Minimum Age To Buy A Gun

Cassandra McBride, "How Old Do You Have to be to Buy a Gun: A State Guide 2026"

How old do you have to be to buy a gun?

That is a question that pops up all the time, especially by those who are in the 18 to 21 age range.

Ammo.com posted a state guide that answers that question.

They begin with:

Report Highlights: Federal law states that eligible citizens must be over 21 to purchase a handgun and over 18 to purchase a long gun; however, state laws vary regarding private purchases.

 For more details state-by-state, go here.

Cruise Ship Minimum Age Policy For Solo Bookings

Above, the pool deck of the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Spring break is just around the corner. With that, students of high school and college ages will be planning travel during the break.

When it comes to cruises, high schoolers and some college-age students face age restrictions on cruise lines, particularly for solo travelers.

That's the topic of an article from ABC News.

They begin with:

As families and young people prepare for spring break and summer travel, cruise lines' policies on the minimum age for travel from the United States have the potential to impact their plans.

For some cruise lines, 18 is the minimum age to travel solo, while others require solo travelers to be at least 21 years old, with some exceptions.

Ahead of spring break and summer travel, here is what to know about four major cruise lines' age policies.

To read further, go here. 

Why You Should Travel While You're Young

Go

Travel has always been a part of my life since I was a kid. I visited national parks throughout the western states with my parents. I also visited other U.S. cities such as Kansas City (Missouri), Detroit and Dallas as a delegates to Republican National Conventions.

I have also visited Japan eight times and took three cruises: Alaska, Cuba and the Bahamas. 

Now that I have reached 70, I am glad I traveled when I did when I was younger. 

It is recommended that people should travel while they are young as they will get more out of the experience. Traveling while one is old and retired is great, provided one is in good physical condition to do so.

Go Abroad has posted an article on why one should travel while young.

It begins with:

When it comes to traveling the world, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll have time to do it…later. And yes, waiting until you’re older to travel can mean you have time to save money for broader experiences, but it also means finding time amongst more responsibility, making it more difficult to get away and explore the world on your own terms.

There are plenty of reasons why you should travel while you’re young instead of waiting for the “perfect” time. The reality is there will always be an excuse not to travel. When you travel while you’re young, you can throw yourself in head first and learn more about yourself and what you want out of life—while you still have your whole life ahead of you.

Plus, life is short and unpredictable, and sometimes you really do just have to say “YOLO” and go for it.

Why you should travel while you’re young

Travel is truly one of the best ways to learn about yourself and the world. No matter how old you are and what parts of the world you decide to explore, there are always lessons to be learned and opportunities to shift your perspective and grow more deeply into who you are. Why not travel young and get a head start?

Traveling is life-changing at any age, but when young people travel, they discover more about who they want to be and how they want to show up in the world. What could be better than that? Here are the top reasons why traveling is important for youth. 

To read more, go here. 

What Is The Age To Gamble In Las Vegas?

Above, slot machines in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the cruise to the Bahamas, I did some gambling in the Norwegian Sky casino. I played roulette and ended up making $60.

Roulette has been my favorite table game. I first started playing it in Las Vegas at the "ripe old age" of 19. Yes, I was illegally playing as Nevada law stipulated that one must be at least 21 years old to play. Yes, teens do crazy things. I must have looked at least 21 as I was never questioned.

This got me thinking, What is the current age to gamble in Las Vegas?

Well, it is still 21.

According to Casino.com:

Now comes the real question: “How old do you have to be to gamble in Vegas?” Though it is a hedonist destination, there are rules. And like the rest of the United States, the rules dictate that all players must be at least 21 years old in order to play.

Each establishment that offers gambling has to get a license from The Nevada Gaming Commission. Whether it be for a handful of slots or a full-service casino, the same rules apply. Both the Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board fully expect license holders to adhere to the regulations and laws that have been put into place to protect the perception and integrity of the gaming industry as a whole.

Failing to adhere to those stringent rules comes with heavy penalties. Like the six-figure-fine kind of penalty. There are even some cases where an establishment can have its license revoked without measures to improve security.

For that reason, casinos and any other establishment that offers gambling is strict about the “21 or older” rule. More importantly, the casinos aren’t the only ones being governed here. Anyone caught trying to play at a casino that is underage faces penalty as well.

In Nevada, anyone gambling in a casino that is under the age of 21 faces a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. At the very least, expect to sit in a jail cell for a night and be forced to stare down expensive legal bills.

There are stories of underage gamblers who have won massive jackpots only to be forced to give them up because they were underage. Vegas staff has been trained to spot a fake, which means there is an exceptional chance of getting caught.

