Health

llmart

(17,776 posts)

37. I found them quite interesting.

Thu Jun 25, 2026, 02:32 PM

Thursday

Barbara Ehrenreich adopted her approach to endless tests and drugs when one is nearing or over 80 with the attitude that I have which is if I get to 80 and am diagnosed with something major, I have no intentions of dragging out the last few years of my life with various surgeries/drugs/testing. In fact, from what I remember, she had a stroke when she was 81 and was allowed to die on her terms. I'm 77 and have had a very healthy life. I take no meds, not even OTC. Both of my parents died young and yet five of us are still alive, though my remaining siblings all have serious health issues due to very unhealthy lifestyles. I married young, had my two children young and at this stage of my life I can say I had a wonderful ride for the most part. Like anyone, I had some really dark days but for the most part I did most everything I set out to do and then some.

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erronis

37 replies

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At 85 and healthy? Why more medicine may do more harm [View all] erronis Jun 15 OP

"... there is a specific harm in converting a healthy older adult into a medical project." Pinback Jun 15 #1

My goal is to be on no medications bamagal62 Jun 15 #14

Good for you! erronis Jun 15 #16

I think longevity is like diarrhea, it runs in your genes. multigraincracker Jun 15 #2

My mom's side of the family bamagal62 Jun 15 #8

Moving is key. bamagal62 Jun 15 #12

Just because I'm watching it and it fits with your comment - look up "Perfect Days" erronis Jun 15 #17

I need to watch. bamagal62 Jun 15 #21

I'm 76 and run 3 to 5 miles 3 to 4 days a week. multigraincracker Jun 15 #22

Saw a film about Japanese heart health. multigraincracker Jun 15 #24

Natto? bamagal62 Jun 15 #26

I eat all kinds of fermented food and drinks. multigraincracker Jun 15 #27

You should suss out bamagal62 Jun 15 #33

Co-ops frequently sell natto. And miso and other fermented products. erronis Jun 16 #34

If it's not broken... ultralite001 Jun 15 #3

Wow - that took me back at least 60 years. erronis Jun 15 #4

Omg cate94 Jun 15 #15

I'm blessed with ADHD. multigraincracker Jun 15 #28

I would argue that the age should be 75 not 85. kellytore Jun 15 #5

At my last annual checkup, my young doctor said, Pinback Jun 15 #6

Same here. Just glad I went to the eye doctor. multigraincracker Jun 15 #29

My uncle died bamagal62 Jun 15 #9

I'm very sorry to hear that. It can happen at any age, but we get a lot of them as we age. erronis Jun 15 #18

I will say this was many years ago before it became routine. bamagal62 Jun 15 #23

A thought provoking OP..... anciano Jun 15 #7

I so agree! bamagal62 Jun 15 #10

And when the opponent flips over his winning card. erronis Jun 15 #11

The cards are shuffled randomly. You only multigraincracker Jun 15 #30

I admit to HEAVY confirmation bias in favor of the article... TygrBright Jun 15 #13

I like your philosophy. erronis Jun 15 #20

I'd rather deal with the pain than take pain pills. multigraincracker Jun 15 #31

I'm comfortable with my mortality. Dr. T Jun 15 #19

Regarding colonoscopy, I've wondered whether the damage to the microbiome from the prep... lostnfound Jun 15 #25

I never minded getting one. My brother multigraincracker Jun 15 #32

Two book recommendations if anyone is interested. llmart Thursday #35

Thank you - I will look into both. erronis Thursday #36

I found them quite interesting. llmart Thursday #37