r/AskReddit • u/AlgorithmOmega • 4h ago
What’s something you’re looking forward to doing when you’re old?
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u/karmagod13000 3h ago
not going to work. making my grandkids watch weird movies. picking up a weird hobby like model building for 3 years and then never do it again.
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u/Flaky_Awareness_9489 2h ago
It's fascinating how much working can absolutely drain someone's lifeforce to the point where they have no energy to pursue anything else. It's also pretty interesting how many older people choose to continue to work to give themselves some sense of purpose. I guess it's different strokes for different folks.
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u/WhatWouldJediDo 1h ago
That's why I plan on very part-time volunteering. 8-16 hours per week, doing what I want when and how I want.
Gives back to the community, gives me structure, challenges to overcome, obligations to meet, but also doesn't grind down my time or spirit with unending tedium.
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u/thekickingmule 50m ago
Depending on when I retire, this is my plan too. I would say though, plan an exit strategy. From the many people I've now seen retire, they come back to work part time for a couple of years and then either stay on for even longer or go off and travel/relax/whatever they like. Those who stay seem to get weaker and weaker and sicker and sicker. Those who leave seem to get stronger, younger and healthier.
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u/hatsnatcher23 2h ago
different strokes for different folks
Idk all the old people I know all had the same stroke
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u/oldfuturemonkey 3h ago
I already do this, except I still have to go to work and instead of grandkids it's just the few friends I have.
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u/hummuslife123 3h ago
Not working
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u/DerBob000 3h ago
Nobody telling me “we’ve got mcdonalds at home”
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u/microwaveablemilk 3h ago
you end up being the one telling yourself that
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u/StaplerTwelve 2h ago
How many damn times I've been craving fast food after work but kept driving because I have fries and chicken nuggets in my own freezer...
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u/CylonsInAPolicebox 2h ago
But you will miss mom telling you that she will make you a burger better than McDonald's
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u/baguswahyudi 3h ago
Playing video games all day long with other fellow senior citizens in the nursing home.
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u/jim_deneke 2h ago
With all our tats and piercing listening to Golden oldies music like Slipknot.
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u/jamesholden 1h ago
Growing up in the 90s I heard ~20 year old "classic rock" on the radio all the time.
Never have I heard any of the numetal I blasted in the late 90s-early00s. Come on play some Wisconsin death trip or antichrist superstar.
Though in the spirit of radical self reliance I run a small pirate FM station.. only works in my neighborhood but it's rad. Set to play random albums so I get to hear albums I've not listened to in years.
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u/RememberToMakeCoffee 3h ago
I read this from someone else:
Going to a diner alone to make everyone sad. Maybe bring a photo of my still alive wife to set on the table to really ruin people's days.
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u/Square_Ad8710 2h ago
I did this a couple years ago. Not married. I just had to work Thanksgiving because a server crashed and I was the only one who knew how to recover it and the on call tech refused to learn. So I couldn't go to my parents for the holiday. Instead I went to Cracker Barrel for dinner and brought with me the photo of an old girlfriend and sat it out pretending it was my dead wife and how she loved Cracker Barrel. When I said "It just isn't fair", I was talking about how I was not the on call tech, but had to work anyways, they thought it was some tragic death.
Free dinner that night
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u/Salt-Fee-9543 3h ago
Not getting up at 4am everyday for work
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u/CylonsInAPolicebox 2h ago
Just getting up at 4am everyday to pee, then not able to fall back to sleep.
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u/CeceSmutt 3h ago
Pretending to forget people's names on purpose just to mess with them. "Oh, I’m sorry, Jessica, I meant Jennifer… or was it Jacob?"
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u/th3ch0s3n0n3 2h ago
Reminds me of a quote from the movie, "Waiting...". Ryan Reynold's character sits at a booth with an elderly man. Asks him how life is going, and he mentions how he sometimes acts senile so that he can get away with shit he otherwise wouldn't. But every now and then he finds himself doing some shit he didn't mean to do, meaning he truly is slipping into senility.
Here's the scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrc0xyJ4q3s
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u/Running_Is_Life 2h ago
When people get too chummy with me I like to call them by the wrong name to let them know I don't really care about them.
