should you ever give in? give up?

[farmbif]

Been thinking an awful lot about mortality recently since a call from a first cousin back in early January who is the same age and he said the doctor told him he should probably get his affairs in order he has untreatable stage 4 cancer and might probably be in hospice care in about 6 months.
Thank god I'm still in fairly good health and able to be as active as possible but I sure aint 25 anymore. I sure have had my share of ailments that have put me spending more time on this or other web sites more than shooting, casting or reloading in the past few years and have been thinking should I maybe downsize or just do what I can when I can. Ive found myself sometimes on the computer reading or commenting about someone else's gun or reload and jumped up. grabbed a gun and went out back and put some lead downrange. then needing to refill those empty cartridges just got to it. but I sure dont do thing as fast or efficient as I did even 10 years ago.

[cabezaverde]

None of us can do things as fast or as easily as we did them 20 years ago. Be grateful God is keeping you and enjoy what you can do - let go of what you can't.

[dverna]

We are wired differently so no one right answer.

I love to shoot and will keep at it for as long as I can. But downsizing has been liberating for me. It generated a sizable amount of cash to stock up on components and freed up a lot of space. It is not a good option for someone who likes many different guns and calibers to play with.

I never really got into deer hunting and last season was my last. Will miss the guys but not nothing else. I live in the deep woods and do not need a reason to be with nature. And there are too many idiots out there for my liking.

I also started a small side business last year selling firewood. At 73 it keeps me active and generates some income. But the important part is getting me out and doing something.

I am not ready to “give up” yet.

[Shawlerbrook]

At 67 I also have been thinking about what lies ahead. Fairly healthy but a lot of aches and pains from parts I have either injured or wore out throughout the years. I should start thinning the herd but to me it would be sort of like giving up. I still hunt and am very active. One of the late Toby Keith’s last songs is “ Don’t Let the Old Man In”. When asked about what made him write it he responded at Clint Eastwood’s golf tournament he asked him how he keeps going at 90. Eastwood was about to leave for 3 months making the movie “The Mule”. Eastwood responded “I don’t let the old man in”. Eastwood actually then used the song in the movie. One great line is …how old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born.

[Froogal]

I am 73 years old. My get up and go has pretty much got up and went, but I am currently in the process of carving out some new steel targets made from scrap steel. I may or may not ever get them finished, but it gives me something to do.

Downsize?? Nah. I'll let the kids and grandkids divide up what they want and auction off what they don't want.

[Hogtamer]

I love growing and eating vegetables and have a manageable garden that occupies some time. It’s amazing how much produce I can get from a relatively small plot when intensely managed. Last week I planted cabbage and chinese broccoli. This week it’s english peas. Near the end of March it will be corn and green beans, then squash and tomatoes later. Accomplish a little each day and the fresh veggies are a great reward for my troubles.

[steve urquell]

I work in the hospital snd see life and death on a daily basis. Those who stop moving too soon end quickly. Even terminal cancer patients do much better when they stay active burning chemo out of their systems quickly where those who sit around suffer because it does not circulate out quickly.

My advise after treating 40,000 patients. Go/stay active until you drop dead. You'll be much happier for it and the end will be peaceful and quick rather than slow and horrifying.

[.429&H110]

1st shortage I asked the wife how much ammo we should have on hand.
She said, "When you die, you should have ammo left, so get lots."

[GL49]

Never

[wv109323]

I think the answer depends on the situation. If you have kin or kids that would enjoy the guns after you are gone I would get rid of the ones you will not be using in the immediate future.. I would feel better selling to them at a reduced value if I knew they were going to enjoy ownership. If there are ones nobody wants then sell them through normal means at the bet price the market will bear.
In my situation, my wife or kids do not know the value of my guns. They would probably dispose of them through commission or bulk sales where they would receive 30-40% of market value. The same would apply to my reloading/casting equipment.
At least have some knowledgeable person designated to dispose of them at reasonable market prices.

