I'm almost 80 & live alone. My nearest family is 50 miles away. I think about this but just remind myself it's one step at a time. I do have wonderful neighbors who check on me, always ask if I need something before they head to the store, etc. In return I care for their pets and/or plants if they're out of town, share baked goods, etc. It's important to build community.
Modern Refugee, I have been thinking about this very subject. I still have teenagers at home and I doubt very much they will stay in this area just due to the fields they are pursuing. As someone who worked in the field of Disaster Preparedness for over 24 years looking at the threats and their associated risk levels i believe we are facing a future with more and more likelihood of war, resource shortages and diseases. I’ve decided to keep our homestead operating and preps stocked as a safe haven for the kids should things ever reach that level. If it never happens I’ve told them when I die auction everything they don’t want off. The property will fetch a nice price from Amish or Mennonites due to the infrastructure like garden plots, barns, orchards etc. When I think about liquidating some of my prepping stuff I just think it is like thinking about selling my rain jacket when rain is in the forecast. When we consider our age and my health, i think now about how I can continue to do things when I’m 75. I have a few ideas. One being building our infrastructure and processes like I’m 75 now. The other is like share cropping - find someone who with help out in exchange for part of the garden yeild or portion of a pig or cow. The third option I’ve thought about is renting our barn and pasture to someone else who could pay me partially in pork or beef. Good to think about now.
It's very sobering and concerning to realize one day that suddenly without obvious warning: now you require glasses to preform even the simplest of tasks, your grip has 20% less power, your feet rebel every few days and demand a change in the rotation of footwear, your back requires a change of mattress options every few months, you shoulder your rifle and the iron sights are simply fuzz and blurr and you wish your shotgun would reach 400 yards, your gut grows by just looking at those favorite cookies, you stumble on a pebble, you can't recall how you made that, you suddenly notice that a year passed by, you don't recognize half the people at your 40th class reunion, you receive your first social security check, you come to terms with the fact that nobody is getting out of here alive and your not taking one thin dime with you and most disturbing; the possibility sharting can be a real thing, especially when you look at the utility cost, taxes, insurance and prices of automobiles today. Happy 4th everyone!
Great video and subject. I agree with you. Selective downsizing is needed as we get older. With most people, they find the younger generations move away to start their own lives, and most people have no interest in prepping, homesteading, or working with tools. I started by down sizing my businesses because family were not interested in them, as I age I find I can do many things with the aid of proper tools such as a tractor with a backhoe and loader. Some of the newer lightweight power tools reduce fatigue with my hands. Respiratory protection while sanding and working in dusty environments helps to protect lung function. The most important thing is to work at a comfortable pace. If you can work 2 hours a day, do that.
Yes, I remember that too. I remember the wringer washer & clothesline too. She put in a lot of work with the wringer....but the clothes on the line were A LOT better than Any dryer.
It's called "Trimming the FAT". If you haven't used it in the last year, and don't plan on needing it in the next year (with the exception of survival gear), it's time to get rid of it.
Excellent topic! I've known several people (of various ages) who grew up on farms and wanted nothing to do with that hard work. Some of their parents even told them they wanted them to move away, go out into the world, go to college, etc, and make better lives for themselves "so you won't have to work as hard as I did." There is nothing new under the sun, including the fact that being "strategic" can mean the difference between life and death. Btw, I had an ex whose uncle had a tree fall on him while out hunting. He didn't make it. They don't call them widowmakers for nothing.
MR, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY. Seriously downsizing. Gave away all my weights yesterday to the young guy across the street. Nothing asked for. Next on list is my martial arts gear. Then other sporting & winter gear. Rest of my snow shoes. I recall my 92yo Father saying "Son you think you hurt now give it another 30 years". A Yep. And that first heart attack 27 years ago sure stepped on brakes. From the 👍. Best
Yep. Prep for all situations, including sudden health changes, aging, etc. Very, very good topic that I haven’t heard addressed much. Blessings to you and your family! Happy 4th! 🇺🇸
I feel everyone needs to run different scenarios: What if my BACK gives out, what if im sick, what if i permanently cant do something - and i have all these animals, etc
Hope everyone enjoys their Independence day! WOW MR, my wife and I have been talking and doing everything that we can to make less work . Other wise we don't live with much that is not needed. We are prepared for a grid down situation as best we can. We are capable of butchering our livestock and have a very large garden. As far as if something were to happen to my wife or I, our children will help or take over what is needed. And they are capable of running our small homestead. Just want to add this is off topic, but had what I would call a shft situation. A plantars wort on bottom of my foot. That can really ruin a week or more of walking. Never hear of anyone prepping for that. Could be dangerous thing to happen if you were on foot and carrying more wait. Just something to think about.