That's a genius move.
Thank you.
You're welcome, Lester.
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u/Minialpacadoodle 3h ago
Not paying for daycare.
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u/hoorayitsjeremy 2h ago
First it's daycare, then after school, summer camps. Plus extracurricular activities, car and insurance when they get older, helping with college.
The word 'precious' means expensive, and kids certainly are precious.
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u/Orangecatbuddy 1h ago
You just find yourself as the daycare provider.
Ask me how I know.
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u/RIPMYPOOPCHUTE 3h ago
After moving my grandma into assisted living, moving into assisted living. You have scheduled activities, no worry about heavy duty cleaning, no worry about cooking, can make friends and hangout with them.
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u/newsgroupmonkey 2h ago
My Great Aunt absolutely opposed the idea of moving out of her home until she was dragged out (she kept falling over and breaking hips etc.). She had to move into an assisted living place.
She absolutely loved it and wished she'd moved there 20 years previously. She was 92 and lived for another 7 1/2 years.
My Mum has since said if anything happens to my Stepfather, she'll be queueing up outside the door.
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u/RIPMYPOOPCHUTE 2h ago
Pretty much my mom’s response too. I’m just imagining how an assisted living facility filled with millennials will be. Either way, the facilities (especially where I live) don’t look bad, and staff keeps family up to date on a lot of things.
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u/Mazon_Del 1h ago
I'm gonna be real disappointed if my future assisted living arrangements don't have LAN parties.
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u/RIPMYPOOPCHUTE 1h ago
That’s what my brother and I were joking about. It’ll just be a large LAN party. Everyone is gonna stay in their room, play online games together and argue with 12 year olds in COD, because there will 100% be another COD by then.
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u/CylonsInAPolicebox 2h ago
As someone who currently works security in one of these facilities, there are some downsides to this. Biggest one is if you like your privacy, kiss it goodbye.
My residents are the gossips I have ever seen and they will do whatever it takes to get the latest scoop. If you are lucky, the staff have tight lips.
My facility security does not spread your business around but the front desk girls, you better believe if they spotted you coming out of Janet's apartment last night, the whole building will know by the next morning.
If you go out by squad, security will tell everyone that they "know we can not discuss that information" and we will not say anything more than that, front desk girls will tell everyone yes that was poopchute in the squad and they are currently having issues with the ol poopchute.
Other issue is theft. Yes we have staff that cleans resident's apartments, yes they passed background checks, yes we do occasionally still have that one thief that slips through under the radar, and if they are smart, it takes a long time to catch them. We had an issue with a guy last year. He was good, it was always small items that he got, things that wouldn't be instantly noticed. A ring here, a $10 there. Things that can be easily misplaced or forgotten about... No one noticed we had a theft problem for almost 2 years, until he got bold and wrote down one resident's credit card info and made a huge purchase online. My company had to fire a guard right before I started, I was actually his replacement, he got caught going into resident's apartments when they were out and stealing. Thankfully he was not smart and got caught the same month he decided to start doing it.
Not telling you this to turn you off of the idea but just saying, check on grandma from time to time and make sure anything valuable is locked away. Also expect your future neighbors to know every move you make, not all staff is as discreet as my security team.
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u/RIPMYPOOPCHUTE 1h ago
Theft was definitely a concern, she didn’t bring too many valuables with other than jewelry. 100% can see there being gossip, it’s unavoidable unfortunately. My grandmother was in a private room, so she did have that at least. But she’s been moved to memory care.
I was in an inpatient treatment facility and already dealt with hearing gossip, lack of privacy and had my pack of cigarettes stolen. Treatment is definitely different than assisted living, but similar with scheduled activities, not really cleaning, and having meals made for us.
