General Cycling Discussion - Musings on becoming "old".

In the current age poll, there is a question regarding why there are not more older folks in the group. Here are some thoughts about "old" and our society and me.

As to what happens to folks in their 60's and so?

A couple of things.

1. Knees do wear out. I have a number of neighbors in their 50's and 60's whose knees have given out - one with a replacement implant. However, this is absolutely no excuse for not participating in some sort of activity, and, indeed, biking, for many, is one of the better knee exercises.

2. There is a psychological "thing" that starts happening to you. I was out for dinner the other night, and a neighbor (whose parents in their early 70's have an apartment in their basement) came up to our table to tell us all about the "senior center" and how everyone gets in a van and goes on "trips" and "excursions" to see things!!

I was really pissed at this unwanted and unneeded advice, and I guessed it showed. I talked about getting ready for the "Ride the Rockies" one more time, and I should have asked her if the "senior center" had a team for RTR - and if they did, I would join the SC. But I did not think of that until later.

I can think of nothing more absolutely frigging boring than going in a van with a bunch of seniors off to visit the zoo or whatever!!

So, there is a psychological "preset" that once you are a certain age, these are the things you are supposed (by society's standards) to be "doing." Bah humbug!!

When I say I "bike" to other seniors, they sort of visualize me and my wife doing a 2 mile pedal around the neighborhood. However, there are more and more rebels in the senior world who do what THEY want, and I DO see a number of seniors on bikes in the area.

Heck, I can think of only one of our immediate neighbors who could begin to keep up with Nora and me on our daily 2 mile power walk - which we do no matter what the weather - and these are folks in their 30's and 40's. It was 18F last night, and was snowing and there we were all bundled up on our power walk.

3. MOst folks start becoming less and less active, and spend more time in the house. Neither Nora (age 65) nor I (age 63) ever want to "retire." Both of us love to work at REAL jobs - not "volunteer." We like the pay check, also. Again, others find this hard to understand. To us, "retirement" is the first step to putting our feet in the grave. We LOVE being out with others with vital and interesting ideas. I stopped work for a year and one-half a few years back and the deterioration in my thinking processes and involvement in life was extremely apparent to me. It was scary - I could not remember where I put things, became disassociated, etc.

Okay - enough ranting. But now you know why I hate to be called "old" on this forum, and I hate it when others identify themselves as "old." "Old" is a state of mind that is counter-productive to maintaining my vision of myself as a productive, active, participating member of society.

:D

Settle down. You shouldn't get so worked up. Not at your age. Have a nice cup of hot chocolate and a good lie down.:D

I hope I can still be cycling way past your current age. I'm looking forward to my ride across Australia next year. I'm only 39 but I'll be riding with people aged 15 through to 67.

One guy, who's 65, is a real pest. I tried to drop him one day when we were riding some fairly decent hills and he stuck to my back wheel like glue. I'm looking forward to seeing him teach some of the other young ones a thing or two about cycling.

I do wonder about the tendency in our society for people to suddenly 'opt out' of life when they reach a certain age. I'm glad you don't subscribe to that way of thinking.

I agree with many things that you say. I am 52 and still ride and hope to only stop riding the day my heart stops, for what ever reason. I do hope that retirement will help me to ride more and not be so stressed due to the present job. Riding has been the thing that allows me to relax from the work related stress. I look at Ken Kifer and really hope to find my same type of niche that he has found balancing out retirement, activity, biking, diet and working on his web site.

Many of the people that I see with worn out parts are due to excessive weight vs. excessive exercise. I do not know if this is the typical view but from my spot in rural Ohio this is what I have seen.

Keep riding, keep power walking, keep young at heart and mind are certainly keys to the success that you and your wife have experienced/.