[country gent]

Sta y active at what you enloy work and play at your own pace dont push it but stay active. I tell people im just to stubborn to give up. You may have to think and plan a little more but do it.

I still do everything I did before just not always the same way as before. Welding is way different being in the chair as now I have to keep my legs out from under the work. I also have a welders blanket I put on my lap and belly just in case. The mill and lathe are the same I have to do things my way. I plan out cutter changes on the mill more. But it beats going brain dead in front of the TV.

[white eagle]

still do most of what I did when I was a youngin bit slower but still do it
as for getting rid of thing I start that but then I fill with other things just seems to be a cycle
firewood man I did that gig what a back breaker cutting, splitting, hauling and delivering man you can have it
I do wish you the best though

[Hannibal]

The only thing I would add is this is a question only the person in the mirror can answer and it's something that can only be answered over a period of months.

We've all had bad times. They rarely last.

[sigep1764]

Just keep going. As in, just do the things you enjoy that keeps the mind and body moving. Whole lot more fun that way.

[MaryB]

Facing age myself... my spine is saying no way to sitting at the reloading bench anymore so probably going to thin that out next month... if it causes pain it has to go.

[Froogal]

I think the answer depends on the situation. If you have kin or kids that would enjoy the guns after you are gone I would get rid of the ones you will not be using in the immediate future.. I would feel better selling to them at a reduced value if I knew they were going to enjoy ownership. If there are ones nobody wants then sell them through normal means at the bet price the market will bear.
In my situation, my wife or kids do not know the value of my guns. They would probably dispose of them through commission or bulk sales where they would receive 30-40% of market value. The same would apply to my reloading/casting equipment.
At least have some knowledgeable person designated to dispose of them at reasonable market prices.

I know for sure that at least some of our kids will want my semi-autos, but they don't seem to be interested in my cowboy guns. One of my step sons really likes my Ruger snub nose .357, and I would give it to him right now, but his wife would just make him sell it to help finance a vacation or something.

[jdfoxinc]

My son is looking forward to inheriting my collections

[FISH4BUGS]

That's a very interesting question. I read the obits every day and see who has bought the farm that I know.....too many of them I would add.
I'm 75, still working 2 jobs (self employed for 40 years as software consultant and 15 years as a property manager for a 41 residential 5 commercial unit building).
Am I slowing down? You bet. Do I hurt? You bet. Back, knees, shoulder, etc. I don't set an alarm clock any more and just let my body tell me when to get out of bed.
Spring, summer and fall keeps me moving - yard work, gardening (35x35) stacking 9 cords of wood every year and putting food away every fall keeps me active.
I am going to have to find a winter regimen to keep me limber and not make spring so darn hard to get back into shape. Probably going to walk the woods a lot this coming winter.....snowshoeing too.
I have no intention of hanging it up.
My late mother passed at 95....I hope I have her longevity genes.
My son can't wait for me to croak so he can have my guns. :)
He is particularly liking the NFA stuff.....
My daughter just wants me around....no inheritance wanted there.
I still, on the whole, feel pretty good.
Eat well, sleep well, stay active. That seems to be the formula.
One more thing - murder your TV...I did that 30 years ago and don't miss it a bit. You would be amazed how much you can get done if you don't have a TV.

[Handloader109]

Fishbugs, I hope the nfa stuff is in a trust with him on it.... otherwise he WILL have paperwork to fill out. Make sure he understands that.... no money, but he will have to get inherited NFA stamps. I think he has to surrender to a dealer with a license to sell NFA items.

