Roller Redux or how to travel and stay young

Maybe you could travel with a male servant like the British aristocracy used to when doing the Grand Tour. He could handle all the luggage, even a steamer trunk, and feed and walk the dog. For his own stuff the servant should use a backpack, of course.

Arthur,
I would submit to you the counterpoint of:

Perhaps there are other, more important factors that determine what makes someone a "healthy older person" vs. one of the "least health older people" (as you say).

It is pretty widely acknowledged that the Mediterranean diet and also much of the typical Asian diet is more healthy than what mass-market (especially with the broad-based generalization of lower income) Americans may eat. Diet/exercise attribute greatly to how healthy one may be, regardless of what nationality.

There are parts of Europe (I'm guessing UK) where BMI may be much closer to the typical US BMI, but that is just a guess on my part. With increased wealth in China, I've read that the younger population has an increased BMI.

But, I think you need more data points before you can draw a conclusion that using a rollaboard vs. a backpack is indicative that someone has "given up" and (as you say) "that's when you've taken the final plunge into true decrepitude and Old Codger-hood."

Could it be that persons who have chosen to use scooters or other assistance devices that you might see out and about are just that "out and about," trying to live as independently as possible. I see many older Americans (some with assistance devices) when I travel, who may take a little longer to arrive at their destinations or who may take a little longer entering or exiting transportation, and when they apologize, I simply smile and tell them how inspiring they are to me: They are still living every ounce of life and still going. If someone can make that choice, power to them.....sure beats sitting at home miserable being that sour person that no one calls, no one comes to visit because they may have lost their zest/joy for life.

Let's be careful not to judge.

Genetics also factor into one's health. But, yes, there are choices every single person can make every single day that can also impact his/her health.....food choices, exercise choices, lifestyle choices, attitude choices...........BUT don't be too hard on those who may have made mostly good choices, but the genetics are just against them. I wish you many years of the ability to haul your backpack and keep going. There are many people who would love to trade places with you, and many of those people may have been doing exactly what you are doing as recently as five years ago. Situations change, and I sincerely hope you never have to experience a negative physical situation. But, please use caution judging others or drawing conclusions solely based on what kind of luggage they use.

I also hope that IF the time comes that you need an assistance device to still go out and about, that you won't be so proud as to not use it....that you won't become a sour old guy who is too proud to stay out and about enjoying life to the fullest that is possible WITH the assistance available.......THAT would be unhealthy, and THAT would be giving up.

There are people in life that "collect people," and those that wonder where everyone went. My 87-year old neighbors are good examples of people who "collect people ." After living full, active lives and many travels, they just can't do it any more. They get out and about slowly and with assistance devices. When they physically can't get out, they are overwhelmed with food and good deeds that come their way. I tell them they have planted their garden, tended their garden, and now they can enjoy the harvest of the relationships they have developed with others. They have not (as you say) "taken the final plunge into true decrepitude and Old Codger-hood." They are still living, contributing and enjoying life, and we all love having them around. Every time we travel, they can't wait to hear about our travels, smiling as they recall their many travels. They are living contributing and joyful lives.

More data points are needed.....caution in making broad-based conclusions without full information.

Why can't Jake carry his own backpack???? (Smile.) And, is Mister Pig really necessary, or would Lee think Jake is just overpacking? (Smile).

Could it be that the tongue-in-cheek part of my post was missed completely? The steamer trunks? Seriously? The picture I had in my mind was that of Greta Garbo sitting on a mountain of luggage on the deck of one of the iconic Ocean Liners.

Could it be that my framing of this issue as the battle we ALL face at one time or another and must confront was also missed?

Maybe I am such a poor writer that I missed getting this across. That is my fault.

There are certainly those that truly need the scooters and such devices. Those were clearly not the folks I was referring to here and so I apologize if you misunderstood me.

As for my data points...if 47+ years of traveling the world isnt enough I don't know what it would take.

And yes Mr Pig is necessary. He weighs all of a few ounces but gives TONS of pleasure and security to my best friend. So I will carry him. Gladly.