It is well worth it to prepare for all the "small things" that you can & to keep up a first aid kit/s. Another thing would be to prepare for "first aid" Dental care. There are small kits available that supply the pieces to cover a dental cary/cavity until you can get to a dentist. Also, kits for when somebody's dental crown breaks off or falls off. Also, would help to have one of those dental mirrors (the small round mirror on a long handle). There's at least one book available that's called something like, "When There's No Dentist Anymore". There's More dental stuff to prepare, but this gets you thinking.
@libertybell7145 yes it does! Great comment. We've been adding lot's of new medical/first aid supplies to our stock. We have several books and printed info on hand for multi situations.
Great topic..we have to understand our limitations and try to find workarounds... One of the harder things to do is not get frustrated because you can't do something like you once did... it's definitely challenging!😏 Thanks MR... Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸❤️
I have been thinking about this also. My neighbor is 83 and he always comes to ask for my help because he can’t see very well anymore. A couple of weeks ago I went through my barn and did a purge of stuff that I don’t find important anymore but that only scratched the surface. Good luck with your downsizing.🙂
That's what I've been saying all along. Learn to live without.....without automatic hot water, doing your business in a bucket if necessary, making plant medicines, wearing a loincloth for underwear if that's all you've got left. One by one, think about everything you own, every single item, and picture life without it. And if you need its function, find a simpler way to fall back. As I get older and less able to lift and can't do any heavy work, I've just made my life simpler. And people think that means MORE conveniences when it means fewer systems in the first place.
Find easier ways to garden + limit crouching in the garden. Aerogarden, indoor gardening for most produce, outside use a Stackey, waist high gardens, in-ground for just a couple items
Older folks are finding this out the hard way. Man takes care of the outside. Woman inside. Then the man dies. Then shes stuck. So how independent are they?
Happy 4th.. Im 58 and built house for 30 something yrs, my body has taken a beating over the yrs so my bag gets smaller and smaller... my bag is set at 48 hrs now... sometimes im 40-50 miles from home, sometimes closer, think 48 hr bag is good, shelter, little food, water..bag weight is 18-19 lbs
You know the western freedoms are based on the American way.. we in the west should be thankful to the USA for fathers for setting the pace... Happy independence Day .... This is were a MAG comes in ... family ... You are correct age makes a difference but I still can watch a gate an drive a truck.. we have to pass the torch to younger to lead... if this falls apart well hey ... love your channel ... your words have common sense ..
YES. Everyone will be needed. There is something for everyone to do. YES, all that we know Needs to be passed onto those that follow us.....our memories will be the books.
Wow! This subject, and its complications, have been on my mind lately. I have many projects that will go unfinished because of aging. My wife is 13 years my junior and she remains pursuant to many projects. We will have some serious talks soon.
Great topic...we are “Senior Citizens.” We can’t do what we used to...we’ve thought about this a lot. Splitting wood is a little difficult., so we buy the service. We will continue to plan.
Thanks for the ramblings, they're all valid. When we're young, we think its forever and that we'll never grow old; when we grow old its hard to remember what it was to be young. Stay well & safe, and if you're able to ramble your an answer, please share it with the rest of us🙂🙂
Wise words as always. From hearing stories from the old timers it is amazing how little they had and still made do. We are spoiled with how much we have now.
Great topic, MR! I have a small home and I really need to get rid of the stuff that is really not an shtf asset. Been working on shredding old files and donating unnecessary items. thanks! Happy 4th!
