Is there any way forward for me?

[Dr. Courtney]

The laws of nature are written in the language of mathematics.

Algebra, geometry, and calculus - mostly at the levels you need to progress in science.

There's an online program called ALEKS that does a great job teaching Algebra 1. Do that. Complete the pie. Use Khan Academy too, if needed.

Learning the language is the first step in your path forward.

 

[megacal]

Thank you, @Dr.Courtney

would that I had the time again to go farther than I did when I was younger.
At 75 my due date is approaching inexorably, abilities are increasingly decreasing with each moment.
I'm acutely aware of the acceleration. Each day is a gift.

I've been depending on "pop science" books & videos, wiki articles, etc, which to my chagrin,
are apparently not good sources from what I've gleaned recently here by
reading threads by others.

I agree the only way to understand things is a strong foundation in math & physics, and
mine are limited to under grad courses to fulfill a BS in microbiology.
"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak", and the sands of time are running out.

Currently I'm reading "A Universe from Nothing" by Lawrence Krauss.
Would you or anyone else have an opinion on it's source worthiness?
Or is it just another example of pop science? I don't want to spend more
time with it if it's not based on current physics understanding.

If I should ask that question in a different part of PF, please let me know.

 

[symbolipoint]

I agree the only way to understand things is a strong foundation in math & physics, and
mine are limited to under grad courses to fulfill a BS in microbiology.
"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak", and the sands of time are running out.

You describe a pessimistic but maybe realistic future for yourself. In ten more years you'll be 85; still alive or not?
How is your mind? Slipping? Any true signs or evidence of dementia?

If you could return to school, maybe a community college (to start), what kind of student might you be? If you can give the effort to study EVERYDAY, and repeat much of what you read and practice, and if this does not bother you, then maybe you have the benefit of self-discipline which many much younger students still need to learn. Where in Mathematics could you start? Do you understand and have skill with Elementary and Intermediate Algebra? Can you start there or any more advanced? Could you relearn them on your own, or do you need enrollment in those courses? College level Mathematics and Physics starts at College Algebra and Trigonometry, and first continues into "Calculus 1". Then if you are mostly interested in Physics, you would want the typical engineering Physics course series for undergraduates; tough courses, with INITIAL prerequisite of Calculus 1.

You will make no progress if you don't start and try; you would reach maybe age 85, and by then, either you tried and made progress, or did not try nor made any progress,... or maybe something in between. You might reach 85 or not; you might continue living beyond 85. Meanwhile, if you tried, and did study everyday and not afraid of repeated review, did you earn at least B's? Maybe some or many A's? You could have some tutoring in your future, as in YOU BECOME A TUTOR. Then also get some counseling advice about possible "career" planning , since something else could be possible as a job, or some kind of paid service you could do.

 

[pinball1970]

You describe a pessimistic but maybe realistic future for yourself. In ten more years you'll be 85; still alive or not?
How is your mind? Slipping? Any true signs or evidence of dementia?UOTE]

Some great minds on here
Not the best in terms of the human touch

It's not a criticism as such, if I ever needed a counselor I would employ a theoretical physicist.

 

[megacal]

@symbolipoint,

thanks for the reply.

You describe a pessimistic but maybe realistic future for yourself. In ten more years you'll be 85; still alive or not?
How is your mind? Slipping? Any true signs or evidence of dementia?

Having trouble with short term memory, but still remember passwords, account numbers,
do my own networks, fix my computers, solve technical issues, have most of my hair, all my teeth. ;)
I doubt I will make it to 80, much less 85.

But it's mostly a question of having available time vs all the things I'm doing & interested in, besides physics/cosmology/quantum mechanics.
Assuming that I even have the intellectual ability to learn the necessary math, I'd have to drop everything to do as you suggest to focus on studying, so that, if I live that long, I can say, "Aha! Now I understand the Friedman equations!".

Thankfully I made it to retirement with the love of my life, my wife, Ginger.
We have many interests, e.g. biology, wildlife, general science, together, though physics, & especially the Higgs boson, is not on her bucket list.
One thing I've learned from her is to value life...all life.

My interest in physics has been renewed in the past 5 years, but it's more casual curiosity than a
burning desire, and just don't have the time, energy, or drive to get the necessary math, etc.

We all make choices, and I don't regret mine as I wouldn't be where I am with whom I am if I had
chosen a different path.

I think my best course is to search here at PF for info, mostly listening, and occasionally asking or participating,
hopefully adding, but not arguing.

Thank you for the suggestions on job opportunities, but I wouldn't go back to work for a gazillion x a gazillion dollars or euros. =)

I wish you all well here, and hope you will continue to grow in your understanding of the universe, what it's made of, and continue to help others understand as well.

Live long & prosper. =)

ps- I do regret one thing...choosing "megacal" as a screen name. Not a wise choice.