I totally agree with you on old being a state of mind. I have friends who are in their 40's and 50's and act like they are 70. In my line of work ( I drive a tour bus) I meet many seniors and get a lot of" I am slow because of pick one: Knee , Hip, replacement." The general theme seems to be if you don't use it you will lose it.Even within these seniors there are young and old depending on their thinking. I met one who comes to mind who at 84 years young was still running 10 k runs and he did not take up the sport until 65. I honestly believe that a lot of these folks would not be on canes or the medications if they were more active.The good thing about dealing with this day in and day out is that it motivates me to stay active because I don't want to end up with that quality of life.
On the positive side I do notice an increase in a more positive mindset over say 15 years ago amongst the 60 + set and this is a good thing. People like yourself setting an example I think inspires others to try, so keep setting a positive example and you never know some day that van will stay parked. :D

There's a guy in our office that is 64 years young (I'm 32). I'm sure he could kick my butt in the gym even though I lift on a regular basis. He's still very young minded and mentally sharp as a tack. He may retire from working in a few years, but I don't see that slowing him down any. I really look up to him and how well he's taken care of himself throughout the years.

There's an 82 year old professor here that rides everywhere, in all weather. I was walking across campus the other day and saw him go down hard on some ice. Ones first thought is that surely he broke something - nope. He leaped up, hopped on the bike and motored off. I've also run in to him on night rides. He was busting down the trail on an old three speed with a dim little light - that one really surprised me. There's a picture of him here, he officiated at the marriage of the Trading Spaces babe.

http://www.paigedavis.com/Media/

Well I am 39, never was super fast even in top condition. I can hold my own with the average roadie though. There is a little old dude that I've seen for a few years that always rides the local tours, and I always look for him when I go. His cadence matches mine perfectly so I usually try to find him in the pack and we ride and visit together, occasionally forming a pace line with whoever happens to join in. I knew he was alot older than me, but last spring I finally asked him old he was, he said 68. I couldn't believe it, he's fast even for a much younger rider. So I guess it really doesn't matter how old you are in years...

When my grandmother turned 70, she decided to ride 15 miles a day on her bike. She's 82 now, and we don't have a clue where she is..............
:confused: :) :D :rolleyes:

Originally posted by D*Alex
When my grandmother turned 70, she decided to ride 15 miles a day on her bike. She's 82 now, and we don't have a clue where she is..............
:confused: :) :D :rolleyes:

From D*Alex

A JOKE. Made my day!!:)

I definately have to agree, beign old has nothing to do with age. I used to work with a guy who turned 50, and he is in better shape then me. That is one of the things that inspired me to start getting into better shape.. rather then going more towards a round shape. A guy my dad used to work with was a salesman(in his late 60's early 70's), who was technicaly retired, but he enjoyed working so kept doing it a big advantage he had was that if a customer did something he did not like he gave that customer to another salesman since he did not need the work. Quite a few years ago he broke his arm roller skatting with his 40 year old g/f..

Dnvr, your sound like my dad, that is in your attitude about being with 'old people', although he's older than you and definitely a senior! He lives in an apartment building and he's mentioned that he doesn't want to live in one of those buildings for old people. He likes having young people in his building. I can't imagine being that age and being happy with doing those 'old people' activities- like those dumb dance or music therapy classes. My SO told me how his grandmother, when she was living in a retirement home would hide in her room whenever the music therapists or occupational therapists would come around. She wanted to read, not bang a pot with a spoon or make ashtrays out of clay!

I think the generation of people who are now aging are healthier and more into fitness. I see these guys on their bikes who have the physiques of 25 year olds and then you see them close up and they're in their 50s at least!. Sort of like that guy on Seinfeld, Mr Mandlebaum who kept challenging Jerry to lift weights. On the other hand, I also see the people you describe who are in their 30s and look horrible.

I have seen people in my local cycling club aged 50-60+ and they are so much fitter and not to mention faster than me and a whole lot of other younger riders so my respect goes out to these people!!! I hope I can still be cycling when I am older!!! :D

One of my heroes, Jack LaLanne, is still going VERY strong at age 88. He is one of many delightful characters who populate Kelly Ferrin's inspiring book, "What's Age Got To Do With It?"

In 1972, when I was 21, a 50-year-old friend convinced me to tackle the annual Los Angeles Wheelmen Double Century with him. En route, we met a 76-year-old black veteran of 11 Double Centuries. Many senior cyclists find that they still have endurance for long rides, even if they cannot outsprint the college kids. (With my almost exclusively slow-twitch musculature, I never had much sprint capability, anyway!)