As for Jake's personal luggage I have devised a harness and Roller combo for him. :) (next I will hear from PETA)

So please take this as a clarification.

Is it possible for Jake to carry his own backpack? We have Rottweilers and when we go camping or on hiking trips they have their own backpacks and carry their own food, water, collapsible bowls and favorite chew toys. I know the packs we use are nicely padded with good thick straps and can quickly be released if needed for safety. They do come in a variety of sizes but not sure if this will work for you if your dog is very small. Have a great trip!

For my part, your mention of a steamer trunk was meant as seriously as my suggestion of an accompanying male servant. While I am here, thank you, Maggie. Thank you for your eloquence. and good heart.

Maggie is right: Jake can carry his own, but I think he'd prefer pulling a roller bag.

Yes, attempted humor is a dangerous thing in a forum like this without non-verbal cues.

I actually liked your idea of the male servant...I started a google search immediately. Trouble is Jake doesnt take easily to strangers.

But I did take your post pretty literally, I usually re-read a post a couple of times to make sure I get the intended tone...It seems my reading skills are right up there with my writing today...

Well, it's early in the day. Maybe your skills will improve as the day goes on. A glass of wine in late afternoon usually helps me.

Carrying a backpack instead of using a roller bag has nothing to do with aging well. Those European and Asian octogenarians you see are healthy into old age because they walk a lot, not because they shun roller bags when they travel.

I will highly recommend a book on this subject, titled “ Younger next Year”.

https://www.amazon.com/Younger-Next-Year-Strong-Beyond/dp/076114773X

There is a version for men and one for woman. Either one will motivate you to get moving, at whatever level you can manage. The suggestions in this book have served my husband and me very well in terms of fitness as well as quality of life our 70’s. And there is nothing negative in there about roller bags.

I hear what you're saying...if you don't use your muscles and challenge them a bit, they atrophy...and once you give in, you're toast and you make all sorts of excuses why you can't/ won't do something. I think there may be legitimate reasons why someone at an advanced age (or not) cannot/ should not carry a bunch of crap on their back, but just about anyone can get up and simply move their body instead of driving everywhere. Not having a car and being forced to walk surely improves health. The millions of folks who walk up and down the stairs in the NYC subway system day-in, day-out have more stamina than anyone else I know (except the bicyclists in Colorado, who are amazingly toned and in shape). Here's to forestalling the "final plunge into true decrepitude and Old Codger-hood" for as long as possible!

How in the world is using a roller bag “giving in”? Giving in to what???? In my experience, 90 percent of the people moving through an airport are using wheelies, either spinners or the 2 wheel kind. These people range in age from 6 years to 80, but most are in their 30’s and 40’s from what I see. Business travelers, etc.

Most people choose to use a roller bag for reasons that have nothing to do with physical condition or ability. I am young enough that I do not worry about “Codgerhood” but I do think about convenience and, to be honest, style. I am not a “backpacker” in lifestyle but I am strong and fit, and I doubt anyone seeing me at the airport passes negative judgment because of my rollerbag.

So why does this have to be an argument?

Maggie, you are awesome!
Aarthur, I'm glad to see that your post was made in jest, but without at least a few smiley face icons it's often hard to tell the serious from the humorous.
Happy trails to all, however you transport your stuff!

My Goodness. Let me try to clarify again. I think some may need to go back and re-read what I actually wrote.

How in the world is using a roller bag “giving in”? Giving in to what???? In my experience, 90 percent of the people moving through an airport are using wheelies, either spinners or the 2 wheel kind.

My point was this: It is about how the Backpack vs the Roller makes me FEEL. Re read my post again. And I firmly believe that the longer one staves off the easy conveniences of parking close, golf carts and such and instead walks and moves and carries the healthier and better off you will be. I made NO judgement of those that use them.

Carrying a backpack instead of using a roller bag has nothing to do with aging well. Those European and Asian octogenarians you see are healthy into old age because they walk a lot, not because they shun roller bags when they travel.