But to farmbif, keep it going. Nothing is easy. I'm 65 and still working at self employed and I'm still buying guns and ammo. Daughter just bought her first pistol, not really interested in mine a lot, but they'll be hers at some point. No Grandkids. It'll all be hers to deal with.... but I'm gonna enjoy it all till then

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[FISH4BUGS]

Fishbugs, I hope the nfa stuff is in a trust with him on it.... otherwise he WILL have paperwork to fill out. Make sure he understands that.... no money, but he will have to get inherited NFA stamps. I think he has to surrender to a dealer with a license to sell NFA items.
I have navigated the intricacies of NFA and estates without a trust.
The paperwork is already filled out so they will transfer to him upon my death with no tax paid.
Need the original Form 4 and the Form 5 (tax exempt transfer).
The only fly in the ointment is the wait time...usually 30 days or so upon an estate transfer. However, the NFA items need to be stored with the properly licensed dealer until transfer is approved.
A pain, but I get it.

[Reg]

I work in the hospital snd see life and death on a daily basis. Those who stop moving too soon end quickly. Even terminal cancer patients do much better when they stay active burning chemo out of their systems quickly where those who sit around suffer because it does not circulate out quickly.

My advise after treating 40,000 patients. Go/stay active until you drop dead. You'll be much happier for it and the end will be peaceful and quick rather than slow and horrifying.

You are so right. Keep moving, keep the mind and body busy. What is painful is watching life long friends sitting in their chair staring at the TV and just living from one meal to the next.
I think to a certain extent we can be what we demand our bodies to be.

[blackthorn]

I have a very good friend who is 4 years older than me. He recently lost his wife of 60 some years, after a 3+ year battle with a disease(?) that killed her a little bit at a time. She was in a care home for the last 3 + years and he would visit her almost every day. At 89 his short term memory seems to be eroding while his long term memory seems to be very good. He was always involved in life long efforts to make life better for those around him but now he mostly seems to just goes through the motions to get through each day. We worked out of the same office for the last 13 years of my work-life, although I have known him for years. I call him at least once a week and we spend about an hour+ just talking. I try to convince him he needs to get interested/involved in something/anything to keep his mind and body sharp. Over the years I have noticed that, at least, mentally active folks seem to last longer but that may be (or not) true. He lives 3 hours away but he still drives and we go fishing during the summer. Hopefully we will go hunting this fall (God willing) and he says he only wants to hunt birds. I agreed to this but I told him if I see a legal Moose-----well---. We can hunt out of one of my boys places which are about a 6 hour drive north of where I live, or we can just rent a Motel.

We worked hard for our pensions and although I realize the government wishes we would all just die as soon as we retire so they can waste more money, I will hang on to the bitter end so I get as much of what they stole back as I can! Never give up!!

[snowwolfe]

I’ll never give up. To much traveling and places to see and animals to hunt. Finally at a point in our life where money is not much of a concern and never a source for arguments between wife and I.
However, I have been going thru my “man” stuff for the last year and been selling off all the weird stuff that is sort of valuable. Things like extra scope rings, hard to find magazines for out of production rifles, unusual scopes, out of production bullets, ammo, things like that. If I die first don’t want someone coming in and buying everything and paying my wife pennies on the dollar. To be honest am amazed how much stuff I had that sold for good money that I didn’t use anymore

[Electrod47]

I have been saddened to learn over the years, more than a few of the worthy firearms I have given to close relatives made a fast trip to the pawnshop for a quick pizza.......I will hang on to everything and enjoy them in my time just as I always have. Once I'me gone I won't care.

[Arkansas Paul]

I'm watching it happen to my father right now.
He'll be 77 in June and has dementia. He can't get around any more. He has to have help to make it to the restroom or the bed. His short term memory is non-existent, but still has decent long term memory. He still knows everyone in the family, but I know the day is coming when I'll have to walk into his house and introduce myself. I'm not looking forward to that.
He talks about wanting to go to the woods every deer season and we do take him down at least once a year to just hang around the fire and talk about hunts past.

I like to think I won't ever give up. But seeing him has made me think.
As long as I have all my faculties, I don't think I will.
If I couldn't even walk across the floor or go to the restroom without help, what's left?
I'm torn because I obviously don't want my father to pass, but I also wouldn't want to live like he's living. And I know when he was in his right mind, he wouldn't have either.
It's terrible, but such is life.
I only hope that death claims me before my mind goes.

