked then.
Well, we're in our 60s now and we still have that furniture. We still like beachy styles. It's still in good shape after 4 moves. I don't expect we'll ever need new bedroom furniture again. I do love it and have no regrets, but I would have thought about it even more carefully had I known it was a lifetime decision.
It dawned on my daughter and I that it's 50/50 whether I outlive my dog or she outlives me. On one side I hope I outlive her so she doesn't have to wonder why I'm never coming home, but then there's the idea that she and my daughter could console each other.
Better to not even think about it at all... I'm gonna go pet her and play fetch
We took in our neighbor’s cats when she suddenly passed. My husband had done so much for and with her that the cats knew him. It’s been the best thing knowing they’re safe and loved. Her house finally went on the market today - still hard to deal with.
AGE 71 been restricted to bed for many years,, but can still drive in a pinch
Everytime I think..
Last pet
Last car
Last house
Last gaming computer
Last big screen TV..
Etc
Darn if there isn't a new one ...
I’m 75, and I’ve been thinking of these things for years. I try to take good care of possessions, knowing they won’t be replaced. My little dog is pretty old, and I really need to be around for her. But if she passes, I’d look to adopt a very senior dog who otherwise might not get such a chance again. As long as I have a great backup for me.
I’m already 21 yrs older than my father ever was. I don’t think about it Well that’s not true.
I value live music especially a certain band.
Last time I saw them was six yrs ago, & I reasoned that I may not be able to see them in another six yrs, so I’m driving 3&1/2 hrs in the morning to see them tomorrow night.
I’m not super old but as I grow older it crosses my mind that I don’t want the burden of pets as I get older .
I soon will be 87. My friends and family, as well as celebrities are dying. I only have today.
The puppy will grow out of the chewing stage etc. I would love a new car. Quit freaking out and enjoy ride
I completely expected not to live past 50. I am now 72. I am in my 2nd last house, my 5th last dog. My 2 second last husband. I think I will stop thinking about it and just make sure I never stop doing new things for the time I have left. And make sure I am around younger people so I can consume their energy for life. Yep, that's my plan!
Absolutely. Is this my last plane ride? And then there are the things you don’t realize until later. Like probably the last time I drove a car. I knew it was coming but when the doctor said no more driving I was still like, really? I’m 42 so it’s extra weird for me.
Well, I'm not REALLY old (61), but I am dying and, yes, I've thought that on several purchases lately. I'm also getting ready to plant some fruit trees on my property, and realized that I'll probably be dead before they ever produce fruit. Such is life. My grandkids will be and to pick fruit from them, however, so that's a good enough reason to.
Our dog is 5 now, and she was 2 yrs old when we got her. We decided she would be our last dog.
Dental work! When my dentist told me the new crown would last 30-40 years, I told her to give me a cheaper one that would just last 20
I'm turning 67 and retired about six months now. We got a puppy four years ago. We had two other dogs over the course of the past 25 years or so, and eventually, they got very old, developed health issues and had to be put down. Really sucked. After the second was gone, it was strange. Without that other presence of in the house. After about a year we decided to get another dog. I bought a new car almost two years ago now to commute to a new job. Our son's car shit the bed so we gave him my car and that meant that I needed a new one. I'll be glad when that car payment is gone.....
I'm with my last dogs right now. I could adopt dogs after these two pass, but we also have 3 cats (ages 7, 2, and 1). I'm so tired already, my husband has no patience for dogs, and I know I can't keep up.
This seems to be a common theme. My current dog is too hyper, but I'm thinking my next dog I will try to get one that is mellow and can be involved in one of the visitor programs to visit elderly people. I hate the thought of not having a pet in my life, and a visit is not the same but at least it is something.