See Above. and just to add. I think it does have something to do with aging well. And I think I made my point about walking. In fact that really was the gist of the whole thing. But also Use your muscles for as long as you can as much as you can. And in fact most of those Asian and European folks I spoke of are carrying groceries, produce, children (grand children) and all sorts of things.

So why does this have to be an argument?

I wasn't aware that it was....? There is, inherent in the digital world of communication, a "Tonal Dissonance" that rears it's ugly head every so often and I do believe that is what happened here.

To AGNES! You got it . You understood. Thanks for putting it so well. Boy I needed all the help I could get on this one. :)

A.Arthur,
At times like this, you can only do one thing:

Ask Jake if you can borrow Mister Pig.......as an "emotional support" animal/device/whatever.
(Intended to add humor, not open the debate of what is/isn't an emotional support animal on this forum).

Peace..........................

When I am out and about on a trip in Europe with the luggage at the hotel/Pension, etc, I don't use a day pack or anything that resembles one, never have. Bottom line is I don't carry anything on my back or shoulders....don't need one.

Nothing wrong with steamer trunks

Maggie, loved your first, and subsequent, posts and your humor.

aarthur, thanks for the clarification because I thought you were serious too... we do get similar serious ones from time to time.

And the continued misunderstanding after your clarification post shows there are people that respond without reading all the comments.

You could get 3 friends for Jake, and then rig up a dog sleigh rig. Then Jake could carry his stuff and also your steamer trunk, and as long as you stood at the rear, could carry you when you feel like an old codger.

I'm sure that I saw a battery powered espresso machine on Amazon. Could you rig that up on top of the steamer trunk so you could have hot beverages as the dogs carried you from place to place? Such luxury. You wouldn't feel old at all.

I am 70 and very active. Until three years ago, I did the 400 mile in a week Bike Ride Across Georgia and 6 years ago did a 100 mile ride.
I have back trouble these days and walk 3.2 miles every other day.
Dear Wife and I have been to 72 countries and love travel, but we are well past the backpacking stage. We enjoy cruising as well as land trips. We like B&Bs a lot, no hostels.

How will you manage staying in the EU for five months? I don't suppose you will visit the UK with a dog. Also, don't imagine you will visit any museums with a dog?

When we visited Santiago de Compostela in Galacia, Spain, we learned about the pilgrims that hike there from all over Europe. Check out the many hiking trails.

Thanks to all of those who posted and especially to those that got what i was saying.

I am a bit sad however that the real underlying thrust of what I was trying to get at hasn't been discussed too much. I was hoping the post would spur more comments on the gap between how one PERCEIVES ones age vs the reality and what the future holds for traveling as one gets older. Also how people deal with the physical challenges of aging while traveling and what that means for the choices one makes.

But thanks again for all the replys.

So I guess, according to the OP, to cure all the world's health problems we should ban all rolling bags and anything too large to fit on your back.

Because, let's face it, that average 2-3 week trip most people take will make or break your lifelong health depending on what type of bag you take on vacation. :)

I got your points but maybe because that is how my mind works. Sometimes, the forums get a little too intense (for lack of a better word for me). Having said that, I will probably get some remarks. However, let me just point out that I am sooooo jealous of 5 months in Europe. Please keep us posted of the trip and how Jake is doing (my real concern). He may need a baby stroller that I see in South Florida malls with dogs not babies in them. If you take one of those strollers, you could put Jake in it along with Mister Pig and place your luggage underneath. I just solved ALL the problems of the world, right?! Have a great trip and what is your itinerary so I can dream.

Back issues are screwy things that can come up at any age. I was a college shot putter who messed up my back at age 21 with an overuse injury (throwing involves a lot of twisting) and spent a good decade trying to avoid the next round of pain from coming up. It was (and still is to some degree) also easier for me to run 5-10 mines without back pain than do a walking hike of the same distance- my theory is that running engages core muscles better and it stabilizes the torso in a way that only walking does not.

I've worked my way up to a fairly beefy day pack over the years but still wouldn't do backpack-only for a trip because my interest in local cultures and shopping does not extend to figuring out what is the most powerful painkiller I can buy fro ma local chemist without a prescription.