[atr]

I'm 77 and moving more slowly, but I KEEP MOVING! I save my energy for the things that matter most to me. Nothing gets easier with age. Just keep moving however slowly.
best
atr

[imashooter2]

My Father made his peace with God and knew he was headed to a better place. He did not welcome death, but he didn’t fear it either. That’s pretty much the way I’m living my life too. My girl is grown. My wife is provided for. I’ve had good times and bad. Pain and pleasure. When the time comes, no heroics. What will be will be.

Now as to my toys… I have mostly stopped acquiring new stuff. I do buy things that improve what I already own. I remember disposing of my Father’s estate and I keep intending to downsize, but somehow it never happens. My daughter and her husband have no interest in shooting, much less casting and reloading. I have impressed upon her the heirlooms that I feel are important, but though we have been shooting many times, they don’t hold the memories or attachment that they do for me. I have some stuff earmarked for a good friend, but most will be sold for pennies on the dollar after I am gone and probably more thrown away when they can’t easily find a buyer. Oh well. Such is the circle of life.

[Adam Helmer]

Guys,

I just found this thread and it caused much reflective thinking for me. I am a retired federal agent (1996) and came home to my rural 60-acre farm, bought in 1988, in northcentral PA. I am busy with haying, woodcutting and outside stuff. Never give up!

Twenty years ago I was elected president of my county historical society and still am president. I graduated from seminary in 2008 and was a hospice volunteer for 5 years circa 2009-2014. Being a veteran, I got to visit hospice veterans locally. That was rewarding service. I am now 79, fit, busy and an elder in my local church.

I have seen people "fade away" and most went when the Lord called. We read in Scripture that we are to "number our days." The Lord promised me 3 score and 10 and I am 9 years beyond that, thankfully. I do occasional church services for my church and often make a sermon out of my hospice experience. We all will die, so do what you can, when you can, and pray to be an instrument of God's will here on Earth. Amen.

Be well.

Adam

[Der Gebirgsjager]

A subject of interest to many of us. I was thinking about posting a poll on the ages of current members....but maybe not. Death is inevitable.

I'm age 81, and yesterday saw a post where another member let it slip that he's 82. Anyone here older than that? Probably at least a couple. We all have an expiration date. You can try to put it off, and likely do a lot of suffering doing so, with the end result being the same.

15 years ago I came very close to passing away with an advanced case of Lyme Disease. It's uncommon out here on the Left Coast, and none of the medicos could figure out what my problem was. As it progressed I lost all interest in guns and reloading, things that have been of primary interest and importance in my life. The only thing that remained important to me was my immediate family, which I was sure I was about to leave. Any tears were for them, and not my guns. (Note: After beginning to recover those shooting interests returned rapidly! :D)

I've always cut my own firewood until last year when I was in pain with a ruptured disc and had to hire it done. That's pretty well stabilized, the pain is gone unless I overdo, and I'm looking forward to next summer when I can try cutting my own again. Like someone already said, I'm sure not the man I was when I was 25.

Here's my input: I'm not going to fight it until the bitter end. When the Grey Lady appears I'll go along peacefully. I'll probably ask if I can take along a 1911 and a $100 bill for the trip-- but already know the answer. There really isn't any point in begging for more time, because you should have it all done by now, and what happens to your "stuff" doesn't matter too much at all. There was someone who opined that one should rail against the darkness and fight against going. I won't. Another adventure begins.

May God Bless All Here.

DG

[dverna]

Some great posts and much wisdom.

One comment on giving away 'stuff'. People who have no skin in the game do not deserve 'stuff' like guns etc as they sell it off for a quick buck. I have seen it happen a lot. If an item means something to the person you are gifting it to, it is a wonderful thing to do, and they will treasure it.

[Shopdog]

Lymes disease...check. Covid 3 times...check. Broken neck...check. Widow maker heart attack....check. More broken bones than anyone I know....check. Severe "complex" PTSD.... check. 45-50 BPM heart rate...check.