As always very thoughtful content, you really get the brain ticking. I actually had started to slow up changed job new knees a transformation! I’ve never been able to save or secure a great pension an fear I will have to work till I drop. I do know though I am starting to rethink how I go about things an buy things that will last an taking different care of foot wear an clothing bought for purpose an durability. And this video has helped me further to look at things. I know also as I get older the make an make do up bringing I had will pay dividends! Thanks again for the time you take to further educate us.
I try to automate everything I can, it's been a couple of months that I don't water the chickens 😂, it's also been months that I don't water the sheep, it's been 2 months I don't go to camp banana to harvest banana, they got to be bananas galore going to waste 😂. The only thing we can do is what we can, by the way I'm not lazy not harvesting bananas, I have over 50 pounds hanging in the downstairs kitchen, I'm working on metal doors for my cisterns and making metal doors for both pump rooms for hurricane season, that's priority.
I'm wrestling with this exact issue myself these days MR! (How to scale down my preps but still be sure I have all the critical items). Happy Independence Day to you and Mrs. MR!
Our washing machine we bought with the house. It's 40 years old and bullet proof. In the 10 years we have had it my parents bought 3 "nice new" machines. The prices keep going up and the quality goes down buy people buy them because of the fancy paint job and because that's about all the sell now.
Excellent topic that I have been struggling with. Do we downsize, where do we go, how do we do it...can't get my husband to think about where we are headed. I'll just keep working on it. Thanks for sharing this video!
My challenges have always been Mobility. Crippled/busted knee and leg bone, since i was 17. 48years later, much much worse! I am in countryside. Couple of times i was without wheels. Not pretty! 7 miles to edge of town, 9-15 to grocery stores. I have bicycles, but not the legs to use them! I CAN handle a Monthly Shopping Trip, if i have a ride. The neighbour i know, NEVER Offers any Help! Shes a weid one! She watches everything i DO, but couldnt notice my truck never left for 13 Months!! I talk to her, she never ever Offers! I am a Loner, now that my Ex died, no more alternate vehicles! I got my youngest daughter with Beginner's and Insured on my car. With intention. But if she moves away? Car stays with me. I would have much better luck getting someone to Drive me to Town, when.my car is here and functioning!
ohhhh.....I wonder whether some channels are out there already. google is definitely dangerous. In fact google set up China with the surveillance system they have.....certainly can do it here....already started. Who owns Telegram?? Facebook???
Don’t forget to prepare for an inevitable entrance into eternity. Repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. The other option is Hell. Literally. And yes, as a tag end boomer I’m right there with you, MR. Enjoy your Independence Day!
Great common sense points that are not really discussed elsewhere. Maybe it’s because you are not selling or being sponsored by prepper toy makers? Just a thought….
Happy Independence Day MR. 🇺🇸🎇🇺🇸🎆🇺🇸
Happy Independence Day to everyone!
Didn't sound like rambling. Sounded like talking with a good friend. Thank you.
Be safe.
You as well.
I'm almost 80 & live alone. My nearest family is 50 miles away. I think about this but just remind myself it's one step at a time. I do have wonderful neighbors who check on me, always ask if I need something before they head to the store, etc. In return I care for their pets and/or plants if they're out of town, share baked goods, etc. It's important to build community.
A good community is worth its weight in gold. 😊
That's a great subject
Modern Refugee,
I have been thinking about this very subject. I still have teenagers at home and I doubt very much they will stay in this area just due to the fields they are pursuing.
As someone who worked in the field of Disaster Preparedness for over 24 years looking at the threats and their associated risk levels i believe we are facing a future with more and more likelihood of war, resource shortages and diseases. I’ve decided to keep our homestead operating and preps stocked as a safe haven for the kids should things ever reach that level. If it never happens I’ve told them when I die auction everything they don’t want off. The property will fetch a nice price from Amish or Mennonites due to the infrastructure like garden plots, barns, orchards etc.
When I think about liquidating some of my prepping stuff I just think it is like thinking about selling my rain jacket when rain is in the forecast.
When we consider our age and my health, i think now about how I can continue to do things when I’m 75. I have a few ideas. One being building our infrastructure and processes like I’m 75 now. The other is like share cropping - find someone who with help out in exchange for part of the garden yeild or portion of a pig or cow. The third option I’ve thought about is renting our barn and pasture to someone else who could pay me partially in pork or beef.