I've been thinking about this lately (only 55) but it manifested itself last week with the thought (as a former professional Musician) : "There are Songs out there that I have loved .. that I have probably already heard (and/or played) for the last time ... will never hear again before I die ... and didn't even know that it was The Last Time" . Bummer
...And then it extended to People. There are People out there ... whom I have known and loved ... that I will never see again ... and I didn't even know that it was The Last Time.
And then I was sad.
I’m 56 and have often count the ages of my pets and wonder who will outlive who. When I bought my car I bought it thinking this will be my last vehicle too. I take care of things so I have no doubt I will somehow reach my goals.
Absolutely. I have a 5 yr old dog and 12 yr old cat who will be my last. I'm nearly 65. My dog is the perfect old lady dog. She's been absolutely no trouble. Still, I didn't have the energy to train her past the bare basics. She acts like she's trained but it's just her. I can not imagine being that lucky again. My joints are starting to go. I might have trouble walking in ten years. I could be dead.
I've been in my house for 37 years. I may end up in a home eventually but otherwise, this is it. Unless one of my kids puts a trailer on their property for me to live in. This is not outside the realm of possibility.
I'll probably need one more car but you never know. Mines a 2017 but I only just passed 50,000 km (30k miles) and that includes loaning it to my son every winter. And 6000 km of roadtrip to see my daughter. My mechanic wants first dibs when i sell it. My son just wants it.
Extensive trips - well, my son is asking us to join them to see Iceland and Scotland and probably Ireland to see relatives. But otherwise, we just go to Belize each winter. I don't think i have the energy for more.
I recently said this to a buddy of mine - I’m now entering the stage of life where there will be many “last time I do/see this.”
Yes, I'm 68, so it could be my last____________ (Fill in the blank). In the case or cars though, I hope the one the one I have last with me. I despise everything about car ownership and driving at this point at my life.
We just had to put down our last dog😭. The last two lived 16 and 17 years old. We are 68 and don’t feel we can adopt another one that may outlive us.
I think this every time I support a new Kickstarter.
3 houses ago, I said that this was my last house.
I got my first car for 1175 in 1975 I recently purchased a used Rave4 for 11,750 and thought this is prolly my second to last car purchase. I'm definitely counting down, I hear death isn't that bad.
My birthday present on my 60'th was a puppy. She was very much wanted and loved. My kids tell me I'll live to be 90. She might be my last dog ever, who knows.
That's okay, she's a really good one!!
Happens all the time. Haven't bought any new clothes except for socks and underwear in several years because my wife always bought me clothes, more than I can wear out.
I'm 56 and would love to get a cat after my puss died a year ago but I might not have another 18 years.
Makes me sad.
My cat had to be put down and as much ss I miss her, I will not put another pet in the position of possible homelessness.
I was on the list to get a Ford Maverick. I planned to pay cash for half and pay extra on payments. After nearly 2 years, the dealer raised the price by $8,000. I refused tge truck.
I realized it was my last money.
I look at my car and think This is my last car
I look at my dog and think This is my last dog (he's 17 months old)
I look at my cats (5 yrs) and think 😭😭😭😭 This is my last cat...how am I going to LIVE without my cats...(but I'll be damned before I let my pets be abandoned upon my demise. I've seen it too often)
So my parents back in 98 or 99 bought a really nice new car and went all out on comfort, luxury etc because they liked to travel. They were about 70 at the time and i know they thought this was the last car they would ever buy. In 2018 my mother, in her 90s, had to replace it with another car, because she outlived the their "last" car. It had 340k miles on it. Pretty sure this one is her last car.
We are in our 70s. When our dog died two years ago, we sadly realized that was the last dog we would ever own. My 94 Ford Ranger pickup is fine, mostly used for hauling lawn wastes and recycling to the collection points. I will never buy another vehicle. I do like the zero a month payments to not make a vanity purchase for a transportation appliance. Our home is paid and as long as we can, I never want to move again. The basement steps are harder to use than 20 years ago, but other wise, I am content waiting for my turn in the crematorium. No rush, mind you.