Fifty Plus (50+) - Getting old is very strange.

Just sayin'. And this is dawning at me @ 51. My next thought is the strangeness only accelerates with the years. It's like we're all 50-70 year olds who don't feel or think too much different from 20-30 year olds except our kids are grown, our parents are old or dying, and we're slower on the bike. That latter comment doesn't apply to me of course, but you get the point.

This all sucks of course, but it beats the alternative. I like that J. Mayer lyrics from his song about aging, 'Stop This Train':

Had a talk with my old man,
Said help me understand,
He said turn sixty eight, you renegotiate,
Don't stop this train,
Don't for a minute change the place you're in
Don't think I couldn't ever understand
I tried my hand
John, honestly we'll never stop this train

At least here they won't call me old man so much. I would imagine.

If I wasn't riding my bicycle, so help me, I'd blow my F-ing brains out over crap like this. Of that I have no doubt what so friggin ever.

I rather think of it as getting older but, yeah, I couldn't agree more.
Richard Thompson once wrote of "Writing out checks that his body couldn't cash"
Yep, that sure is frustrating.
But then I think of how much more I'm doing -and expect to do- at this age than I would even try 25 years ago. Not in YOUR realm of course but, you know, good for me.

And even now, 4 years ahead of you, I can say it does go faster as the years pass.
Oh well, as you Roadie boys are so wont to say: HTFU.
It's all you've got.

It is strange but one can rationalize new ways of thinking to make it more normal. I age up this year to 60 and get to race against the even faster 60 to 65 year olds. I am looking forward to this. I have a buddy who is excited about aging up to 70 this year and will be very competitive in Districts and Nationals. 70 is the new 30...for now. We are just getting started.

Does anyone else experience their years of life as a collection of earlier "selves" that are still quite real? Competing sometimes in me is the 7 year old who loves to play tag with my cousin's kids, the 15 year old who's trying out a stretch of gnarly singletrack, the 20 year old who likes to have a beer with friends and worries about relationships, the 45 year old who has lost parents and family members, and the 53 year old who's trying to keep the whole lot of them functioning as a unit. At least all of them love to ride!

Just curious.

I'm going to turn 61 next week and it does seem a bit odd.
When I was a kid, someone that old had the waistband of their pants nearly up to their armpits.
Me? You can almost see the crack.....

A minister friend was re-canting a past funeral of a parent whose daughter died in an auto accident. The conversation had been.. It's so unfair to take a daughter of teenage years. How can some divine being be so cruel.. It's so unfair.. Such can't be allowed to happen.. I am sure the minister was more compassionate in person to the grieving parent. But, her comment to us. I do scores of funerals each year of teenagers. Life has no guarantees.. Her point to us.. It's unnatural to not think life will end... .. When you accept that fact, you'll be better adjusted to that reality. Was she harsh.. Remember, she'll die too. Meanwhile, keep on cycling, it'll keep you young...
ps.. A favorite song , I think will keep us on track..
Bob Dylan's "Forever Young."

Having been forced last year to see just how real mortality is, I still have the same view on aging; it beats the only alternative.

As for good songs about getting older, I submit Little Feat's "Old Folk's Boogie"

And you know that you're over the hill
when your mind makes a promise that your body can't fill
Old folks boogie (and boogie they will)
'cause to us the thought's as good as the thrill

Being old, A state of mind.. It's possible for one to be forever young. ?.

Geez... you all think to much. I'm gonna put on some extra layers and go for a ride in the 6 degree weather instead. I'm here while I'm here and I'll be gone when I'm gone.

Being old, A state of mind.. It's possible for one to be forever young. ?.

Im not sure about the answer to that one, but I find I just laugh about many things that used to drive me around the bend. I also retired as chief spell-checker of the Internet and general manager of the universe, which has left me with time and opportunity to pursue other interests.

I'll only be 51 for another two months... after that I'll be over the hill.

I'll only be 51 for another two months... after that I'll be over the hill.

I'm not sure you'd get over my hill old man (I figure I can come over here to find some people to call 'old man').

52 here and feeling younger than I have in many years. Last year I got serious about my weight, fitness, and nutrition. I haven't been this fit in years and I feel great.

I did it because I started feeling old and needed to keep up with my 48 year old wife.

I'm not sure you'd get over my hill old man (I figure I can come over here to find some people to call 'old man').

"Old" or "old man" (or woman) is entirely relative.

To me, approaching 70, "old" is about 85.

Old is generally about 15 years older than someone is. Ask a 5 year old what "old" is!

I look forward to new challenges each day. I have lots and lots of interests and activities going on in many different areas all the time. I don't have time for "old."

A bit more:

My current interests that keep me young at 69?

The a cappella gospel singing group I started. (http://www.ourwebs.info/indexxyz.htm) We are currently preparing for a gig at the Gospel Winterfest (http://www.gospelgrass.com/09_Front_Range_Winterfes.html)- along with 12 other groups. We range from 64 - 78 years old. We did 12 gigs over Christmas with our special Christmas program

The National group I started to end waitlists for individuals with developmental disabilities. (http://www.noewait.net)

The parents group I started and moderate. (http://www.ourwebs.info/indexpad.htm)

My recent efforts on a statewide campaign. (http://www.endcoloradowaitlist.org)

My weight lifting, swimming, bicycling, walking and stretching.

Several choirs.

And, it looks like I may be doing some consulting in a month or so.

I'm too busy for old!