Good to think about now.
Great, Great Comment!! Thanks for all these ideas!!
It's very sobering and concerning to realize one day that suddenly without obvious warning: now you require glasses to preform even the simplest of tasks, your grip has 20% less power, your feet rebel every few days and demand a change in the rotation of footwear, your back requires a change of mattress options every few months, you shoulder your rifle and the iron sights are simply fuzz and blurr and you wish your shotgun would reach 400 yards, your gut grows by just looking at those favorite cookies, you stumble on a pebble, you can't recall how you made that, you suddenly notice that a year passed by, you don't recognize half the people at your 40th class reunion, you receive your first social security check, you come to terms with the fact that nobody is getting out of here alive and your not taking one thin dime with you and most disturbing; the possibility sharting can be a real thing, especially when you look at the utility cost, taxes, insurance and prices of automobiles today. Happy 4th everyone!
Happy 4th to you too!
@@marygallagher3428 Thank you!
Happy Rebellion of the Thirteen Colonies Day 🎉😂
Great video and subject. I agree with you. Selective downsizing is needed as we get older. With most people, they find the younger generations move away to start their own lives, and most people have no interest in prepping, homesteading, or working with tools. I started by down sizing my businesses because family were not interested in them, as I age I find I can do many things with the aid of proper tools such as a tractor with a backhoe and loader. Some of the newer lightweight power tools reduce fatigue with my hands. Respiratory protection while sanding and working in dusty environments helps to protect lung function. The most important thing is to work at a comfortable pace. If you can work 2 hours a day, do that.
Thank you for the great ideas!
@@libertybell7145 glad you liked them. Take care and stay safe.
I remember my mom's first automatic washer and dryer. Before that, it was only a wringer washer and clothesline.
Yes, I remember that too. I remember the wringer washer & clothesline too. She put in a lot of work with the wringer....but the clothes on the line were A LOT better than Any dryer.
Excellent subject! Please cover this again another time.
There's already a host of things on my "no can do" list, like hand-cutting firewood.
It's called "Trimming the FAT". If you haven't used it in the last year, and don't plan on needing it in the next year (with the exception of survival gear), it's time to get rid of it.
Love your strategic talks
Excellent topic!
I've known several people (of various ages) who grew up on farms and wanted nothing to do with that hard work. Some of their parents even told them they wanted them to move away, go out into the world, go to college, etc, and make better lives for themselves "so you won't have to work as hard as I did." There is nothing new under the sun, including the fact that being "strategic" can mean the difference between life and death.
Btw, I had an ex whose uncle had a tree fall on him while out hunting. He didn't make it. They don't call them widowmakers for nothing.
MR, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY. Seriously downsizing. Gave away all my weights yesterday to the young guy across the street. Nothing asked for. Next on list is my martial arts gear. Then other sporting & winter gear. Rest of my snow shoes. I recall my 92yo Father saying "Son you think you hurt now give it another 30 years". A Yep. And that first heart attack 27 years ago sure stepped on brakes. From the 👍. Best
Yep. Prep for all situations, including sudden health changes, aging, etc. Very, very good topic that I haven’t heard addressed much. Blessings to you and your family! Happy 4th! 🇺🇸
Headed out for three days on the river hope nothing too unexpected doesn’t happen
@@PenntuckytheCrag have fun!
Good morning, Happy Independance Day Brother, Be safe and God Bless
Happy 4th ! WOW, great topic. I'm 63. It's about all I can do to take care of this place, with 9 roofs & yards and gardens. TAKE CARE..
Thanks MR
I feel everyone needs to run different scenarios:
What if my BACK gives out, what if im sick, what if i permanently cant do something - and i have all these animals, etc
Hope everyone enjoys their Independence day!
WOW MR, my wife and I have been talking and doing everything that we can to make less work . Other wise we don't live with much that is not needed. We are prepared for a grid down situation as best we can. We are capable of butchering our livestock and have a very large garden.
As far as if something were to happen to my wife or I, our children will help or take over what is needed. And they are capable of running our small homestead.