This is like sycronicity in action. I was just thinking about this this afternoon on my commute. I road by this old guy suffling along on the sidewalk(I was in the stree). I wondered how old, and what the next 20 years would do to me. I look at these old dudes suffling along, and I don't want to be like them.
I'm dealing with the mid life stuff at the moment. 44 maybe 20 to 30 years ahead of me. I'd like another 44, but that's asking a lot. I hope to be riding the whole way.
My step dad is my inspiration, he's 70+ and playing tennis three times a week. Same with my Uncle. Both these guys are sharp and I would love to stand in their shoes one day and look back. I'd love to finish a RAUSA at 80 years old. What I do now is just training for the big rides later in life.
I don't look at it as retirement, but a chance to finally go do what I've always wanted to do, but were to tied down to do anything.
I just don't want to be a grizzled old fart shuffling down the street.

You rox, DenvrFox! :beer:
You're modus operandi is to wear out - not rust out. Cool.
And to echo what other folks have mentioned on your thread, there are so many younger folks that are just as pitiful as the "older" folks, because they (young and old) won't get off their butz.
At age 42, age 62 & 72 &... begins to look as if it's really gonna happen, not as if it's impossibly far away. So I am glad to hear the postings on this thread; I do not fear getting "old".
You also make demographics work in your favor, by keeping fit. The older you get, the less competition for the ladies!
g3

I hate it when others identify themselves as "old."
Guilty as charged, I'm afraid. Sorry, but there are times when that seems appropriate.

However, I believe that you are right on in your post. And while there are many who, for many reasons, legitimately fit in the "SC" category, I think too many are there because of an excess of the (percieved) "good life". That, in part, is due to being able to take the easy way out in our society. Marketing for the lazy doesn't help either, and we are also very good at that.

As for me, I have not had enough time on bikes yet to be able to claim a diary as interesting and illustrious as yours. But next year it is le Mont Ventoux (all three ways, I hope) and l'Alpe d'Huez. And I can't wait!

Cheers...Gary

i,ll have to go on a ride & think about this one Mr Fox:cool:

Originally posted by Giant_racer
I have seen people in my local cycling club aged 50-60+ and they are so much fitter and not to mention faster than me and a whole lot of other younger riders so my respect goes out to these people!!! I hope I can still be cycling when I am older!!! :D

I am not a fast rider, never have been (well, I didn't start serious cyclling until I was 58, so perhaps I might have been??) and likely never will be. But, come to think of it, about 2.5 years ago I went on a ride with a local recreational type bike club, and of the 20 persons (in their 20's, 30's and 40's) there I was by far the fastest, and absolutely no one could keep up with me, no matter how hard they tried!! Made me feel really good.

But, if I go on a ride with one of the local "seriously into riding" type of bike club, no way can I keep up. These guys are into doing Denver-Aspen non-stop (10's of thousand of feet in elevation change, about 150-200 miles) in one day, and do things like the "triple by-pass" (3 10-12,000 feet mtn passes, 120 miles in one day).

I just am not able to do that. (At least not yet :D )

So I just plug along, trying to ride daily, use my trainer, power walk and weight lift!!

As to retirement, I am extremely fortunate to be a teacher in a traditional school, and I have 2.5 months in the summer to ride all I want!!

I'm with you Dnvr. :thumbup:

My wife and I have been looking at some "retirement" type communities (must be over 50 or 55 to live there) and my first thought is, "Will I fit in with the rest of the crowd?"
The sales pitch talks up the golf course, community center, etc. I guess most of the residents will be headed out to the golf course while I'll be heading out on my bike.
They'll probably think I'm a weirdo and may want me to move out so as not to give the place a bad name. :rolleyes:
Will they allow younger riders to meet at my house at the start of a ride?
Do you think I could "convert" anyone to cycling? :D
Do I really want to live in one of these places? :confused:
Will I get run over by a golf cart? ;)


We are presented with a whole new set of problems when we get "old". :D

I'm 48 going on 18. I try not to think of myself as old, though I am at the age when parts that are going to break have started breaking. So far nothing unfixable has broken.