To Nancy and all others too... Jake is now 8 years old and can still run 40 MPH for quite some distance. He has actually passed me when I was driving that fast. He is in great shape. If you would like to see a great photo of Jake there is one on the web. Jake has also flown before, a trans pacific flight lasting a total of 24 hours and Landing in Seattle. He (and I) did have a short stopover in Taiwan. He was very glad to get out of his carrier in Seattle though. So I think the relative short flight from Washington DC to Paris will be a no-brainer for him.

And of course he is excited to meet REAL French Poodles.

I will PM you with the www address for that pic. It is a Travel Blog I am Currently building for the Europe trip and I have a "shell" published and up on the web. Do let me know what you think.

OP, don't give up your day job. You'd starve if you tried to make it as a comedian.

And go ahead and call me a Codger. Ask me if I care. Although I'm well below 70, a knee replacement and advanced degenerative arthritis in my spine means I have to use a roller, whether I like it or not. And I like it. Your assertion that one's choice of luggage depends on how lazy one is is simplistic at best, and insulting at worst. My neighbour is a senior triathlete. Want to guess what kind of luggage he uses when he goes on vacation? Nope, NOT a backpack.

I may be a Codger by your definition, but I was still able to spend a month hobbling through 4 countries in Europe and will be hobbling through 9 countries in the Middle East and SEAsia next winter. With my roller at my side. Long live the Codgers of the world.

You can put all the smiley emojis you want on it, but to make a blanket statement like the "healthiest people you see are Asians and Europeans because they walk and carry things" comes across as a thinly veiled insult that no North Americans ever do this, when the reality is it depends where you live in the U.S. I've always lived in major metropolitan areas. Because of this, I don't even own a car. I walk or I take public transit if it's simply too far to walk or the weather is really bad. I carry my laptop bag on my back and after work some nights I have to stop off at the grocery store and then I'm carrying the laptop and a bag of groceries in each hand. This lifestyle isn't possible for someone who lives out in the middle of Kansas where they may have to get into the car to drive miles just to get a quart of milk.

For the record, when I travel I use a backpack - but not because I feel it makes me "younger, healthier". I do it because I like having both hands free (all the easier for me to light a cigarette!). Also, it's just easier to travel across cobblestones or uneven brick sidewalks and streets if I'm not dragging a roller bag. Plus, if I am booked at a place to stay that has no elevator, the backpack makes it easier for me to climb the stairs with my stuff strapped to my back vs. dragging my roller bag up a couple flights of stairs.

I did a year around the world, too. Did I do it like you and use just a day pack and buy my clothing as I went along? Absolutely not. It wasn't practical for me (how many Nordstrom's or TJ Maxx's is one likely to find on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track?). It also wasn't a wise choice for me to deplete my budget by buying new stuff along the way. I kept all my belongings for that year in one single pack, but it was significantly larger than a day pack. Does that make me "younger, healthier" because I was walking and carrying more things than someone with just a day pack? How healthy one is often has more to do with genetics. I work with one of my closest friends. Each year our company pays for us to have full biometric screenings and complete annual physicals. I smoke, I eat red meat, I love carbs and things made with white sugar. Aside from yoga and walking because I don't own a car, I almost never work out. She's vegan, non-smoker, has completed numerous Ironman Triathlons. Yet each year, guess who has the stellar lab results? Genetics plays a big part.

So if you get flamed a little for your post, maybe you'll take away the lesson "you do you" and will realize what works for you may not work for everyone. More importantly, what works now at this stage of one's life may not necessarily work at a future point in time. I'm fully prepared to accept that at some point I may start to prefer to use a rolling bag. Who knows...it could even be my next trip to Europe. With people claiming everything from peacocks to ducks or boa constrictors as "emotional support animals", to get them on a plane, maybe I'm going to have to start claiming I need to bring my cat with me. He's not even as high maintenance as Jake - he sleeps on the bed with us and a laser pointer is enough to keep him entertained. After all, he should see Europe - and what better way for him to do that than strapped to me in this: http://u-pet.co/

But I'm going to have to strap him to my front so I can continue to carry my luggage on my back because if I switch to a rolling carry-on then it's "too conspicuous" - because having a cat strapped to me won't draw any attention whatsoever...