So what? Did my weights yesterday then shot bows on our 3D range. Mounted/balanced 4 new tires for wifeypoo this morning. Building a new Savage 223,blue printed action,Shilen brrl. Installed a 2-1/2" NOS brrl on my Colt DB the other day. Replaced a MIA reticle in a 4-12 near mint otherwise Redfield snagged off evilbay for beer money.

If I fall over dead today.... just don't care,haha. Like being a zombie,bwahaha. Shooting bows again tomorrow.

[FISH4BUGS]

Just got notification of a friend's passing. The first couple I got to know when I moved here to finish school at UNH.
It makes one reflect about the time remaining.
Make the most of it, folks....doesn't matter what you do....just don't pee it away.

[BobT]

After a long face from the doctor last spring I have reexamined my priorities a little. I have sold off most of the guns I don't use and have gifted some things to people that I knew would truly appreciate them. I retired from my second career last fall and have been enjoying life to the fullest. I try to stay busy and productive. I have decided that my gun "collecting" is finished and I'm going to concentrate on my Thompson Center interest and move almost everything else along to people who will enjoy it. I try to make a habit of doing nice things for others and that has been the most amazing therapy I have ever experienced. I don't really consider myself old at 65 but I have lived a full life and have truly been blessed. I have a wonderful wife and we will celebrate our 42nd anniversary in 9 days. I have a great dog, a modest house and a close circle of a few great friends. I have been halfway around the world in 2 different directions and am wearing a pair of shoes at this minute that have crossed at least 12 different time zones. We are going to expand our garden this year and build a greenhouse and have decided to try and spend as much time as possible visiting with our families (especially grandkids) as possible. Life is short, don't take it for granted but don't be afraid to live it either.

NEVER GIVE UP!!!

[Petander]

I work in the hospital snd see life and death on a daily basis. Those who stop moving too soon end quickly. Even terminal cancer patients do much better when they stay active burning chemo out of their systems quickly where those who sit around suffer because it does not circulate out quickly.

My advise after treating 40,000 patients. Go/stay active until you drop dead. You'll be much happier for it and the end will be peaceful and quick rather than slow and horrifying.

I quote this all because I wanted to write almost the same.

[steve urquell]

I quote this all because I wanted to write almost the same.

Thank you sir. I currently have a very vulnerable cancer patient who is trying to give up on me. I worked the weekend and got him on board and up moving but today is my day off work. I passed him to another PT who I hope can motivate him today but I honestly feel guilty about having a day off because he needs me.

[abunaitoo]

Growing old is a lot harder that I thought.

[country gent]

When its your time it dosnt matter how hard or fast you run. But keeping busy with something to keep the mind and body occupied keeps you from dwelling on it. I stay busy in my shop making things tooling that I need small things that I want ( I have a rolling block and green mountain barrel thats going to become a 38-55 or 38-56 here shortly. Im thinking a 32" barrel set up for one of my MVA scopes. Im currently working on a cannon just to make noise. Ive made sine bars die holders for the lathe a die for forming brass flat stock to make dead blow hammers. Im a lot slower working from the wheel chair. But I get er done.

Doing something you enjoy and staying busy may or may not extend your time but it keeps the mind off it.

[Arkansas Paul]

Some great posts and much wisdom.

One comment on giving away 'stuff'. People who have no skin in the game do not deserve 'stuff' like guns etc as they sell it off for a quick buck. I have seen it happen a lot. If an item means something to the person you are gifting it to, it is a wonderful thing to do, and they will treasure it.

Agreed 100%.
Not everyone you're related to deserves something from you.
I imagine we all have those relatives that we know would just flip whatever you left them to make money.
I have girls, so I have no children that would be interested in my firearms and reloading equipment. Thankfully I have 2 nephews who have grown into fine men who not only work hard, but also understand family loyalty. What I don't leave for my wife and children to sell, will go to them because I know those things will be cherished and cared for as well as I would have.