Some states have the same 21 years of age laws and some do allow 18-year-olds to gamble. If one is in a state where you must be 21 years old to gamble, it is best not to do it for the reasons stated above.

Why Time Flies Faster With Age (and How To Slow It Down)

Above, at Tombstone's Crystal Palace Saloon back in April.

The other day, Larry Lucier and I were musing about how fast this year has gone. I mentioned that it is hard to believe that the clampout in Tombstone, Arizona I attended was way back in April and here we are already in October.

We mentioned that it is said that time seems to go by faster as we get older.

Obviously, we weren't the only ones thinking such. It has been the subject of studies, including some of different age groups. The old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun" actually has some validity.

WebMD has an article on this that should pique one's interest. 

It begins with:

April 18, 2023 – Time can feel like a roll of toilet paper – it unrolls faster and faster the closer you get to the end. 

Psychologists and social scientists know this -- that time goes faster as we age -- but why is that so? 

It's not just an academic inquiry. Our time perception has real effects on our mental health. The feeling of time going faster is linked to anxiety, while slowing time down – through mindfulness, for example – can help us feel less stressed and more relaxed. 

The topic has drawn particular attention lately, thanks to the pandemic, when many people – more than 80%, according to a recent U.K. survey – felt time moved differently during lockdown. 

But scientists are still unraveling the mysteries of time perception. Some say it’s related to how long we have lived – a 5-year-old feels a year is long because it makes up 20% of their life. Others point to changes in the brain. A 2019 research paper suggests our ability to process visual information slows with age; we perceive fewer mental images, and time feels like it’s speeding up.

To read more (if one wants to take the time to do so), go here. 

Report: RV Demographics Are Changing

Above, Camp Okihi in Kern County, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The old stereotype of RVers is changing. Gone are the days where the dominant age group of RV purchasers were retirees. 

The age of RV purchasers is getting younger and younger.

RV Travel has posted the results of a recent industry report on who are now buying RVs.

They begin with:

The cliché stereotype of retired, snowbirding RVers is long over. Recent data from the IDS 2023 RV Industry Trends Report shines a light on some surprising changes in RV demographics amongst buyers.

The report’s findings are largely geared towards RV dealerships to help make them more aware of their buyers’ changing preferences and purchasing styles. As industry-focused as this data is, it paints an interesting picture of the current culture of RVing in the United States. Here’s what they found.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel: How Old Is Too Old To RV?

Above, the chow line at a campout of a chapter of E Clampus Vitus. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The pandemic has caused a change in demographics of people taking to the road to camp in an RV. Younger people are now seeing the benefits in traveling in their own rig or in a rental. So now people of all ages are out camping in public and private campgrounds.

The "Around the Campfire" section of RV Travel has a discussion on "How Old Is Too Old To RV?" 

They begin the discussion with:

We were a bit late joining last night’s campfire. Other campers had already gathered around the welcome warmth and were in the middle of a discussion. The topic? “How old is too old to RV?” As we joined our chairs to the circle, I took a quick glance at the other folks there. Whew! Hubby and I were safely within the age range represented: 30s through 80s. (BTW, I’m terrible at guessing ages. This was my best estimate for the ages of people gathered.)

To see more, go here. 

The Mack Truck Theory

Since this is the 26th anniversary of my 39th birthday, I figured now is a good time (if any) to prepare my will.

I found a site that I was able to craft it with specifics. So, all I have to do is to get it notarized and make it fully legal.

Prior to last July, when I had my "little" medical emergency, I probably would have put it off for a while, but after getting a little wake-up call on one's mortality, I decided to do it now. This is something that others in my age group should take action on as soon as one can. 

You never know what lies ahead!

One can get a clean bill of health and walk out of the doctor's office and, minutes later, get run over by a Mack truck.

They Will Hurt You

Former Kansas State Senator Greg Smith posted this on Facebook:

I then shared it and then received this response from Nancy Martin Collins:

Or, they will see you in TV court!! ;)

Nancy remembers!

Actually, I'm not really this old. They just switched babies at the hospital.

UPDATE (2025): The ex has recently gotten married. Not to a guy, but to another woman. It explains a few things actually.

Age and the Changing Concept of Camping

Above, The Beast at the Elk City (Oklahoma) KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back when I was a kid, camping meant pitching a tent and unrolling a sleeping bag inside that, hopefully, doesn't have a pebble underneath that will feel like a boulder if I should try to sleep on it.

Today, after celebrating the 25th anniversary of my 39th birthday (thank you Ronald Reagan) earlier this month, I prefer to camp in a lot more comfort.

