You have him pegged! Age 87, and he wouldn't even get an annual physical until he was past age 65, and even then, once every ten years would do. We will not even discuss the rarity of dental visits... Mom's lttle break didn't last very long. Even in his prime of health, he's kept her hopping, and (remember that "We train people how to treat us" post?) she jumped to his service whenever he hollered for her. (Still does.)
The only thing tougher than an old farmer is his wife!
That's a great saying!
87 is pretty darn good. I sometimes say (and have no doubt said this to you already) "the best way to live a long and healthy life is to stay away from doctors altogether." Has your dad been mostly healthy until now? I wonder what caused the dementia. We are taught that illness is just something that happens, we have no control and can pretty much assume there is something wrong with us at all times, but I don't believe that. The natural state is healthy, healthy should be the norm. Unfortunately, illness is. Everyone has something it seems, if only chronic indigestion or headaches, which we are told are normal, and just pop an antacid or tylenol etc and you'll be fine. But those things are toxins that cause more serious illnesses down the line.