Three cheers for Maggie, CJean, and Ceidleh for their eloquent statements.

I am sorry that Arthur is “sad” that this discussion did not turn out as he hoped, and that some of us did not “get it”, but as I see it, the invitation to discussion was not genuine. The stated premise was that using a roller bag instead of a backpack was “the first step” towards codgerhood aka decrepitude. I stated that using a roller bag instead of a backpack has nothing do do with aging well, and offered a citation to a book that presents good ideas for aging well ( aka avoiding codgerhood). Instead of considering that, the OP countered by saying it (using a travel backpack) does have “something” to do with it ( aging well). In my mind, that ended the discussion, as there was no give and take or willingness on his part to exchange ideas.

Then I tried to write a post explaining why, to me, using a travel backpack has nothing do do with fitness into old age. Basically, the extra muscle use involved in carrying a travel backpack over that expended in pulling a roller bag ( and carrying it up and down stairs) is insignificant in the context of what I and many others in our 70,’s do for exercise every day as well as on vacation. Talking here of strenuous hikes ( with a heavy backpack), working out at the gym, participating in active sports, and other activities. In the context of this level of activity, there is no way the use of a roller bag when traveling can be deemed the first step down the slippery slope to decrepitude. That was the gist of it, but everything I wrote sounded smug and arrogant, so I deleted it all.

What i really want to say is that I and others of similar fitness at age 70+ are very fortunate. We have avoided ( or overcome) the debilitating illnesses and injuries that for many of my friends (and many here) preclude physical activity. Call it good genes or simply the luck of the draw, but I wake up every morning thankful that (a) I am still alive, (b) I survived childhood polio, adult cancer, and some accidents that could have killed me or left me disabled for life, and (c) I am surrounded by friends and family who enjoy an active life as much as I do.

In addition to that daily gratitude, I am humbled by the thought that it could easily have been different, and I feel a great deal of empathy for people who have not been as fortunate. So I do not pass judgment on people who must follow a different path, maybe using a walker, cane, motor scooter, or (gasp) even a roller bag, due to wornout joints, back injury, or whatever.

So this came up because your role model for staying young into old age is an 80-year-old man who travels with a backpack. Let me tell you about our role models for aging well and avoiding codgerhood. Mine is a friend who is 83, who despite crippling rheumatoid arthritis in her hands, still happily skis the double black diamond slopes, mountain bikes with her granddaughter, and competes at the national level in the sport of sprint kayaking. I have gone out backcountry skiing with her but cannot keep up.

My husband’s model is his former college swim coach, who in his 80’s still competes in triathlons and wins not only his age group but every other one down to the men twenty years younger. And he still looks about 58.

These people and others in our circle of family and friends are an inspiration to us both to stay active. But we are both acutely aware that it could all change in a heartbeat. The swim coach’s wife has a metastatic cancer; my rock star friend’s husband had a fall from a ladder that left him with such back pain he cannot travel to the kayak meets with her. As the old Willie Nelson song says, “ Nothing lasts forever, but old Fords and natural stone.” So go ahead and carry that backpack if it helps you feel younger. But don’t judge those who need a little help, in whatever form that takes. At least they are still traveling.
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I cant help but smile when I read the last few replies to my post. It seems that I have inadvertently upset the karmic balance of the "Happy Traveler" vibe that is rumored to inhabit this forum and is usually so prevalent here. This was certainly not my intention as I really enjoy that aspect of this digital space.

To find myself misquoted to such a degree and my words and meaning so blatantly misstated is a bit curious to me.
I think there are some that no matter what is actually written on the page will interpret it as a personal challenge and affront. This is unfortunate as it completely misses the point.

I was accused of being "judgemental" of those that NEED help in moving around. This is absurd. Any careful reading, in fact any skim reading of my post shows that I was clearly referring to those that take up Golf carts and store scooters simply because they don't want to walk so far. Here is actually what I wrote:

... when you buy a golf cart to drive down your driveway to get your mail, once you decide you need a handicap sticker for your car just because you don't want to walk so far that's when you've taken the final plunge into true decrepitude and Old Codger-hood.

