There was an experiment a few years ago, in Swindon IIRC, where everything was paid for electronically including in newsagents, pubs, corner shops etc.
I think that there will inevitably come a time when physical money disappears - cheques are set to be phased out very soon.
I'm exactly 40 years younger than you and, all being well, am maybe half-way through my life. I often wonder what awaits me - teleport, first contact, the eradication of AIDS...
Of course, some would have us believe that none of us will get past 21 December 2012... :-)