On Christmas day my wife, our kids, and I met her family at the nursing home to have brunch with her dad, who has been in the home for almost a year. My only fear about growing old is that I may end up helpless, in a nursing home. I feel fortunate that my own parents did not have to go through that indignity, and I sure hope I never have to, either.

my grandpa is 103 this year physically not strong but mind still sharp his secret 2bottles of beer every year (new year's eve)
opps he's not wearing eyeglasses to read

When I was 20 I always worried about how I would feel at 30, couldn't believe how good I felt when the time came. When I was 30 I always worried about how I would feel at 40, couldn't believe how good I felt when the time came. When I was 40 I always worried about how I would feel at 50, couldn't believe how good I felt when the time came. I'll be 53 in another week, feel great, really not worried about how I'll feel at 60. I know I'll be riding.

I'm 45 years old and have been riding for two years. I plan on doing a week long tour that has 30,000 feet of climbing at the beginning of spring. My coach (unofficial), who is teaching me how to climb and ride persistently in the cold weather is 67 years old. He gently pushes me, but whenever I think I'll sneak ahead, he runs me over and then waits for me a mile down the road.

Originally posted by RonH
I'm with you Dnvr. :thumbup:

My wife and I have been looking at some "retirement" type communities (must be over 50 or 55 to live there) and my first thought is, "Will I fit in with the rest of the crowd?"


We looked at those. Our thoughts:

1. We really enjoy seeing children around, and seeing younger people. And, it really does younger folks a lot of good seeing Nora and me riding and walking daily, and me weight lifting. It is amazing how many folks are now walking just by our example.

2. I don't golf, hate golfing, and never will.

3. Their "trail system" is about 3 miles long. Our trail system (out my back door) is about 200 miles long.

4. My brother-in-law lives in one. Now, don't tell anyone, but I would not want to live in a community that he would like. I understand that a lot of them get together and sort of share stories about how much money they made and how they made it.

5. Their attitude towards those with disabilities and in wheelchairs sucks. THEY DO NOT WANT THEM IN THEIR "OLDER ACTIVE-ADULT COMMUNITY." Our son is in a wheelchair. All of the interior doors are 24", there are many steps to almost all of the houses, and they quoted us $10,000 to make the home accessible. Our current new home was made accessible for $500.00. Something to keep in the back of your head.

THERE :D !!!

I can't ride that fast at the moment well not for too long I am still recovering from injuries sustained in horse riding accidents I feel absolutely knackered and worn out by horse riding maybe I should just stick to my bike!!!! :p

Originally posted by DnvrFox
I should have asked her if the "senior center" had a team for RTR...But I did not think of that until later.
I won't say it, Denver, I won't say it!

:D

Originally posted by DnvrFox
"Old" is a state of mind that is counter-productive to maintaining my vision of myself as a productive, active, participating member of society.

Kick Ass!!!

You should be gloating, not grimacing. Nothing wrong with piling into a van and going to the zoo when you reach that state of mind and spare time... sounds like you're on target for getting there in about 35 years.
:thumbup:

PS: Don't forget the RTR trip report. [insert envious smiley]

But, if I go on a ride with one of the local "seriously into riding" type of bike club, no way can I keep up. These guys are into doing Denver-Aspen non-stop (10's of thousand of feet in elevation change, about 150-200 miles) in one day, and do things like the "triple by-pass" (3 10-12,000 feet mtn passes, 120 miles in one day).
OMG! That's insane. I'm on my way out there. I have a friend moving to Durango, why? I don't know. I have relatives in Auroura, and Denver, and Steamboat. Aspen and back. Geez, now that'd be a hell of a brevet!
I had my ego smashed the other day while commuting. I passed this old guy on his three speed wonder bike, he was all bundled up. He was waiting for the light to change, and I darted out ahead, thinking I'd smoked him. Three blocks later he smugly pulls up in front of me, and turns off. I was laughing at myself the rest of the day, Kudos Emmet where ever you are, I hope I've got it when I get that age.
It's difficult for me, I don't always remember I'm 24 going on 45. I don't feel "old," but there's gray hair, and this gut that just isn't going away, there are lines in my face, and bags under the eyes, and well, out side I am not the person inside. I want my mis-spent youth back!
I'm not rusting that's for sure.