Just want to add this is off topic, but had what I would call a shft situation. A plantars wort on bottom of my foot. That can really ruin a week or more of walking. Never hear of anyone prepping for that. Could be dangerous thing to happen if you were on foot and carrying more wait. Just something to think about.
Planters worts are bad. I know someone who had all kinds of problems with them.
It is well worth it to prepare for all the "small things" that you can & to keep up a first aid kit/s. Another thing would be to prepare for "first aid" Dental care. There are small kits available that supply the pieces to cover a dental cary/cavity until you can get to a dentist. Also, kits for when somebody's dental crown breaks off or falls off. Also, would help to have one of those dental mirrors (the small round mirror on a long handle). There's at least one book available that's called something like, "When There's No Dentist Anymore". There's More dental stuff to prepare, but this gets you thinking.
@libertybell7145 yes it does! Great comment. We've been adding lot's of new medical/first aid supplies to our stock. We have several books and printed info on hand for multi situations.
Have a great 4th, MR!
I remember a comment from an older man who had a “couple of nickels “.
“I’m a slave to my stuff”.
Great topic..we have to understand our limitations and try to find workarounds... One of the harder things to do is not get frustrated because you can't do something like you once did... it's definitely challenging!😏
Thanks MR... Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸❤️
I have been thinking about this also. My neighbor is 83 and he always comes to ask for my help because he can’t see very well anymore. A couple of weeks ago I went through my barn and did a purge of stuff that I don’t find important anymore but that only scratched the surface. Good luck with your downsizing.🙂
Great Topic!!! I'd love to see more ideas & more ideas from the Commenters.
That's what I've been saying all along. Learn to live without.....without automatic hot water, doing your business in a bucket if necessary, making plant medicines, wearing a loincloth for underwear if that's all you've got left. One by one, think about everything you own, every single item, and picture life without it. And if you need its function, find a simpler way to fall back. As I get older and less able to lift and can't do any heavy work, I've just made my life simpler. And people think that means MORE conveniences when it means fewer systems in the first place.
It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.
Bruce Lee
Find easier ways to garden + limit crouching in the garden.
Aerogarden, indoor gardening for most produce, outside use a Stackey, waist high gardens, in-ground for just a couple items
64 now….definitely these thoughts going through my head my mind.
Older folks are finding this out the hard way.
Man takes care of the outside.
Woman inside. Then the man dies. Then shes stuck. So how independent are they?
Yes, and vice versa. God created male and female for more than just being fruitful and multiplying.
Very well said! I agree with you.
Happy 4th..
Im 58 and built house for 30 something yrs, my body has taken a beating over the yrs so my bag gets smaller and smaller... my bag is set at 48 hrs now... sometimes im 40-50 miles from home, sometimes closer, think 48 hr bag is good, shelter, little food, water..bag weight is 18-19 lbs
Great video, definitely made me think, Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@tammybrennan2040 take care & be safe.
You know the western freedoms are based on the American way.. we in the west should be thankful to the USA for fathers for setting the pace... Happy independence Day ....
This is were a MAG comes in ... family ... You are correct age makes a difference but I still can watch a gate an drive a truck.. we have to pass the torch to younger to lead... if this falls apart well hey ... love your channel ... your words have common sense ..
Take care my friend.
YES. Everyone will be needed. There is something for everyone to do.
YES, all that we know Needs to be passed onto those that follow us.....our memories will be the books.
@@libertybell7145 yes
Wow! This subject, and its complications, have been on my mind lately. I have many projects that will go unfinished because of aging. My wife is 13 years my junior and she remains pursuant to many projects. We will have some serious talks soon.
Great topic...we are “Senior Citizens.” We can’t do what we used to...we’ve thought about this a lot. Splitting wood is a little difficult., so we buy the service. We will continue to plan.
Good subject. Thanks for the video.
Be nice and watch it twice.😊
@@glen1arthur thank you!
Thanks for the ramblings, they're all valid. When we're young, we think its forever and that we'll never grow old; when we grow old its hard to remember what it was to be young. Stay well & safe, and if you're able to ramble your an answer, please share it with the rest of us🙂🙂
Wise words as always. From hearing stories from the old timers it is amazing how little they had and still made do. We are spoiled with how much we have now.