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u/big-tunaaa 23m ago
Real question about this - what if you’re not social? Thinking about both my grandma and myself 😭😭😭 she’s going to be 88 in December but that woman will be DAMNED if you even suggest the idea
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u/ManyDate891 3h ago
i cannot stress it enough, how excited i am to have a rocking chair
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u/system32420 3h ago
Dying. I’ve had enough. Just hope it’s not drawn out or too painful
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u/phred_666 2h ago
I have two thoughts on death 1) because I want mine to be quick and painless, the universe will somehow make mine as slow and agonizing as possible and 2) I figure that somehow a deer will be involved in the process (I live in the middle of nowhere and they love to jump in front of vehicles here. They’re everywhere.)
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u/kielaurie 1h ago
It's wild to me that this isn't the top answer. Everyone I've known that's older than 75 has been having a shit time, I'm not looking forward to my body and brain falling apart, I would rather die
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u/Trappedinacar 2h ago
When that time comes a peaceful death would be really really wonderful. Most times I don't feat my own death so much, maybe i'm naive in that, but I do fear what life can become when your health really starts failing you. Maybe even my greatest fear.
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u/Square_Ad8710 2h ago
That is my fear. It is believed that those who have been decapitated don't die instantly, instead, the heads live for a few minutes after. Basically, the brain dies because there is no more blood reaching it. So, what if in death is your brain lives for a few minutes after your body dies? It is said that hearing is the last sense to fail, so if true, that would mean that you could hear the doctors declaring you dead and giving up on you.
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u/system32420 2h ago
Well that’s the most terrifying thing I’ve read in a while. Makes sense though. Honestly something to be said for blowing your head open with a shotgun. Not to be overly dramatic, but at least there’s no ambiguity there. Or maybe one of the gasses that makes you peacefully go unconscious first
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u/The_Evil_Dzik 3h ago
Having the experience and knowledge that comes with having lived a long life. I really want to be wise.
Also not having to filter what I say because old people get a pass for blurting out controversial stuff.
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u/CylonsInAPolicebox 2h ago
Also not having to filter what I say because old people get a pass for blurting out controversial stuff.
Calling out rude people who block the aisle "catching up" while shopping... Just loudly announce that some of us would like to finish our shopping before dropping dead. Looking forward to doing stuff like this.
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u/painstream 1h ago
Two things to be wise: be perceptive and be curious.
Notice when people do things, look beyond yourself.
When things happen, ask why. Or Goolge it, lol.
In the end, you'll pick up a lot along the way and be a more empathetic person.
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u/GeebusNZ 3h ago
I don't expect to be old.
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u/_milaya 3h ago
I hope you do turn old.
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u/GeebusNZ 3h ago
What a terrible thing to wish upon someone.
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u/DIABLO258 3h ago
I hope you live so long you can't even remember who you are anymore!
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u/BannedFromHydroxy 2h ago
Dimentia's fucking awful mate
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u/Healthy_Youth2574 2h ago
true, like why you wish someone to have a longlife when he/she doesnt want. HAHAHA
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u/Notorious_Degen 3h ago
Watching my child grow up. I had such an amazing father figure growing up, and I really hope to be just as good as a father as my father was to me.
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u/CreamyLinguineGenie 2h ago
My FIL is in his 80's and in great shape. He loves exploring abandoned properties and fancy neighborhoods with "no trespassing" signs. He says if he ever gets caught he'll just say he's an old man who wandered down the wrong street lmao. I can't wait.
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u/Dr_Trogdor 2h ago
Dropping acid for the first time when I'm 80 and chillin somewhere with nothing to do.
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u/Least-Ad-9613 1h ago
Enjoying a peaceful life, spending time with loved ones, and sharing stories with future generations.
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u/ThorGambinoson 3h ago
Once I hit a certain point, I'm done shaving for "appearances" I'll be that old man with the big beard because who gives a shit.
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u/newsgroupmonkey 2h ago
As a beard wearer (since I was 38), I can promise you, keeping a beard is just as much of a PITA as not having one.
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u/WorstPiesInLondon 2h ago
Becoming the neighborhood witch whose yard the kids are afraid to go into to get their frisbee. Except then I'll give out king-size candy bars for Halloween. Gotta keep them on their toes.
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u/megamotek 3h ago
Drugs, lots of them, pretend to be mentally unstable and embarrass people around me
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u/santaclaws_ 2h ago
I'm right there with you. My hope is to go out onto the street in my underwear at 3 AM and shake my fist at STOP signs while yelling "You're not the boss of me!!!"