Years ago, when I subscribed to Runners World magazine, there was an article about a guy in his mid-80's (wish I could remember his name) who routinely jumped into the chilly San Francisco water every morning and would swim for two hours.
One time, on a bet, he swam from Alcatraz island to shore with his hands handcuffed behind his back, and he swam like a porpoise. One little detail -- he was he was towing a rowboat full of newspaper reporters and had the tow line in his teeth! Old doesn't necessarily mean weak and feeble!

OMG! That's insane

For more about the triple-bypass, see

www.teamevergreen.org

Interestingly, most of the riders were 30-50.

The Denver-Aspen Classic is changing a bit this year. See:

http://www.rmccrides.com/d2a.html#top

Since recently, since the death of a close relative, I have a fear of death.

I am afraid to get sick and die.

I realize that this mood is a bit morbid. I wonder how other coupe with it?

There are so many interesting things to learn and to do, and for some reason I am to get out of this for good.

I guess sooner or later the science will discover a way to prolong active life indefinitely. But I guess it will not happen that soon, so that we can benefit from it.

Max, you're just a human being like the rest of us. God gave us an imagination, and with it the ability to anticipate our own end. This is both a burden and a blessing. The awareness of mortality gives life a special poignancy it would not otherwise have. Live life to the fullest, get closer to those you care about, and the meaning of life will take care of itself.

Well, I'm 50 (almost 51) and I sure don't feel old! I got on my bicycle this year after about 8 years being a couch potato. It finally occurred to me (duh!) that I wasn't getting any younger and if I didn't do something about it, it wouldn't get any better. And I usually ride with friends who are at least 20 yrs. younger than I am, and I keep up pretty well.

I've gone from cycling about 2 miles to 30 miles without any trouble (and I'm not a lightweight by any means). I had dropped about 30 lbs., though I've put some back on during the holidays - bad me!! I've also had the cold from hell and still have the cough, but it's getting better now, so it's time to get back on the bike! Besides, I need to put some miles on those new Speedplays!! :D

I've decided that, probably not this coming spring, but by the next, I'm going to RIDE the MS150 and not just volunteer! My 57 yr. old hubby has ridden it for 7 years (or is it 8 - I lose count!).

Luckily I come from a long-lived family. My two older aunts were 98 and 99 when they died, and my mom's 89 and still goes to her exercise class and walks 1-2 miles every day. She sold her go-cart when she moved 4 years ago (and that's no joke!!!).

I've always said, if I never grow up, I'll never grow old. :p

Beth, the silly

Originally posted by naisme
My step dad is my inspiration, he's 70+ and playing tennis three times a week. Same with my Uncle. Both these guys are sharp and I would love to stand in their shoes one day and look back.
Our Archbishop, Earl Paulk, is an avid tennis player.

He has recently overcome both prostrate and bladder cancer (without removing the parts) and will soon be back on the court.

(He loves to beat those 40-something's! :D )

Originally posted by DnvrFox


For more about the triple-bypass, see

www.teamevergreen.org

Interestingly, most of the riders were 30-50.

The Denver-Aspen Classic is changing a bit this year. See:

http://www.rmccrides.com/d2a.html#top

OMG THAT'S STILL INSANE.
I know Denver, I've riden in Denver, and I thought I was going to have some sort of lung embulism or something. By the third day I was feeling better. I may have to come out this summer for the 300 brevet, and have a shot at the triple bi-pass on my own.
A friend is moving to Durango, that could be fun ride, and then do MOAB.
Huh, the things you think about late at night, when there's nothing else to do.

I can't believe I haven't posted in this thread yet. All I really have to say on the subject is this: I have learned never to underestimate so-called "old" people. I have had situations on the bike where I've brushed off people my age (26) or younger like flies, only to find some "old" guy that I couldn't get rid of no matter what I did. My point?

IT'S THE ENGINE, BABY!

Ra!

