joe
Trail Wise!
Posts: 39 
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Post by joe on Apr 16, 2017 12:23:55 GMT -8
Very late to this thread, Jer.
Nothing wrong with getting, and acting, more wisely with age. There are plenty of 20 or 30 somethings out there in wheelchairs or skilled nursing facilities who wish their risk management sensibilities had been a bit more "elderly".
Like you, cycling is my other vice. My wife & I ride a tandem. Between the weight of 2 riders, the aero advantage of the tandem, and the high top gear, the big bike descends like a dropped anvil. It's easy to crowd 50mph even on our tiny Long Island hills here. We used to do it all the time.
Now, at age 56, no way. It's just called riding smarter. Neither one of us enjoys cycling any less.
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Post by mtngrl on May 17, 2017 9:26:11 GMT -8
I'm loving reading this thread. I was talking with a friend in our work's insurance department. I said I thought body aches, etc. seemed to start around age 60, and she said at age 50 is when the "body-breaking-down" claims seem to start coming in. Yes, it is a fact for all of us. I do like smaller mileages backpacking. I just turned 66. I am out most weekends, walking around the mountains. I do take more care in watching where I step. Guess I'll just keep on keeping on and enjoy whatever I can do at the moment.
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Post by hikerjer on May 17, 2017 10:20:08 GMT -8
It's easy to crowd 50mph even on our tiny Long Island hills here. We used to do it all the time. Been there and done that. I totally concur with you. I was out for a ride earlier this week and while descending a hill I looked at the speedometer and it was at 47 mph. Enough of this nonsense I thought and immediately slowed down. Those days are past for better or worse. |
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swmtnbackpacker
Trail Wise!
Back but probably posting soon under my real name ... Rico Sauve
Posts: 4,886
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on May 17, 2017 14:18:24 GMT -8
Could go ultralight for warmer conditions ... a kit based on a 20°F quilt and full coverage pyramid tarp, with anti-bug fitted inner net, can come in at about 10 lbs (baseweight) give or take.
If too cold in Montana for that gear set, fly down to the desert southwest, Hawaii, New Zealand.
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Post by snowman626 on May 18, 2017 17:42:36 GMT -8
I'm 51 and I haven't yet begun to experience the downward turn physically. I'm actually going the opposite direction for now. I was 5'8" and 190 a year ago and now I'm 160. I would've weighed well over 200 if I wasn't so active. Total lifestyle change and now I'm healthier than I've been probably since I was around 30. It will happen to me too at some point though because Father Time is undefeated. I'm into hiking and snowboarding, no cycling, canoeing, or kayaking. Someday I might have to give up snowboarding but I won't give it up until I absolutely have to. As for hiking, I'll do as much as possible for as long as possible. This has been a great conversation and I've really enjoyed the wisdom and experiences all of you have shared.
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toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
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Post by toejam on May 19, 2017 5:47:07 GMT -8
I was a helluva man when I was 51. I've done my biggest hikes & climbs in my 50's and am stronger than at any time in my life. Started having really annoying health issues at 55 (enlarged prostate, bad skin, sleep apnea) and feel like I'm on the downhill slide. I'm thinking maybe I'll retire and hike the Pacific Crest Trail when I turn 60. |
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Post by calidream on May 20, 2017 13:09:35 GMT -8
I’m 72, and still hiking and camping, though it’s been three years since I backpacked. The decrease in outdoor activity has been due to family health problems and grief at least as much as it’s been a decrease in strength (although the decrease is reality). Now I’ve moved to the SF Bay area and am in a relationship, and hoping to get back on the (short, slow) trail this year.
Hikerjer, didn’t you used to have something on your posts re the great thing is to move?
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Post by trinity on May 20, 2017 13:31:33 GMT -8
I’m 72, and still hiking and camping That's awesome. Good to see you back, haven't seen you post in a while. |
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Post by hikerjer on May 20, 2017 16:09:54 GMT -8
Hikerjer, didn’t you used to have something on your posts re the great thing is to move? Yep and I still firmly believe in it. Still get in my daily one-hour walks with my dog when I'm in town and try to take at least a two hour bike ride three times a week. Weather and some other family issue have sort of limited my backpacking lately but I hope to get out a little more this summer. I did have a record number of ski days this winter so I guess things are still moving along although, like you, a bit slower. Good for you to keep getting out there. Absolutely, the great thing is to move. |
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Post by cuzimthedad on May 21, 2017 7:07:32 GMT -8
Yesterday I hiked over 17 miles at Point Reyes National Seashore. I don't know if I've ever hiked that many miles in one day. Maybe way back in my hunting days but no way to tell...or remember! The point is, I will be 62 in August and am in the process of rediscovering myself in many ways. I had become complacent and resigned to the fact I was getting older...see definition of pity party...and felt I was over the hill. Then something happened...I turned 60 and decided I wanted to reconnect before it was to late. What is 60? It's just a number. Adjusting to the aging of my body and learning how to nurture and nourish it has been an education. Hiking 17 miles in one day is one the many payoffs. Never give up. Never surrender.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2017 7:24:33 GMT -8
Aging.
Aging, I don't need no stinking aging:
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Post by hikerjer on May 21, 2017 9:47:43 GMT -8
Aging, I don't need no stinking aging: Ah, young grasshopper, it's not really a choice you have. However, how you age, generally is. To a large degree, anyway. But eventually, time gets us all. It's the great equalizer. |
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,937
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Post by ErnieW on May 21, 2017 13:00:12 GMT -8
But eventually, time gets us all. I am hoping that I live long enough for medical science to prove this wrong. |
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Post by autumnmist on May 21, 2017 13:24:14 GMT -8
I think the larger issue is how one ages, adapts to it, and continues as much as possible those activities enjoyed during earlier stages of life.
Personally, I think aging beautifully, gracefully and adapting well is a challenge, one which offers as much benefit as a successful endeavor as many other activities. It's harder to go sky diving at 80 than it is at 30. I admire those people who meet the aging challenge with grace, adaptation, skill and success.
The alternative to aging isn't really something I'm ready to face since it's so terminal.
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Post by hikerjer on May 21, 2017 16:16:58 GMT -8
I am hoping that I live long enough for medical science to prove this wrong. You want to live forever? I don't' think so. |
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