There's a few I wouldn't leave my old socks to.

[Thin Man]

Over my days I have had more than a few occasions to see the Grim Reaper creeping around behind me, escaped from him every time. Around 2 years ago I started my reductions of projects that had supported us for several years. Sold off the few rental properties, and my hunting camp, and then the majority of my firearms and ammo. Why, you ask? Over the past 35 years or so I have helped many people determine the market value of their firearms. Not long after that I would learn how cheaply they were selling them. That would not happen here! I parted out the few "keepers" for my family and sent the rest to an auction. Made some serious cash on them, even paid the IRS their tax for capital gains. My funds from these liquidations helped our oldest daughter and her daughter into their first owned house. SWMBO has remaining unused funds that should carry her beyond my time. Just knowing that I have provided the best I could for them is good enough for me.

[HWooldridge]

We all need to stay in good physical shape, too. I'm only 65 and God willing, I fully expect to live into my 90's (although I fully realize my time is in His Hands). I go to the YMCA three times a week and lift weights for an hour - it really helps a person maintain their strength and endurance. I also gave up alcohol completely (always liked my whiskey shots at night but I actually sleep better now).

A lot of it seems to boil down to what you can and cannot control. My mother lived to be 89 and I think she could have gone several years longer if she had continued to exercise - but she quit and gave up after my stepfather passed away. Her father lived to be 92; he was very active and mentally alert until he broke his second hip then died within three days. My grandmother lived to 94 but she had dementia the final three years of her life and wasn't aware of her surroundings - and so it goes.

There is only so much you can control but I believe it's worth the effort - giving up means you will likely go sooner than later...

[Froogal]

I always knew that I would get to be old. I just never knew that it would happen so quickly.

[vintovka]

Me too!!

[vintovka]

I figured 70 was a good time to plan for future such as it is. Downsizing seems to be a natural instinct among humans and I 'm feeling it strong, Recently Packed off much of the "collection" (including half the "stuff" i got stuck with being "last man standing") to the auctions. FWIW RIA catalog around April 15 may astound many as i was shocked how values have changed and demand increased. 98% of my long delayed plans to actually shoot any of them in this lifetime is now just a fantasy. If anything my legacy has been relegated to a Museum restorationist and conservator and i can live with that.

[Good Cheer]

Yeah, lots of age related aches and pains.
Do they make a pump-up sprayer for lidocaine?
The better 2/3's said that my concrete days are over and I haven't used my new mixer yet!

[.429&H110]

Genius! Why didn't I think of lidocaine in a prevall sprayer?
Would have to be careful of fumes I suppose.

My mother in law was playing golf when she was 100 passed at 103 because she fell in the shower.
She got great respect at the VA as a WWII Colonel's wife.

(The Colonel-Doctor (1914-1999) was a first generation Swede, went through med school, OCS.)
His wife was a tough old blue blood Hudson river Dutch.
Asked how she got so old she would say "Wine and laughter"

I'm thankful they produced my six foot tall blond Viking wife of 43 years.
She is the youngest of three, spoiled little sister, tough, an exacting marksman.
True story, over and over, griz run when they see her.
Hilarious when old men start following her around at Safeway. She's still got it.

I hope to live to see the Dr's Viking blond greats and great-greats grow up.
Maybe I can teach them to read.
Well, I won't if I give up.

[Shawlerbrook]

Just remember growing old isn’t easy or fun, but it sure does beat the alternative,

[Handloader109]

I'll add just a bit on giving stuff away. I still have the old 22 and 16g shotgun I inherited when my great uncle passed back in 1972. I haven't shot either in a decade or more, but they are safe inside my safe alongside the rest of my guns. I had lots of fun with both over the years hunting with my dad with the shotgun, doves and quail and just plinking with the 22. Give your guns to those who you KNOW will value them or just keep them till the end. Once you are gone it won't matter. Same goes for my woodworking equipment....

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