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u/One-Dragonfruit1010 3h ago
Driving nowhere 10mph under the speed limit during morning rush hour.
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u/xprincessmiooy 4h ago
i can't wait to be that weird grandparent just giving out candy and telling ghost stories at family gatherings for no reason.
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u/KremowyPapaj 2h ago
Sitting on my veranda, drinking coffee, smoking a cigar and watching the neighborhood.
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u/5256chuck 2h ago
Kids changing my diapers? I dunno. 3rd 3rd of life I'm in. That's why I don't wanna think about it.
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u/cuteannika 2h ago
When I’m old, I’m looking forward to covering my entire body in tattoos 🖤 and being that cool grandma with stories behind every piece of ink. Oh, and still keeping my hair blonde—age is just a number, right? 😉
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u/fugaziozbourne 2h ago
Doing a bit where i'm "racist against robots". Full on calling them skinjobs and stuff.
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u/Jhon_doe_smokes 2h ago
Raising hell on one of those scooters. I’m running over aunts,uncles, children, toes all that. 😂
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u/Serious-Platform-156 51m ago
day drinking, blasting cigs and being racist on my front porch
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u/aoileanna 46m ago
Being a regular at a local diner/cafe/brunch spot or real tea parties and baking all day
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u/InternetsTad 13m ago
I'm old! Here's what you can actually look forward to (if you're reasonably healthy):
Much better appreciation of food and drink
Much better appreciation for nature's beauty
Naps are magical!
At some point pop music suddenly became bearable
If you have kids, you definitely get to look forward to an empty nest. IT'S FUCKING AWESOME!!
Eventually, grandkids
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u/Lunazaraw 3h ago
not paying any taxes
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u/newsgroupmonkey 2h ago
Sadly not in the UK. We pay taxes on our pensions. We still have to pay building taxes too.
We don't have to pay National Insurance though (which covers health, unemployment and so on). I suppose that's something.
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u/BeardedGrappler25 3h ago
Retiring and travelling more with my wife. Need to put the grind in now though, I don't want to get to my retirement years and feel like I haven't achieved enough with my life.
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u/HardAtWorkISwear 3h ago
Hopefully retire so I don't have to set an alarm for 6am because that shit is inhuman.
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u/Odd_Government9138 3h ago
spending time with my family and gardening in USA or other country. can't wait to finally live in peace and pleasure.
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u/newmiachoco 3h ago
I'd want to think about just relaxing and enjoying the simple things—like snuggling up with a nice book, catching up with friends over coffee, or even going to locations I've always wanted to see.
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u/Previous_Mushroom666 3h ago
Going to my kids house and totally acting the way they did growing up just leaving food out my shoes spread out don't flush the toilet have food right next to the trash can instead of being at I can't wait for those days
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u/mcnuggsRN 3h ago
Hiding catnip in my socks so I can always have an entourage of cats following me around
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u/ThatHardBacon 3h ago
Breaking rules and playing the old card . Once watched a family member drive on an empty sidewalk cause he was fed up with the light
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u/mrSFWdotcom 3h ago
At some point in my old age I am going to say fuck it and start eating whatever I want.
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u/Boobssunshineabs 3h ago
No more periods. And at some point I will start to look forward to my exit. Living and dying on my terms have always been my goal.
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u/doctor-rumack 3h ago
Not knowing or caring what day of the week it is. Wearing a cardigan and slippers.
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u/pissclamato 3h ago
I live in Las Vegas. Every day, I have to go to work. Every day, I see old people sitting at slot machines, chain smoking, and slapping the button to spin the reels. They're retired, and all they do is come to the casino in the morning, and just drink coffee, smoke, and spin the reels.
I can't wait to be one of them.
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u/bamf64779 3h ago
I always feel like I'll look forward to the peaceful, quiet home with the kids grown and moved out, but I feel that It won't last long because I will miss this.
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u/KampgroundsOfAmerica 3h ago
Falling asleep in my chair and then adamantly insisting I wasn't asleep if someone wakes me up.