G'evening to you HASBEEN...

I lived in NSW most of my life until I retired, and we decided to move to Melbourne. Don't you have a race-car (competitor's)licence that's why you have to have a medical every 12 months? Or do I have it all a*se up as usual? I'll be eighty next birthday, and here in Victoria, they have a fairly jaundiced view of older drivers and their penchant for allegedly causing accidents.

I suspect there's some merit to that belief as I realise myself my reflexes are not as sharp and precise as they once were. Consequently, my dear wife does all the driving. We have two VW Golf's and have to take turns driving each one lest the Battery goes flat for lack of use. I'm quite reluctant to sell one of them as it's another reminder of my advancing age - silly, I realise, but that's me, I'm afraid. Always good to chat with you, my old (Naval Aviator) mate.

I think the question is about more than driving a car, although I gave that as an example. With the ageing population and many still living alone within the family home I'm concerned that many old people struggle with the practical day to day issues of life. Those without family support and some degree of frailty, must struggle with both mental and physical issues. I know we have some very good aged care facilities, thanks to Foxy her Mum was well looked after and had that vital family support, but others who would like to maintain the dignity and security of home living can't because the necessary support is not there. Can we avoid a future where more and more old people, who if given the necessary support could live within their own home in the community, are confined to sterile type regimented group homes to see out their remaining days.

Hi o sung wu,

In QLD it a medical certificate every year from 75.

Here are the aged rules for each state. Somewhat similar in all locations.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-18/how-old-is-too-old-what-are-the-laws-around-elderly-drivers/10725566

Hi o sung wu the competition licence must be renewed annually, I only do stuff at club level these days, & that is a simple club licence. Nothing like a few moderate laps of a track to get the feel of your car again, & turn the senses on again.

This is not racing against each other, just some quick laps, with nothing coming the other way.

I also have my Masters Ticket. That is a certificate of competency, which includes tonnage of vessel & power of machinery. The Queensland Labor lot are trying to change that to a licence to drive commercial vessels. Anything for a quid to pay for their ridiculous spending. Got to pay annually if you want to work in a lefty state.

Also been having some great flying, remote control kind. I found a thing called a Echine Razor, a 1200mm wingspan with an auto pilot system which makes it easier to fly for a beginner. Got it for my grand son, but have found it great fun with the assistance turned off. Perfect weather, over 20C most days, & light winds make it great fun.

You should try it some time. Nothing like a hobby to enliven your day.

To the tune of Harrigan

D-E-A-T-H, that spells death, that’s me.
Many are the lives that I have ended.
Into oblivion they’ve descended.

D-E-A-T-H, that spells death, you see.
When I come, then you go.
When it is, you don’t know.
(in a quavering voice while clutching throat) Death, that’s me.

At the age of 92 I came to Prins Willem Alexander (PWA) retirement village. My wife was in rehab recovering from a fall but joined me a short while later. I am now 95, and still here. PWA village was set up by the local Dutch Australian community, and about 60% of those living here have some Dutch connection.

We celebrate birthdays of the inmates, but deaths seem to me more frequent than birthdays. Deaths are generally a low key affair, but sometimes the survivor may pay for a wake in the village cafe. I have made a video to be played at my wake if I die before my wife, and she decides to have a wake.

PWA village has a pleasant aspect with lots of beautiful flowering plants kept up by the staff. It is annoying to hear the sounds of the various devices used to trim the hedges and mow the lawns.
Once a month the local library drops off books. They know my tastes so there is some good reading. We get Tuesday, Thursday and Friday lunches from the village kitchen. We prepare the other meals.

I enjoy Saturday mornings. Grandchildren are brought to visit their ancestors, and they are a pleasant sight in a place with a preponderance of ancient crocks.

I gave a series of talks on philosophy the second year I was here. During the talks a number of people confided to me that they were atheists but apparently concealed it so as not to challenge the overwhelming number of communicants of the local Christian Reform Church.

My wife and I feel like outsiders here, but we would probably feel like outsiders anywhere. If anyone reading this would like to visit. Let me know. We enjoy visitors

Hi there, HASBEEN...

I have a hobby, if you'd call it such? I've been into Numismatics for the past nearly seventy years, starting when I was around ten years of age or so. Consequently, I have a fair but modest collection of Coins, Tokens, Banknotes, Medallions, and some War Medals, with two Military Medals among them. One was awarded in WWl and the other in WWll.

I find it a fascinating hobby that draws my thinking away from crime and criminals and some of the dreadful matters in which I was involved in the investigation. I agree with you, my friend; when one retires, you should pursue a hobby if, for no other reason, it helps you to retain your faculties. I see you enjoy a very busy lifestyle, ol' friend; no doubt it keeps you young.

Hi there, Paul 1405...

Many thanks for your info. Paul and the link apropos the Driver's Licence requirements. As much as I feel as though I'm capitulating part of my freedom by no longer being able to drive, it's for the best, I believe, as I'd be utterly mortified if I were the cause of an MTA and I was held as culpable. Thanks again.

Hi there DAVID F...

The Prins Willem Alexander facility looks to be a really wonderful place to live in retirement. As long as they give you the right kind of attention commensurate with your needs, that's all that matters. Bye for now, and take good care of yourself and your dear wife David.

Hi o sung wu,

The old neighbour I spoke of doing a right hand turn at a big round-a-bout. The poor old fella, just a couple of weeks later, he filled the plastic electric jug and sat it on the gas stove and lit it. The old lady was screaming "Paul, Wally's trying to burn the house down!". A day or two later I seen Wal and said; "You had a bit of an accident with the kettle?".....he said; "What accident?". He would start his car, and let it idle for over 30 minutes....offered me a life up to the local shops one day...I declined, said the walk will do me good. The poor chap would only drive at about 30 or 40 kph, but speed wasn't his problem, I'm sure he had no idea what he was doing on the road.

p/s His wife would say to me; "I hope Wal goes before me, no one could look after him!" She went first, by about 2 years, one of his kids moved in, screamed at him all the time. "Dad LOOK what you're DOING!" I think he was lost without the old woman.