My mom is 93 and still driving. One moving violation in her lifetime.
She used to ride a Harley (imported Italian 125 Rapido).
Isn’t it great to still have them around! I spent the last 4 days at my mothers house doing maintenance chores that I should have done long ago. Her mind is sharp and her perspective is clear. I get a kick out of teasing her as she is so serious most of the time. I love to make her laugh.
My reason for bringing the subject up is that “old” age is a gift, a gift not afforded to everyone, whether man or woman. Plus I’m always impressed by female riders, that kind of independence and adventurous nature seems rare, at least in the circles that I navigate.
Yes it is. Mine is a 10 hr combat drive away, and I don't get to see her as often as I'd like, so I talk to her on the phone almost every day. She's also got all her mental faculties with no apparent loss of function at all. And a good sense of humor. We alternate between talking about our daily lives, and then back in time about family history. What cracks me up is she says she has to pee and will call me back, and I tell her to just take the phone with her, I can't hear anything, but nope she just calls me back.
She's enrolled in the U of MI health system (one of the best in the country) and with good insurance, she's being seen for one thing or another all the time. All her doctors love her because she is so upbeat and friendly (and follows orders). Her cardiologist just told her her heart is that of a much younger person. She just had her rt shoulder replaced, rehabbed, and now scheduling for the left this summer already (
I feel like I'm running out of time Jess). She was always heavy, but life has her down to 130, and always good with a sewing machine, she is cutting down her clothes. My brother tells her to just buy new, but she says she likes what she has and that would just be a waste of money.
Years ago, well into my parents retirement, they decided to sell (out of Northern MI) because upkeep was getting hard on them. My brother convinced them he would build them a small home right next to his (on his 17 acres, well off the road, south of Ann Arbor) (one floor, all wide doors, handholds in the bathroom, and purpose built for old people) (I love my brother). The folks were not sure about this, but went ahead with it (and dad paid for all materials). My brother did not bother with code issues (and never does), and after completion was informed only one home was allowed per lot. So he tore one side off the home and connected it to his home with a short walk through causeway, making it a single structure (no separate utilities). With dad gone 10 years, this setup is perfect as my brother and his new wife are always right there to offer all help and assistance (gladly and lovingly given), but mom still has the independent living she so desires (vs some retirement home). This makes me a bit guilty for not pulling my share, but I offer cash money for anything she (or my brother/wife) may need, and have helped a number of times, though mom generally says no need I'm doing fine. Except she has just recently outlived the Required Minimum Distributions (MRD) on dad's life savings.
With no one depending on me for lifetime support, I have decided to start my MRDs a couple years early. I don't really need the money, but (after paying off my home) the balance is just sitting there, and it will make me better able to offer cash assistance anytime it might be needed. Though I am now in better shape than I was for the last 20 years, I seriously doubt I will last into my 90s. My family history shows the women live forever, and the men don't.