Here is what I actually said about Rollers:

But I sure do see the attraction to those rollers.

... I have also used a small carry on Roller from time to time.

I also seemed to take a lot of critical comments for stating what to me is clearly obvious: That Americans of 50 + are generally less healthy and mobile than their counterparts in Europe and Asia. There are so many studies out there that back this up that it's redundant to repeat it here. But it seems sadly necessary.

From a study by the CDC: Recent evidence indicates that the prevalence of chronic diseases in old age is higher in the United States than in Europe (Banks et al. 2006; Crimmins et al. 2010b; Thorpe et al. 2007). Americans have also been shown to have lower life expectancy at age 50 than those of most European countries, with the gap growing over time (Glei et al. 2010).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441205/

I regret that some read into my post ideas and conclusions that clearly were not there and were offended by what they thought I was saying. My post was about how the Roller vs Backpack debate and use makes ME feel. It was never about what anyone else should or should not do. Nothing about it was about those that truly need help. And my citing of the 80 year-old gentleman was not intended to start a sort of schoolyard verbal pushing match over who's Role Model for travel/health/aging is better.

It seems that some see almost every post as a challenge to their personal values and ideas. They latch on to a single line or two and create an entire argument around what is a false initial reading or conclusion.

To me its important to approach every post with an open mind and few preconceptions, to welcome other points of view other than ones own. I enjoy it when I read something that makes me think or makes me reconsider my own ideas. For the most part this is what I find here on this forum.

My attempt to highlight what is a serious subject, that of aging and traveling and how to keep going longer by using the Roller vs Backpack debate as a hook to hang that message on, while doing so with just a bit of tongue in cheek metaphor was clearly lost on some. And for that I am regretful.

To the OP: I understood your point completely, but unfortunately you've dug yourself into a hole and it's impossible to get out now. It's the way you juxtaposed things in your post that made it all too easy to pick some aspects of it apart (too many inferences to draw that didn't have tight support for them). For one thing, it was odd that you used an older backpacker as a yardstick to compare against people who travel (let's say) more comfortably using a different method. That in itself shows some really squishy reasoning...by definition, backpackers who travel for long periods are a highly self-selected group of people who may not fit the profile of an average traveler in terms of health, age, etc. An 80-year old backpacker is even more of a self-selection problem. And then there's the fact that he was traveling in Asia, of which many parts are nowhere as developed as Europe (so a rolling bag would simply not be functional in some areas, or a good choice). Then there was the stretch assumption/ correlation between rollers and health. Too many confounding variables there as well - as well as no direct causal link between certain luggage and one's health. I don't think many people could argue with a simpler argument simply about exercising your muscles so they don't atrophy, but you took it to a step where your argument was just too easy to tear apart. For example, some groups of people may very well be well advised not to carry something on their backs for fear of injury, thereby worsening their health. Also, if you are older and have a choice - why not reserve your back for when you can't use a roller and maximize the roller use in places in the world where there is solid, flat pavement and a roller makes sense? In many developing countries, using a roller would be impractical and would look downright weird (places that have major potholes or off-the-grid places). I'd personally rather save my back for those instances, while making my life somewhat easier in well-developed places with good infrastructure for a roller. Pulling a two-wheeler definitely works my muscles because they're sore afterwards (and I have to lift the thing over my head on the plane as well). There are many ways to stay healthy and I would say that a roller is probably a marginal variable...not totally insignificant, but not the "end-all" either. I hope that makes some sense.

Having said all that, to get to the crux of your post, I am definitely thinking ahead and trying to do all the strenuous physically active hiking trekking trips (not to Europe though) right now while my body is still relatively young and fit. I know this won't always be the case. I definitely want to push my body as hard as I can, while I can (caveat: I can do that at age 45).

PS. How much does Jake weigh, and how tall is he? He's a standard poodle? It's great to hear someone traveling with their beloved pet!