Death is nature's way of telling you to slow down. :D

OMG THAT'S STILL INSANE

OKAY - another sort of insane thing in Colorado is "Ride the Rockies (Which I have done). You can see me and other pics of RTR at:

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/fambicy.htm

I would like to do this again this summer. :D

Here in Georgia (I think) you can apply for a handicapped parking sticker when you are 65 years old. You don't have to be handicapped. Since when does being old (65+) mean you are handicapped? :eek: :confused: :crash:

I see spry, healthy people (over 65) pull into handicapped parking spaces all the time. Totally pisses me off. Can I say that?? :eek:

I rode with a gentleman yesterday that is "older". I do not know for sure what his age is, but if I had to guess, I would say he is "somewhere near 70". He has had 2x knee surgery on one side and the other one is asking for it. He's been riding for years. Only his knees slow him down to my pace nowadays. It was interesting that while we were stopped in front of a grocery store, there were folks parking and hobbling to the front door in that kind of "old-person" stooped over shuffle. Many of them were the same age or younger than the guy I was riding with. Seemed to be a very telling moment.

Here in Georgia (I think) you can apply for a handicapped parking sticker when you are 65 years old.

I have been told that I am eligible for a handicapped parking space, but not because of my age.

I was told about my eligibility after someone heard me sing. :D

I am 43. I'm not a super-athlete, but I try to keep in shape.

I guess what bugs me a great deal is to see younger people in their 20's or teens that are totally going downhill physically.

Yeah, that's pretty depressing. I've probably expressed my horror at that in other threads. I don't mean everyone should be super-athlete of the year, but I see people in their 20s and 30s who never get any exercise and look like hell! Especially the slacker, computer-goober types whose diets consist of junk food. I know one guy who gets out of breath if he walks a block, because he never gets any exercise at all and refuses to eat any fruits or vegetables. Even vegetables on pizza! I see teenage girls with paunchy stomachs and teenage guys who can't even run for the bus! Then I see these guys out on their bikes who are in their late 50s and have the physiques of 25 year olds! Sometimes it dawns on me that I move faster and am in better shape than people in their teens!

Originally posted by wabbit
Yeah, that's pretty depressing. I've probably expressed my horror at that in other threads. I don't mean everyone should be super-athlete of the year, but I see people in their 20s and 30s who never get any exercise and look like hell! Especially the slacker, computer-goober types whose diets consist of junk food. I know one guy who gets out of breath if he walks a block, because he never gets any exercise at all and refuses to eat any fruits or vegetables. Even vegetables on pizza! I see teenage girls with paunchy stomachs and teenage guys who can't even run for the bus! Then I see these guys out on their bikes who are in their late 50s and have the physiques of 25 year olds! Sometimes it dawns on me that I move faster and am in better shape than people in their teens!

Wabbit that is so true I couldn't not exercise!! even when i will be working full time (tied to desk and computer) I will make sure that I get at least an hour and a half cycling in each day!! Refusing to eat veggies or fruit is crazy it will catch up with u if u sit there and eat ****e (pardon me) all day!! I was a bit of a slob till I was bout 17 and discovered cycling, nearly passed out on my first 2 mile ride then I vowed never to be that unfit or plump ever again!! at least I know that by cycling I can reduce the risk of heart disease by half as they say!! :D I was 12 stone back then now I am just under 11 now but I am rather tall so I would say that 10 stone 6 might be my idea weight!!! any less and I look like a stick!! :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Max
Since recently, since the death of a close relative, I have a fear of death.

I am afraid to get sick and die.

I realize that this mood is a bit morbid. I wonder how other coupe with it?

There are so many interesting things to learn and to do, and for some reason I am to get out of this for good.

I guess sooner or later the science will discover a way to prolong active life indefinitely. But I guess it will not happen that soon, so that we can benefit from it.

