How many of you old geezers are retired ?

[Chillylulu]

"OLD GEEZER" = 60+?????????

RETIRE?   Judging by Google's definition:  (of a place quiet and secluded; not seen or frequented by many people)............I suppose I already live a life of being retired.

Seriously - I have a different approach than most.  Shackles make my ankles hurt, yet sweat smells of freedom.  I tend to work when I have it (and pay forward), and then enjoy the things I enjoy when I don't have the work.  No interest in awaiting my less healthy years to enjoy the finer things in life.  I don't foresee a "retirement", rather an age where the ratio of time available for my own desires, versus other's, starts to swing to my favor.

How about those that have been 39 for more than 21 yrs?

[Charles Garrett]

I quit working for wages when I was 55 and helped friends sometimes got expenses. No prescription drugs etc til I was 90.  Was highly independent all those years.  Rufused to be subservient.  Survived some tight squeeks of course.  Now at 91 every body runs and controls my life.  MDs tell me I have a wore out body- Maybe they are trying to tell me I should act my age.  Not easy. Busy doing historical research on several projects. Going to Motorcycle this WE and to big tool meet in Portland the following.  Chuck Garrett

[OilyRascal]

I quit working for wages when I was 55 and helped friends sometimes got expenses. No prescription drugs etc til I was 90.  Was highly independent all those years.  Rufused to be subservient.  Survived some tight squeeks of course.  Now at 91 every body runs and controls my life.  MDs tell me I have a wore out body- Maybe they are trying to tell me I should act my age.  Not easy. Busy doing historical research on several projects. Going to Motorcycle this WE and to big tool meet in Portland the following.  Chuck Garrett

Cheers, Mr. Garrett!  My only neighbor within 5 miles is 92.  I firmly believe her staying active is critical to continued defiance with the MDs (and family).

[Papaw]

I am only 71 (72 in December) and I ride my BMW often, just not to work. It gets over 115 at stop signs on the freeway feeder roads. I am retiring in December and will ride more then.
I have lots of things to keep me active in retirement.
Friday I bought a really beat BMW  for parts. It is a pile of rust and corrosion , but was only $50!

[john k]

In the 1970s a neighbor was still driving an original Model A Ford.   I friended him and found he was 94.   A very proud man that bragged he still had his teeth, dark hair, and passed his drivers test without glasses.   Helped rebuild the Ford when it got to the point of not getting up his driveway in low gear.  He powered on for several more years.   I'm only 63 but am on zero prescriptions, and want to stay that way.  And yes I do have checkups.   2 more years til playtime.    Grant, keep going!   A BMW for $50?    geeesh.

[Papaw]

A BMW for $50?

YES! Seller is a house flipper and sold everything left at a house he bought at give away prices to get it gone.
The BMW had been laying on its side for several years in the grass. I see 5 or 6 parts that I can use on mine right away. BMW part for the older ones are high when used, and out of this world when new.
I will part it out and use or save what I need and sell the rest on Craigslist or Ebay piece by piece. I'll probably make at least several hundred on parts sales.

[Chillylulu]

A BMW for $50?

YES! Seller is a house flipper and sold everything left at a house he bought at give away prices to get it gone.
The BMW had been laying on its side for several years in the grass. I see 5 or 6 parts that I can use on mine right away. BMW part for the older ones are high when used, and out of this world when new.
I will part it out and use or save what I need and sell the rest on Craigslist or Ebay piece by piece. I'll probably make at least several hundred on parts sales.

Noel,
I thought the $50 was a steal - then you share your plans. Major Hoover Maneuver!

As far as you guys living to retirement and not needing pills, I am a little envious. I think I am the source of several drug companies executive boats!

Chuck -I figured out your feelings about Drs in half the time it took you! At 45 one neurologist told me I shouldn't walk around but should use a wheelchair. He asked my Dr "How does he walk?" I have 2 that I have to see every month. In December I am 20 yrs less than Papaw, 52 yrs old chronologically but 94 years biologically.

I  need 6 more yrs to be able to "retire."  At that point I'll be comfortable in the knowledge that Mrs. Chilly will be taken care of. Then I'll be able to play with my hobbies.

Here's the funny thing - I still collect tools and plan on using them, but I probably won't bevable to! I will need one of those service animals. But I will need one that can pull a wrench. Do you think anyone us training service apes? Maybe a monkey?

I'll keep collecting tools in the hope that some of my grandkids will love working in the shop.

BTW - I stated earlier that I am a little envious of you chronologically older gentlemen. Envious, but not covetous. I wouldn't trade my lot with anyone. I've had and am having a great time. At some point I hope to meet you all in person.  Maybe if I kick it sooner I'll see ya'all after your family gets done greeting you!

Vaya con Dios Amigos - treasure every year and take lots of pictures of tools and projects. (Thats some of what I have learned in the last 8 months from you all!)

Chilly
Aka Larry
Super powers include ability to wiggle my ears and huge gas reserves for future use when needed.

[Papaw]

Chilly, I have atrial fibrillation and have had it for 20 years! I have at least 9 pills to take every day. My insurance here at work is great, but that will change when I retire. We'll see how Medicare does. I might have to do without some of the drugs.
I still haven't had to get knee replacement but it is not far off.

[Bill Houghton]

MDs tell me I have a wore out body- Maybe they are trying to tell me I should act my age.

Whatever you do, you are acting your age.  It's just not what everyone else thinks your age is.

We have a woman in our choir in her 80s who can outrun most people half her age.  An inspiration.

[Ietech]

At 71 I am still working. Soc Security and 1 small retirement wont pay the bills or pay off the student loans for my daughter of 26 -- she helps when she can. My BIGGEST mistake was never even thinking about getting old, and VERY LITTLE planning for it.

So my recommendation to all the young folks here is DON'T make that mistake. Take your future VERY seriously, Planning for Graduation from working SHOULD BE A PRIORITY!!!!!   

[Batz]

I'm semi-retired, I work about 3 months of the year. When I'm working I work 12 hours days, 6 days a week for 5-6 weeks at a time.

Batz

[Chillylulu]

At 71 I am still working. Soc Security and 1 small retirement wont pay the bills or pay off the student loans for my daughter of 26 -- she helps when she can. My BIGGEST mistake was never even thinking about getting old, and VERY LITTLE planning for it.

So my recommendation to all the young folks here is DON'T make that mistake. Take your future VERY seriously, Planning for Graduation from working SHOULD BE A PRIORITY!!!!!   

+1 I always did since 19. Couldn't touch it without an act of congress. We didnt have much, and sometimes we debated full contributions to 401k and stuff like that. We held strong. Now at 51, and hoping to be able to work 6 more years, we are both glad we did it.  I just want to get enough saved so that my wife could be comfortable without me.

Its amazing how much interest changes things when it is coming into your account instead of paying it out.
 
Save uncomfortably at least 10% of what you make. And put it intomsomething you cant take it out of easily.

In 30 or 35 years you will make as much interest as you do on your paycheck.

Chilly