Arthur,
As you wonder why so many may have (as you say) misinterpreted your intentions, but since you pulled out the following line for clarification, I'll respond a bit:

" ... when you buy a golf cart to drive down your driveway to get your mail, once you decide you need a handicap sticker for your car just because you don't want to walk so far that's when you've taken the final plunge into true decrepitude and Old Codger-hood."

I don't know about all states, but in Tennessee, one must have a medical doctor sign off on the need for a Disability (or as you say Handicap) Sticker. They just don't give them out willy-nilly because, as you way, "someone decides they don't want to walk so far." Typically is because they either CAN'T walk that far (thereby deciding they don't want to try anymore, as they may have fallen before) or it causes a risk or pain to do so. So, that is one reason some readers may have been offended by your assumption that laziness alone might be why people have sought such...................or decided to use a rollaboard suitcase.

It takes an open mind to accept feedback, and not all feedback is accurate. So process what some of us have written and accept or reject, as you deem appropriate.

Sounds like you or someone close to you has not experienced some of these needs. Like I said before, I sincerely hope you never do.

And, even though you admit to having used a rollaboard before, your attempt at humor all but tells those who use them regularly that you think they are a step from the grave and have given up (even though I clearly realize those were not your exact words, and you claim not your intention).

But, if I were to post something like: I am worried because I am frequenting a travel forum, and I worry that I will turn into an idiot because people who frequent travel forums are lazy idiots.............why don't they just show up in a country and figure it all out for themselves......I saw an 80-year old from Asia do just that........and I find more Americans on this site than other nationalities....why are they so lazy? But, I'm struggling, I really need more information on an upcoming trip, but I don't want to admit I'm an idiot. Well, you get the picture. If I later posted: Remember I was just worried about myself, and it was an attempt at humor on my part.....uhm, uhm.......back stroke, back stroke...........Arthur, I think you get what I am trying to say.

Safe and fun travels to you, and wishes for many happy, physically-able years ahead for you.

If I were you (but I'm not) I would delete the thread and press on....................rather than leave it out in cyberspace forever.

I was telling my husband about this thread last night. I rarely talk to him about postings on the Forum or even the fact that I hang out here sometimes. You should have seen his face as he listened (this side-ways cocked confused look, like a confused dog look.....likely you've seen Jake the dog do that), and he declared: That is the strangest thing I have ever heard!!!!????!!!! Granted, things can get lost in the translation, but I think I lost him totally when I started explaining Mister Pig......LOL!!!!

Agnes was typing as I was...just read her post. Well stated!!

Well, I guess I was guilty of " blatant misstatement" when I paraphrased your "taking the final plunge into decrepitude" statement as "giving in". Sorry.

But doesn't it tell you something that so many didn't "get it" ( your actual words, although you used it in the affirmative and past tense, like praising those who "got it")? Or took offense? BTW, thanking people who "got it" and blaming with those who didn't for misreading just makes it worse.

I say Agnes explained it very well.

I almost always travel to Europe with a backpack because it feels easier to me when traveling between destinations. I feel less weighed down navigating public transit. Also, I can usually stuff it under the seat in front of me on the plane if there is no overhead space.

However, I seldom use a backpack when traveling within the U.S. I think it's because I'm almost always driving a car.

Please do not delete this Post! It is very interesting and useful to see the different points of view.

Don't worry Sasha, I wrote it. I own it. I stand by it.

To the others that have posted; Thank You. I do take your points. And I am flattered that I wrote something that at least makes some think and talk about it (even if it may not be flattering to me or confounding to some) and leave such long and thoughtful responses, of which I read every word.

And yes I could have written it in many ways. But i wrote it the way I see it. If we all love to travel as much as I do and have done for more than 47 years than these questions must be asked. We all who are in our 60's 70's and 80's and still traveling have to ponder how best to keep ourselves going for as long as possible. If shunning the Roller makes your mental attitude younger despite some physical discomfort it might be worth it. On the other hand if going to a Roller so you can keep traveling is your case. That is exactly what you should do.