Great topic, MR! I have a small home and I really need to get rid of the stuff that is really not an shtf asset. Been working on shredding old files and donating unnecessary items. thanks! Happy 4th!
Had a deep freeze that was 50 … it was taken out of service because it got unplugged and the meat rotted.
As always very thoughtful content, you really get the brain ticking. I actually had started to slow up changed job new knees a transformation! I’ve never been able to save or secure a great pension an fear I will have to work till I drop. I do know though I am starting to rethink how I go about things an buy things that will last an taking different care of foot wear an clothing bought for purpose an durability. And this video has helped me further to look at things. I know also as I get older the make an make do up bringing I had will pay dividends! Thanks again for the time you take to further educate us.
Thank you.
Happy Independence Day! 🗽Thanks for the talk and giving us ideas to take into consideration as we get older. God bless you and your family!!
I try to automate everything I can, it's been a couple of months that I don't water the chickens 😂, it's also been months that I don't water the sheep, it's been 2 months I don't go to camp banana to harvest banana, they got to be bananas galore going to waste 😂. The only thing we can do is what we can, by the way I'm not lazy not harvesting bananas, I have over 50 pounds hanging in the downstairs kitchen, I'm working on metal doors for my cisterns and making metal doors for both pump rooms for hurricane season, that's priority.
Happy Yankee Doodle Dandy Day 🎉
I appreciate this philosophy. Well said.
Thank you.
Good morning and happy independence day! I'm heading to Dad's garden to weed and cook. I'm not good at it but someone's got to do it.
@@washburnbilly happy Independence Day to you and yours!
I'm wrestling with this exact issue myself these days MR! (How to scale down my preps but still be sure I have all the critical items). Happy Independence Day to you and Mrs. MR!
@@marygallagher3428 have a safe and happy 4th!
@@ModernRefugee Thanks MR!
Great subject! I would like to hear more ideas on what we can do to prepare for getting older.
Our washing machine we bought with the house. It's 40 years old and bullet proof. In the 10 years we have had it my parents bought 3 "nice new" machines. The prices keep going up and the quality goes down buy people buy them because of the fancy paint job and because that's about all the sell now.
As I watch this from my hospital room 😂😅 , take care MR !
Get well soon my friend.
Good video, thanks for sharing YAH bless brother !
Excellent topic that I have been struggling with. Do we downsize, where do we go, how do we do it...can't get my husband to think about where we are headed. I'll just keep working on it. Thanks for sharing this video!
My challenges have always been Mobility. Crippled/busted knee and leg bone, since i was 17.
48years later, much much worse! I am in countryside. Couple of times i was without wheels. Not pretty!
7 miles to edge of town, 9-15 to grocery stores. I have bicycles, but not the legs to use them!
I CAN handle a Monthly Shopping Trip, if i have a ride. The neighbour i know, NEVER Offers any Help! Shes a weid one! She watches everything i DO, but couldnt notice my truck never left for 13 Months!!
I talk to her, she never ever Offers!
I am a Loner, now that my Ex died, no more alternate vehicles! I got my youngest daughter with Beginner's and Insured on my car. With intention. But if she moves away? Car stays with me.
I would have much better luck getting someone to Drive me to Town, when.my car is here and functioning!
May be start a telegram channel, to discuss prepping without using google products?
ohhhh.....I wonder whether some channels are out there already.
google is definitely dangerous. In fact google set up China with the surveillance system they have.....certainly can do it here....already started. Who owns Telegram?? Facebook???
@@ThisTooShallPass2030 one day!
Middle age ?! I would need to live to be 116. 🎂
Don’t forget to prepare for an inevitable entrance into eternity. Repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. The other option is Hell. Literally. And yes, as a tag end boomer I’m right there with you, MR. Enjoy your Independence Day!
@@patriotpreacher43 definitely!
Great common sense points that are not really discussed elsewhere. Maybe it’s because you are not selling or being sponsored by prepper toy makers? Just a thought….
You’re thinking too much! Lol just do what you can now and things will work themselves out. You have to have more faith.
Happy Rebellion of the Thirteen Colonies Day 🎉😂