At 79, yeah...I've said "no thanks" to some tests/procedures. I have a couple of abdominal aneurisms. For a while, they were monitored with scans. After reading of the surgery to repair these, I put a halt to the scans. But overall, I'd say it depends on what the problem is...

Another factor is that with the current state of things, I don't really feel like I belong anymore. Not suicidal, but kinda ready to go.

It's really the old quality of life vs. quantity of life debate. It's up to the individual to decide...or should be.

Something isn't right for sure. I don't know if it is on the doctors or the insurance companies or what, but encouraging someone in such poor condition at her advanced age to get routine periodic, invasive exams doesn't seem right.

My Mom's doc said no more colonoscopies after her last, which she had in her late 70's and she has had some issues like diverticulitus. He said the risk is too great. I've had friends who's colonoscopies went south and their bowel was pierced and they almost died as a result. Doing one at an advanced age makes no sense. My Mom's cardiologist keeps wanting her to come in for an appointment. For what? She's 87 and has dementia. We'll do things like her RA infusions to keep her comfortable but stuff like a cardiology work up make no sense given her age and condition.

Holy crap! I just about spat out a mouthful of Coylyte. Prepping for a colonoscopy tomorrow morning.
Thanks for a laugh on what otherwise would just be a crappy day.SmileWavy

I have a number of patients that age that are very active, mentally and physically.

I have other patients that are 10 years younger than me, and look like they would drop dead at any moment.

You know that's just some scam to get you to buy more produce, right?

(48y here myself, maybe halfway done?)

It depends on health. I had an aunt who lived to 97 and her last 3 years were awful. My mom passed at 81 after living in a nursing home for 4 years: she had dementia. - I do want to live like that. Average life expectancy is approx 78, I will be 73 this year so I'm in the winter of my life based on that average. If I had to pick a number 83-85 is ok by me.

With some goods those sell by dates are pretty close, maybe even too far out.
Find an out of date can, dump the contents out, and look at the lining on the can.

Two brothers, born in 1918 and 1920. One was a washout aviator and one was merchant marine. Both got gifted a little business -- both retired early, but the elder was a hypochondriac and had every local doctor on speed dial. The younger didn't see a Dr until his last day. One partied really hard, the other, well, he visited lots of doctors. Both died 92-94y. I know which way I lean...

In my 'neck of the woods'....there are med centers popping up everywhere.
Nice looking buildings...lots of new workers and equipment.

There is a reason for that....

Yep, on the paternal side of the family they sure did. But I think the maternal side of the family pee'd in the gene pool. I'm hoping to make it to 60 very shortly but 61 might be a stretch.

My best friend from high school got prostate cancer at 45. He bought it for nine years before he passed away. I’m still bummed and miss him.

My Dad, 94, just hit his. They are sure he has prostate cancer but with his bladder bleeding issues, neither he nor his doctor really want to do a biopsy. PSA is 196. I think this is his last year.

My Mom's Doc has made the point a few times that modern meds have kept her body going long after her brain was engaging with the world. Her quality of life generally sucks. Dementia is a *****.

If youre over 50 get a F^&*%$ colonoscopy.

Its the difference between a day on the toilet and a day off work and "Sorry sir, you have stage 4 colon cancer and 6 months to live."

I had a polyp and was in and out in 3 hours at age 50. At 65 the above would have been my prognosis. 100% painless except for some chafing from a day on the porcelain throne.

That is all.

It's not just at 80 but dependent on the situation. My father had colon cancer that spread to his liver and brain at 72. The clinic he went to in Santa Barbara (where he had a section of his colon removed prior) told him & my mother he could live six more months if they operated on the brain cancer. If they didnt' operate, it would be about six weeks. Of course my parents said, "Opoerate!." After his operation, he was mostly a vegetable and died a week later. The operation cost around $250K in 1992, which would be around $520K now. They made a tidy sum and cleared the bed for another patient.

Today I have an appointment with the local facility that does colonoscopy procedures to set up my next date . I am 65 and on the 5 year plan . Depending on the results and the advice of the docs will determine how long we do this . My guess is age 70 might be my last .

A few years ago, my Dad at age 96 had a PSA of 124. They didn't want to do a biopsy on him either. So he had a "female hormone injection". One shot. Wish I knew more about that but I don't. As a result, his PSA went down to a 12 (TWELVE). He lived to be 98 and died of other causes. Look into it red-beard.

I have known too many old guys that died as a result of untreated prostrate cancer that otherwise were healthy enough to live longer. How long, no one knows. But outrunning PC is not a good idea unless you're going down the drain anyway.

Usually starts with a chronic backache. Usually that's too late. So when I was diagnosed in 2019, I said OK to radiation. Wasn't a deal at all. I've had root canals that were worse. Except for the 5 weeks that is.

A friend of mine's husband is having his prostrate removed today because it is cancerous.
He is in good health and is 60 years old without any symptoms. What I find strange is he had a blood test for his heavy equipment license and it showed up on the results.
They can detect cancer from a blood test?