Do you want to live to be really old? Or would you prefer to die somewhat young

1. 91

   GwennyOhposted 10 years ago

   Do you want to live to be really old?  Or would you prefer to die somewhat younger?
   
   I am quite convinced that I don't want to live to be anything near 80 years of age.  A psychic friend of mine recently saw (and told me) that I will live well into my 80s.  I wasn't impressed. 
   
   With this in mind I want to ask others how they feel.  In my case I know my health will possibly suck by then, this is my greatest concern. 
   
   So do you want to live to be quite old?  Would either good health or bad change how you feel about this?

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2. 83

   SANJAY LAKHANPALposted 10 years ago

   It is not within our power to live or to die, as we desire.But I wish to live longer.We often become ill and it does not mean that old age has pains only.I wish to live for the others.It is true, that we all have tasted the fruits of life, and long life will not give us more.But it would be the pleasure of others to see us around at 80 plus.My father died while I was very young, and now my childred often yearn for their grandfather. My father and my children have missed something in life.

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   1. 91

      GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think you are right Sanjay... it's a great thought to want to stick around long enough to add good times within the lives of others.  That said, I suppose our loved ones know we have to go sooner or later.

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3. 68

   WalterPoonposted 10 years ago

   I guess it all depends on your health. If life is a pain, I bet most people would rather die as quickly as possible, preferably in their sleep.
   
   My understanding is that humans are 'made' to live up to 120 years. I have seen people who are in their 90s who are still very fit. Conversely, I've also seen people who are in their 60s who are very weak. Just look at the cars on the street and you'll know what I mean. Thus, as I said, it all depends on your health. Old or young is relative. For all you know, when you are in your 80s, you are worried of dying too young! Science and technology is developing at a faster and faster pace. Just look at the computers and you will know what I mean. So don't brood about it.

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   1. 91

      GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for an insightful answer Walter.   It made me smile.

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4. 93

   Stephanie Henkelposted 10 years ago

   Your question made me smile because I think that the older we get, the older "really old" gets.   In theory, no one want to grow old and infirm. In reality, we all have a strong will to live and there are many things in life worth living for besides youth and good health.  Your question shows that you are fairly young, because there are many, many people in their 70's and 80's and beyond who are vibrant, alert and who live happy, productive lives.  They would not think that life is not worth living because they have some signs of aging or some health issues ...and neither do I. The will to live doesn't fade away so easily!

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   1. 91

      GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      No, actually I am not really young; I am in my fifties.  But already I can say that my health has caused me significant obstacles in leading the type of life I wish to lead.

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5. 60

   RealityTalkposted 10 years ago

   At this particular stage of my life, I want to continue living.  At 56 years old, I am no longer "young," but many older than me will say I am not old yet either.  More aging to come still.  I am in the middle years; although further toward the end than the beginning.
   
   I love to learn.  To see new things.  To do new things.  As long as I can continue to experience new information, new adventures, I want to live.  However, wrinkles, age spots, greying hair, loss of hair, knee injuries, aches and pains, muscle loss, and my no longer being "full of piss and vinegar," does make a difference in my desire to live.
   
   It is difficult getting older; "physically old" that is.  I suppose even growing old mentally (life becoming boring) can be difficult.  All I can say for myself is that as long as I have a reason to live.  As long as I have something in this world that gives me reason to get out of bed everyday.  I want to live.  Despite my withering body.
   
   I think many of us learn to live with the wrinkles.  We learn to live with no longer being the guy who catches the girl's eye.  We learn to live with the knowledge we cannot fulfill our dreams of winning races and playing pro sports.  We won't become millionaires.  We will grow older, not younger.  We learn to cope because there is still something in our lives that makes living worthwhile.
   
   So, I guess my answer, for now, is I want to continue living despite growing old.

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6. 41

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   We can always improve our health, so I would love to live as long as I can be in relatively good shape and of sound mind.  I know many older people who were absolutely energetic and amazing despite having some age-related physical limitations. 
   
   I also want to see grandkids and maybe even great grandchildren.  I am 40 this year and to me the first 40 have gone by lightning fast, I sure wouldn't mind another 40 trips around the sun

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   1. 91

      GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Sending you a blessing of many happy years with your grandchildren, and another good 40 'trips around the sun'!

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7. 83

   jaydawg808posted 10 years ago

   I'd want to live as old as I possible could with great health.  However, when my health is going downhill, it may be time to throw in the towel and say that I'm too old (no matter what age it may be).  I'd rather not die at all, and am deeply afraid and fearing death that will be inevitable one day.

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   1. 91

      GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, without good health it seems that a person is just sitting around letting life happen to them.  That's the part I don't like.