I can relate to that quite well I have never been so stung by death till my Grandad died in Feb he died of stress because he lived with my nan who has been seriously ill with mentle problems for at least 35 years no one helped him and when he complained to the medical authorities for help everytime she went missing and got sectioned did he get any? no he didn't!! It is only now because I haven't really seen my nan for 15 years (she didn't want to see ne one) that I have begun to realise the sheer hell that my gdad lived with for so long!! I know it sounds bad but I can't relate to my nan at all she is a stranger to me and I can't deal with the mentle problems!! I cried for months after he died but I was glad that I didn't watch him get to a decrepid state then die! I had sleeping problems and all the rest for a long time but I have accepted death now but the fear of not knowing is still there.

I am 60, ride as much as I can,go to the gym, still LOVE sex. This getting old crap is for the birds. Keep chugging!!!! By the way I ride at least 150 miles per week.

Originally posted by Giant_racer

... but I was glad that I didn't watch him get to a decrepid state then die! I had sleeping problems and all the rest for a long time but ...

I have been nearby for months, visiting hospital sometimes every day. Sometimes twice.

I understood that this time of life, when a person dies, is unimaginably sad, but at the same time is important.

Unfortunately, society, it seems, does not care much of weak and helpless.

Even a relatively rich person can end in a hospital or hospice, where there is neither TV, nor Internet in the room. Or no decent shower.

Sometimes, a dying person does not want those exhausting daily visits, but the food, which is provided in hospitals, is not prepared by fashionable chefs, to put it mildly.

There were so many things to arrange and fix, that I can not imagine how a person can get through this alone without a help from relatives. Not everything is fixable however, when the infrastructure is forlorn.

It turns out that at the time, when a person needs a support and help most, he/she finds himself/herself in a surroundings, which can not be improved significantly short term.

It is possible to bring TV or a fridge, etc. in a hospital room.

But, for example, one will not change tiles or tubes in a shower room short term. And there is no choice, since this is the only hospital in town, which deals with this condition.

By the way, I saw also relatively young patients in the hospital.

It is so sad like you wouldn't believe.

I understand very well those who aspire to keep themselves in the good physical shape even in an advanced age. Or - especially in the advanced age.

I'll tell you what makes me sad is to talk to one of those people from the Real Men Don't Need Exercise school. With all due respect, my father used to be one of those people. He worked his ASS off in the coal mines for over twenty years to support his family and was/IS the best father you could have, but his generation seems to be mired in the belief that if at the end of the day you got home from your job and STILL felt like doing something ("exercise" was not even the same word it is today) then you didn't work hard enough. Even lifting iron might have gotten you laughed at and it's a hard attitude to change for some, even with today's awareness of what their bodies need. In other words, regular exercise was for sissies and slackers. My dad got his wake-up call in 1989 when he had the first of several heart attacks followed by a stroke and triple-bypass (not the Colorado variety). Until that point he had never heard the words "lipid panel" or "triglyceride" OR "cardiomyopathy". The only reason he's alive today is because he got "the big scare" and decided he preferred getting in shape through walking and eventually light cycling over a Dirt Nap.

Too bad a lot more people can't have a wakeup call like that and get their situation together BEFORE it's too late.

I remember seeing that typical attitude that 'exercise is for weenies' on some tv story about an NYC firefighter who was going to do a triathlon. One of his friends died in the WTC, so he was doing it in his place. His firefighter buddies would joke about his shaving his legs and his triathlete training. Duhh, i mean you're a firefighter, isn't it good to know he's in SHAPE? The guy does a triathlon for f- sake! There's such an anti-exercise atttitude!

Wabbit, I'd like to know where this anti-excersize attitude is, I haven't run into it. When I show up on my bike, people are taken with pause. They look at me and start asking questions, how long, how far, and I just tell them the truth, it's easy.

Maybe not all of them are out there riding because of me, but a few are, and I've shared the road with them, so I know it works, and it turns them on to an alternative form of getting around.

Yeah, there are a few who say they couldn't, and that's always answered with a you never know till you try.

So, in spite of the urge to recite Ten Years After, "I'd love to change the world, but I don't know what to do, so I'll leave it up to you..." That's what's wrong, we've left it up to the ewes of the world, and they screwed it up. I'm taking back my responsibility for making this a better place.
I can't wait to be one of those old coggers on some one's rear wheel drafting, just to be there doing it. Just 30 more years of practicing till I'm there.