Gday...

Obviously depends on the individual - fitness, outlook, health etc.

Having said that, my in-laws, he 81YO - she 82YO, have an 80series cruiser and a 19ft off-road van. Don't travel full-time but do travel for about 7 months of each year.

Live in eastern Victoria, love prospecting with detectors, annually go to Golden Triangle (Castlemaine area) Vic and north of Wiluna WA for extended stays.

I reckon they have another 5 to 10 years in them for travelling. Neither are more active, or healthty, than most their age and they just take their time.

So, if he wants to do it, doctor says no health reason not to, he handles a vehicle competently, let him get his own campervan and follow along.  Especially so if his 'partner' has passed he will get more out of life mixing with other of us 'oldies' travelling.

He will probably do some of his 'own stuff' from time to time as well.

Cheers

John

 

 

Look at Milo's Dad Stevo, I think he is in his 90's? Drives a Motorhome as well, although I think Milo would prefer to drive and does too.

Have a look at this little Hyundai Getz, has a camper bed down one side, awning, velcro around the back opening with stick on fly screening, cooking gear for outside, small gas stove and also an electric plate for powered sites.  The "Awning" was designed for a taller 4WD roof, and has suckers on one side to stick to the roof.  

I saw this at a camping spot, although I spoke to her and obtained permission to take the photo, I don't know who she is and can't ask permission to post the pic here, but I am sure she wouldn't mind. I was very impressed how inventive she was, did it all herselt too.

And she used a laptop, I passed on the GN website so she may even see this post if she has been visiting.  This was taken near Perth, and this lady had travelled all the way from Queensland in it.

 

-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 24th of July 2011 11:40:33 AM

milo wrote:

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I do most of the driving Vic, but dad likes to drive out on the high ways .. oh , my dads 88 this year!

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 Thanks for correcting that Milo, I was hoping you were around to answer Stevo's post.

88....ooops......don't tell him I said he was in his 90's   Good advice to Stevo about the GPS and radio communication too if travelling in separate vehicles....

Dad likes his independence and would not want to sleep in our van as he is a restless sleeper and likes his own space. It worked well for us on the last trip with Dad staying in cabins but it was more expensive for him that way. This is one of the reasons he would prefer to follow us so that we can still cook for him and sightsee with him in our vehicle but he would have his own 'home' so that he could have 'poppa naps' whenever he wanted too and could also do his own thing on occasions. While the family try to keep him busy most days (3 daughters and 1 son) by visiting him or having him visit us etc., he is easily bored and not interested in joining senior clubs and just loves the socialising aspect of being on the road. So I guess all we need to do is find him a campervan to suits!

Thanks HW. We have been following you trials and tribulations on this forum and are pleased that everything is finally looking up for you. Hope you and Myrtle are soon on the road again. We hope to get away in about three weeks time so it doesn't give Dad much time to find a vehicle but I always believe that things will fall into place the way they are meant to. Also hope to catch up with you someday.

STEVO wrote:

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Thanks HW. We have been following you trials and tribulations on this forum and are pleased that everything is finally looking up for you. Hope you and Myrtle are soon on the road again. We hope to get away in about three weeks time so it doesn't give Dad much time to find a vehicle but I always believe that things will fall into place the way they are meant to. Also hope to catch up with you someday.

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 Here are a few links for the Qld area Stevo, you might find one not too far from you or closer to Brisbane etc, just click on the name.  In particular check out the Frontline ones.

http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/marketplace/marketplace/motorhome_sales.php 

Someone was talking about Matilda motorhomes (not huge) they might be more suitable for your Dad or something similar, easier to get in and out of.  The High Ace type are better for use as a run around, but can be hard to get in and out of the drivers seat (back ok), the later ones have bigger wheels so the cab is a bit higher off the ground.

Go and have a look with Dad at a few and see how he goes.  Because of the limited time to departure might pay just to hire one so you have more time to look around later and won't be so rushed with the decision.  Just a thought.

 

  

Vic, that lady's configuration is a BCF produce, adapted to suit her little car. Quite easy to use and cheap to buy. Very versatile.

When I was travelling full time I assembled a medical record for all my "conditions". There was actually nothing wrong with me, but the doctors kept finding stuff for which I had to take medication.
I have a list of my medications and the dosages, any supplements I take, because they have to be compatible with the meds.
Any health issues, maybe a medi-alert bracelet could spell it all out if required when you're not present. You can't be with him all the time.
If, in your opinion he is still in control of his faculties, can use the facilities and is upright and breathing, I reckon he's fit enough.
Tell his doctor what he's up to, then plan away. I'm sure his Doctor already knows him and any conditions which might hamper your dad's progress.
Sometimes I think our children become too protective of their parents. While it's nice, and your intentions are all good, they have to give us old f.rts some credit for capabilities and experiences.
If anyone complies with the above conditions, go for it!

the other option is a campervan with bathroom, very easy to drive
ie like this

http://sydneyrvcentre.caravancampingsales.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?R=10539652&tabid=300943&__Qpb=1&Cr=14&__Ns=p_StockHasPrice_Int32|1||p_StockPrice_Decimal|0||p_StockRankSort_Int32|1&__N=1549%201552%204294965079%204294965513&render=details&silo=1701&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=120&__sid=12FA97F128A0

 

 

just as an idea..

 

 

Would her name make any difference to your memories Vic? Mmmm ..... Some of us are quite resourceful and capable.

If anyone is planning to travel, regardless of age, let them go if they are capable. Getting out and about for a day or 2, or longer, has to be good for the person.
They'd be achieving something they want to do, they'd be meeting people along the way, and not veging in a bored state of mind staring into space.
Being busy and active is very healthy.

Really good vehicle. Very easy to drive.

Yes they are really good Milo, as Chi Chi says.......

beachball57 wrote:

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just go what the hell, at 85 what have you got to loose,, get out there,, 95% of all the things you thing are going to happen never do, don't load yourself down with to many what if's

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 Yep,

       Couldn't agree more.

In our travels we have found many people in their 80's doing just that. If he is a competent driver thaen why not as you said you could take over the wheel in places that may challenge him.

Cheers Dodg.

  Way to go JB.   I hope I can still carry on with the dream when I get to your age.

Gotta get there first though don't I.

 

Hi Vic, please excuse me I'm typing on one of those iPhones as I'm still minus a pc. I have a new troopy landcruiser, the V8 one, it's new this year but a few health issues have slowed me up getting it ready, it's a ripper tho, I want to post a picture of it but I'm not geared up for that just now.

The van is a full size not poptop, it's 19 foot with bed and toot! I have it all I think or at least anything I don't have I probably left behind somewhere, it certainly beats a retirement home or trips in a mini bus. I have a friend overseas, he's 92 and still rows his boat every day and it's hard to keep pace with him I m not joking either.