Over the couse of years, I went from tent camping to a tent trailer. Then, from the tent trailer to a micro-mini Class C motorhome to the present Class C.

This must correlate to one's age as I see that I am not alone in this.

"Mr. Outdoors" at Kitsap Sun has an article on "The Definition of Camping Changes As We Age".

He begins it with:

Almost subconsciously, my concept of "camping" has changed over the years. 

I used to think it was all about tents and campfires and S'mores. I once considered bribing a youngster to buy marshmallows, Hershey bars and graham crackers for me because I was too sophisticated as an adult camper to buy them for myself. 

Today, I tend to regard camping as finding a big enough spot to park the Navion IQ. The campsite must provide WiFi and a clear view of the southern sky for satellite TV. 

Every now and then -- more often then, these days -- we pack up the big REI car-camping tent, Coleman stove and lantern, and visit Sol Duc Hot Springs or Dosewallips State Park for an old-time camping experience. More often than not, our adventure ends with soggy sleeping bags and questions like "What in the (expletive deleted) were we thinking?"

To read more, go here.

Discounts Seniors Didn’t Know They Could Get

Above, Lower Yellowstone Fall. The lifetime senior park pass is number 16 on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many of us baby boomers have entered or nearing "geezerhood" (becoming a senior citizen). With that, and relying upon retirement savings and Social Security, money is limited. 

We know about senior discounts at restaurants, but there's more money-saving benefits seniors can get access to.

Life'd has posted a list of 19 discounts that many seniors didn't know they can get.

They begin with:

There are many special discounts that are available to seniors. Retirees are offered discounts at most retailers, restaurants, parks, on public transport and at hotels. But you won’t get these discounts unless YOU ASK for them. 

Simply ask the question, “Do you offer a senior discount?” and see how much you can save. You’ll be able to save money every time you find yourself reaching for your wallet or purse. Here is a list of 19 discounts seniors get only if they know to ask about them in 2018. Not only can you read about them here, you can click the links provided if you want to take advantage of these special discounts.

To read more, go here. 

How To Stay Young

I saw this today:

HOW TO STAY YOUNG


1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's family name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.


AND, ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

And, if you don't send this to at least 8 people - who cares? But do share this with someone. We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally used up and worn out, shouting

'...man, what a ride!'

Any Regrets On Early Retirement?

Above, yours truly at Yosemite National Park. 

Over at the iRV2 Forum, the topic of "Do you regret taking Social Security benefits early?" (i.e., retiring early) came up.

Within 48 hours, over 11 pages of comments accumulated (it is at 16 pages at this writing). Each person's response was interesting to read. The majority of the the responses (who took early retirement at 62 as I did) had no regrets doing so.

My response was as follows:

I retired early at 62 and began collecting. Several things told me the time was right. 

1. Age discrimination in the field of work I was in following the Great Recession. Stuck with lower-paying jobs. 

2. My parents died in their 70s. I may live longer than them, but you never know. 

3. Have good investments, so I don't have to rely solely on S.S. 

4. In great health and just tired of working. 

5. Wanted to travel. 

No regrets!

Each person's situation is different. Some people may be in good health now, but who knows if "the big one" hits and there goes all the money they put into Social Security (if they're not married). It is a crap shoot where people are betting that they will remain healthy for years beyond their full retirement age. They may, or they may not.

One response told the story of how one fellow retired at 65 and had his first Social Security check in his pocket while he was trimming his yard. While trimming his yard, he had a massive coronary and died. At least his widow can draw from his benefits.

I have a friend who is my age and is still working. She is frequently getting ill, which I attribute to job-related stress (hers is a high-stress position). I fear that the job is going to put her into an early grave and I tell her that the money is not worth ruining her health. But, one can only advise (or nag) someone to a certain extent, before it become annoying, as the decision ultimately rests with that other person.

As I said on the forum, for myself, I have no regrets. Just some food for thought for you "fellow geezers".

Free Speech and "Elderly"

Above, another reason to despise the United Nations.

A German woman was fined for liking a post on Facebook that was anti-immigrant.

It appears that Germans don't have free speech rights, even on Facebook.

Heatstreet wrote:

An elderly German woman was fined 1,350 euros for sharing and liking an anti-migrant joke on Facebook. 

The 62-year old woman, who lives in Berlin, has been identified as Jutta B. She had her home raided and was arrested by police for the ‘crime’ of sharing an image on Facebook captioned “Do you have anything against refugees?” 

The image, which was deemed offensive by the court, included answers such as “Yes, machine guns and hand grenades” and was shared by more than 500 people. One person who also shared the picture reported the elderly woman to the police.

