Arch, I think your comments are very valid. And to be honest I worry about those scenarios as a well.

I visit an aged care facility regularly as my wife has to live in one due to disability. People are treated with dignity and with compassion. But the standards between facilities are enormous. Sadly carers, in Australia, are very low paid and most are recent immigrants who may not understand the full cultural and social needs of marginalised people. But taking that into consideration I have not seen any evidence of ignoring peoples preferences. But so far I have only seen 'vanilla' people in that part of the facility. Certainly the dementia area is also run with dignity and I have heard no complaints from families who have relatives living in those areas.

It is critical that we have people who understand our desires as medical and legal guardians, to ensure our rights are followed. I also have stated in my funeral documents how I wish to be presented and treated. In my case I will be incinerated wearing my favourite dress, with full make up etc. OK I won't know about but hell everyone else will

I also have instructions in my Will of how I will be addressed and referred to. Otherwise any proceeds will be withdrawn.

Cindy

I'm told I have 10 years to go, so I'm saving for retirement. Arizona, Oregon, Germany, then Scotland. Hopefully I get that far.

And not Australia?

definitely Australia, but the plan is to live there and visit the other places I listed.

I haven't thought much about old age, because honestly, I don't think I'll make it (I'm surprised I made it to my 30s).  I try to imagine myself as old and I just can't.

That's it!!! We're all moving into Cindy's house!!!    *Loads up bicycle for road trip*  Is it very far a bike ride?

Hugs n'  Sis.

*working n cobbling together a 'duck bike' for VM's trip*  better add a frig to that

I vividly remember myself recovering from an episode of tying to castrate myself. I was 15. I was in hospital and my arms were in restraints. I worked out the years and knew that I would have done everything I wanted by 25. I decided to keep going. I'm 60 next year. Some times we keep on keeping on.

The bike ride is easy, the swim is a killer

But I've got a spare bed or ten

Quote from: Cindy James on January 27, 2012, 02:56:15 AM
I vividly remember myself recovering from an episode of tying to castrate myself. I was 15. I was in hospital and my arms were in restraints. I worked out the years and knew that I would have done everything I wanted by 25. I decided to keep going. I'm 60 next year. Some times we keep on keeping on.

Wow.. that means you are the same age as my mum.. I honestly didn't think you were quite that age..

I've considered old age.. And then remember you are really only as old as you feel.. (or the person you are feeling..  )

So I'm?

Quote from: Cindy James on January 27, 2012, 02:56:15 AM
I vividly remember myself recovering from an episode of tying to castrate myself. I was 15. I was in hospital and my arms were in restraints. I worked out the years and knew that I would have done everything I wanted by 25. I decided to keep going. I'm 60 next year. Some times we keep on keeping on.

I tried a self penectomy age 8! Using medical scissors...
Didn't work out --- I have a son :-)
Just as well, as I never would have had anyone's baby (in my own tummy).

So now 65! ask me again about old age. I do come across younger --- but not THAT much.
Maybe in my attitude - at times ;-) Puberty, can't be helped.
Also just found out my E is nicely within luteal-range - no signs of menopause that shows yet. Jolly good, I do hope so.

Was a 'kept female' for years - so I got good practice for that too ;-)
What more does a nice girl need, other then good legs and a bit of a chest?

Now I just wonder who'd want ME as their mom --- could be ever so nice to know :-)

Axélle

Actually, I can't worry about the old age.
What is old? Maybe I'm old now, I don't know.

Struggling my entire youth and as a young adult, finally getting srs at 30.
From that age my life really started, sure, there has been nice things before that but, there was always that shadow, that dark spot, that I was not myself and that I could not be myself, very depressing.
I'm just living my life and I'm quite happy with my life.

I can worry about things that could happen in the future, but maybe they don't happen, all the worries for nothing, a waist of time.
So, I would say, squeeze everything out of life while you can, make fun, do what you always wanted to do and be happy, this is it, the current time will pass away and will never come back, so, make the best of it, you're worth it.

Make this day a great day
Annette

Cindy I thought you were younger than that? You're not allowed to get sick or die or anything, by the way. No pressure.

When I think about old age, I worry about being alone and helpless since I don't have kids.

I am not in old age. I have had my second childhood and am now passing through puberty and enjoying it

Quote from: pretty on January 25, 2012, 02:59:24 AM
I refuse to ever appear old ;_;

Screw "appear old", thinking old I refuse to do. My wife often reminds me I ain't 26 anymore.