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8. 75

   howlermunkeyposted 10 years ago

   I want to live as long as I can, just to see where technology takes us. If I'm 105 and playing call of duty in my virtual environment, I'm cool with that. Think of where the internet was 15 years ago.... can we even start to comprehend where tech will be in twenty to thirty years from now?
   We're right on the edge of private space exploration as well....just now planning on harnessing some of the low flying asteroids in LEO (low earth orbit)...talk of trips to Mars (and whether a trip back is possible ---.... thinking the "one way game show idea" might end badly....could you imagine watching colonists on mars waking up to the realization that they will never return to earth?.....um...yeah...
   ooh, sorry, rambling...but this is the stuff I'm talking about.
   we're all living in Incredible times.
   I want to live as long as I can to see where we (technology, space, humanity) gets to. (and I'm still waiting for jetpacks).

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   1. 91

      GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You sound like an Indigo!  Lol... good for you.

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9. 37

   edhanposted 10 years ago

   My grandfather died in his sleep. So, I do not think much of the age when the time comes to be departed from earth. I believe everyone will prefer to die without health issue. Die in your sleep will always be the best solution.

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   1. 91

      GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I like the peaceful matter-of-fact overtone of your answer edhan.  Thanks for your opinion.

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10. 91

    GwennyOhposted 10 years ago

    I responded to you too RealityTalk, but when I deleted my original answer I wasn't allowed to replace it. 
    
    As always, your answer makes sense!
    ***
    
    I was going to explain a bit about why I asked this, but I couldn't give a good overview without getting too personal.  So I deleted it altogether.  But it's all good in the end.  This question was for me to find out if it's common for other people also to not place a high value upon 'staying alive' as one ages.  I get that for a significant percentage, life on Earth is just passing time. 
    
    That's pretty much how I feel.  I value my spirit life much more. Where so man value their Earthly life, my excitement lies in getting back to my true spirit life.

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    1. 60

       RealityTalkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       My belief is that my spirit and my earthly life are one and the same.
       But, I think what is important to most of us is what makes us happy; that reason to live.  If a reason exists, we want to continue.
       You write your spirit. I want to read it!

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    2. 91

       GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       That's a great idea, thanks RealityTalk!  I will write about spirit life. It's on my list of 'to writes' now.

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11. 46

    DDEposted 10 years ago

    I would like to live to an old age if I have good health and can do all the normal day to day chores, to be able, to walk and learn eve more, that all depends on my physical strength.

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12. 74

    Man of Strengthposted 10 years ago

    What is old? Now days I don't think you're really old until 90. It depends on how you take care of yourself while you're young. I've seen people in their 40s who have lived hard by excessive drinking, smoking, and over eating and they look 70! I had a great aunt who was still driving and wearing high heels at 90! Older people say they don't feel old mentally. If you think about it, 75 isn't that old anymore. Mitt Romeny looks great to be 65 or 66. As for myself I'd love to live to be 100.

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13. 58

    Alex-Zanderposted 10 years ago

    How long we are going to live is not for us to decide. As it said in Bible our days are numbered but we can pray and ask to have these days extended, so we can see our kids grow and meet our grand kids.
    
    As far as how much i want to live, my initial goal was 120 but now with all new technological innovations in the anti-aging field- i aim for 150 and beyond. Keep in mind, good health is piece of cake, if you understand how body works. I spent last 9 years researching human aging and found what it takes to reverse the damage. Human body is an amazing machine that can rebuild itself IF you work with it, not against it.
    
    If your health is damaged - start fixing it. It will take you 5 years to do a complete rebuild. Kind of like that 1969 Ford Mustang in a garage. Little by little you can rebuild it and give it a new life.

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    1. 68

       WalterPoonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       QUOTE: "As far as how much i want to live, my initial goal was 120 but now with all new technological innovations in the anti-aging field- i aim for 150 and beyond"
       
       That's real cool. Sounds like music to my ears. I'd be happy if I can live to 90.

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    2. 91

       GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I am seeing a lot of great responses being added.  It is surprising how differently people look at this.  Thanks to all taking the the time to comment.
       
       in response to Alex-Zander, I have worked extensively on my health.  I have recovered about 50%.

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    3. 58

       Alex-Zanderposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Our body is capable to restore its functions by replacing damaged cells with new and healthy. For example, cells of a heart muscle live 5 years, meaning that every 5 years you have a new heart. What you do these 5 years will account for new heart

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14. 0

    KenDeanAgudoposted 10 years ago

    Maybe in my opinion I want to die if all my dreams become true. That would be nice enough to live your life worthwhile. For time does not matters most it's about how you live life to the fullest.

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    1. 68

       WalterPoonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       KenDeanAgudo, you can say that again 5 minutes before you go on board... and remember what I ask you to do, i.e. say that again. LOL.

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    2. 91

       GwennyOhposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with WalterPoon;
       Maybe it seems like living beyond having attained all of your goals is boring or lacking in significance... but maybe again you could build a new set of dreams - who knows?

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15. 64

    oz-vitezposted 10 years ago

    I plan on going the Ted Williams route. That way I may never die.

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