Wouldn't our liberals love to be able to have Facebook posts they don't like have people prosecuted and fined? Thank goodness we have free speech protections.

But there's one thing that is, uh, offensive about the article. Note that the German woman is referred to as "elderly". She's only 62 years old! That's elderly?!

My "honorary sister" sent me the article and I made mention that the woman was our age. She noticed that as well and is "duly offended".

To read more, go here. 

Baby Boomer Divorce Leading To Financial Woes

Above, the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, the oldest building on the Las Vegas Strip. Wikipedia photo.

After looking at an article that MarketWatch posted about the steep rise in baby boomer divorces, I guess I am lucky (all things considered).

My ex-wife and I split up 24 years ago and finally finalized our divorce three years ago. It is my understanding that she has remarried (she didn't exactly invite me to the wedding), so she's someone else's problem.

It is interesting to read about late-in-life or "gray" divorces.

According to MarketWatch:

Looking ahead to the next phase of life can seem pretty dreadful if you can’t stand the person who you’ll be spending it with. 

That may be what some boomers are facing. Among U.S. adults ages 50 and older, the divorce rate has roughly doubled since the 1990s, according to a recent Pew Research Center report. 

Statistically speaking we’re healthier and probably going to be living a lot longer — possibly 30 years longer — than average retirees once did. The surge in late-in-life — or “gray” — divorce is one possibly unintended consequence of this so-called longevity bonus.

Since I am financially secure and am in good health (knock on wood), I feel rather fortunate. It is funny to remember years ago that while at a friend's house we heard a wedding caravan of cars pass by. To that, he said, "Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap?" Based on the statistics, maybe there's some truth to that.

To read more, go here.

Grandfathering

When I paid my former roomie Jessica a visit yesterday at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, her young nurse asked me if I were Jessica's grandfather. This sent Jessica into hysterics (this was good as I hadn't heard her laugh so hard in a long time) over that.

The nurse was also a bit dingy. She couldn't understand when she asked my age when I said I am celebrating the 24th anniversary of my 39th birthday that day. I told her I got that from the hospital's namesake, Ronald Reagan.

It was because my newly-grown goatee that was almost all white (my beard started turning grey about 20 or so years ago). It would be quite a trick for me to be Jes's grandfather since she's three months shy of 37.

That did it! I decided to color the grey out and I did so this morning.

All things considered, I guess grey hair is better than no hair. Why look older than I have to?

[Just got word that Jes is back home.]

Growing Old Challenges

It has been a little over a year since I retired. Do I regret doing so? Absolutely not!

Using my parents as examples, I saw that they did not have much in the way of "golden" retirement years due to health issues, so I figured that I'd best retire while still in excellent health.

This topic came up in a RV forum I belong do.

A couple of quotes hit home (or they should):

We sacrifice our health when we are young for money, then spend that money on our health when we get older.

And:

Getting old is like frying bacon naked, you know it's gonna hurt but you are never sure where!

Transposed Numbers

Above, in Atami, Japan last year. 

It suddenly occurred to me that next month Denise and I will be the same age.

How? (You may ask.)

It's simple! My age number was transposed. So we'll both be 26.

One friend (who is considering dating 30-somethings), when I told him this, said:

I like the transposed numbers. Don't work well with me...I'm 57....so 75 lol

C'est la vie! 

One In Four Japanese Are Over 65

Above, a shopping mall in Atami. 25.1% of Japanese are over 65. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's population continues to age and the birthrate is way down.

The Wall Street Journal posted an interesting statistic on where Japan's aging population currently stands:

Travel agents and theme park operators beware! A record percentage of Japanese is now eligible for senior discounts. 

For the first time ever, one in four of Japan’s 127 million people is older than 65, according to statistics released Tuesday. The precise figure was 25.1%, as of Oct. 1.

To read more, go here.

Additionally, the working population of Japan is down. According to the Jiji Press:

The working-age population between 15 and 64 totaled 79.01 million, falling below 80 million for the first time in 32 years.

Job Searching After 50

Finding a job in today's economy is tough enough.  But if you're over 50 years old, you will discover that finding a job will be even tougher.  (Believe me, I know.)

PrimeCB.com (a division of CareerBuilder.com) has some advice for those of you over 50 and are out hitting the pavement looking for a job.

They start it with:

There’s no question that job searching gets harder after the age of 50. Although age discrimination is illegal, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Many employers have preconceived notions about older workers. Among the most common: Their salaries are high, their energy is low and they’re not up-to-date on the latest technologies.

As the old saying goes, hope this helps!

To read more, go here.