Interesting thoughts all. I turned 61 yesterday. Among the things I reflect on sometimes is the interesting and very rich time I grew up in. The cars... the music... dam I'm glad to have been young when I was!

Just sayin'. And this is dawning at me @ 51. My next thought is the strangeness only accelerates with the years. It's like we're all 50-70 year olds who don't feel or think too much different from 20-30 year olds except our kids are grown, our parents are old or dying, and we're slower on the bike. That latter comment doesn't apply to me of course, but you get the point.

This all sucks of course, but it beats the alternative. I like that J. Mayer lyrics from his song about aging, 'Stop This Train':

Had a talk with my old man,
Said help me understand,
He said turn sixty eight, you renegotiate,
Don't stop this train,
Don't for a minute change the place you're in
Don't think I couldn't ever understand
I tried my hand
John, honestly we'll never stop this train

At least here they won't call me old man so much. I would imagine.

If I wasn't riding my bicycle, so help me, I'd blow my F-ing brains out over crap like this. Of that I have no doubt what so friggin ever.

Here, your still just a kid...........keep on keeping on.

At 56 I still about 25 years behind my parents. They have always been "old".

My parents are gone, my kids are on their own, and at 58 (going on 59 in Mar.) I've found these 50+ years to be the best of my life. Best, in this context, meaning the most fun with the least hassle.

Sure, there are still problems and challenges to deal with, not that it's all been really easy or anything, but overall, big picture, it's been great so far! Looking forward to many more years and (hopefully) no big health issues.

Rick / OCRR

I'm 65. Married. Kids and step kids are grown and on their own, one grand daughter, and 2 grandsons enroute [and man, are they fun] Still working, going to the gym, riding, working on the bikes, music gigs 3-4 times a months, rehearsals - 2 per week with 2 other bands, practice piano, take care of the house/yard, play with the three dogs, a little church and recovery group/higher power...life at this stage is excellent, in my view. I got a chance at life #2 when I sobered up at age 47. I wouldn't go back there for anything. I love it, now. I got more to do than I can say grace over-IF I want to. "..ya gotta ack-centuate the positive...e-liminate the negative,,,go wi the affirmative,,,and don't mess wit Mr Inbetween," Hoagy Carmichael. and I got to agree with Billydon, we all lived and grew up in one heck of a time. I was a teenager in the late 50's and the early 60's and I do not think the USA will ever hit those heights again - post WWII economy, that is.

My cousin the Doc says his older patients that do the best are those that refuse to modify their lifestyle until they can't do those things then abruptly change the rules and go about living under the new set of rules. Its like re-writing history, never give in.

Growing old is something that can't be helped, it happens.
Growing up, on the other hand, I'll delay that as long as possible.

When I was 21, I hired into Caterpillar. My first trainer was 55. He was pretty much the oldest guy in the place. He said he still felt like he was 17, he just got tired quicker. I'm 58 now, and he had it pretty much correct.

The biggest change I've noticed now that I'm 54 is that I take time to reflect and appreciate what I have and what I'm doing with it. Not navel-gazing, just taking a moment or so here and there to notice things. Looks like Pcad is getting there.

You know, P, you're eligible for the Senior Olympics now. There won't be any 20 yr. olds to smoke you and make you feel old. Those that shell you like a cheap oyster will be older than you. That'll give you lots of material for self-loathing and ranting. ;)

Aging isn't for wussies. HTFU.

OK p-dog, is this just a case of the mid-winter, its-too-friggin-cold, blues? Jeez, you just turned 51 a couple of months ago. :p Or are you just depressed about your vapor-ware S2?

The 50s are going OK for me. I find that I am enjoying my job more than ever before and my riding is still reasonable. My performance hasn't fallen off of any cliffs, but my fantasy of turning a sub 1 hour 40K ITT is looking like it might remain a fantasy. :cry:

Regardless, I still have my family, health, and good looks. :rolleyes:

70 is the new 30...for now.

So that means we should "never trust anybody over 70"?? :rolleyes:

SP

OK p-dog, is this just a case of the mid-winter, its-too-friggin-cold, blues? Jeez, you just turned 51 a couple of months ago. :p Or are you just depressed about your vapor-ware S2?

The 50s are going OK for me. I find that I am enjoying my job more than ever before and my riding is still reasonable. My performance hasn't fallen off of any cliffs, but my fantasy of turning a sub 1 hour 40K ITT is looking like it might remain a fantasy. :cry:

Regardless, I still have my family, health, and good looks. :rolleyes:

Should I tell him about my blown up R3 or let him live the fantasy a little longer? I got it back and rode it last night.

I am doing the district ITT this year and yes, I too am looking for the 59 and change 40K. Last year there were 3 entries in the 60 to 65 bracket with times ranging from 57.21 to 59.:eek: Let's get it this year.:thumb:

Pics or you are old and ugly.:p

My parents are gone, my kids are on their own, and at 58 (going on 59 in Mar.) I've found these 50+ years to be the best of my life. Best, in this context, meaning the most fun with the least hassle.
Rick / OCRR

I just turned 58 and I have to agree with Rick.

My 50's, my favorite age decade so far:thumb:

It is strange.

I was a Genius when I was 17 (and can prove it).

I was dumb as a post when I turned 34.

I've been trying to work my way back up to Moron ever since. (I can get sworn statements and expert testimony for the last two items.)

Everything seems backwards; Youth is wasted on the Young. :notamused:

Still, I'm not pining for the past, I just wish it had taken as long to go from 45 to 50 as it took to get from 11 to 16...:50:

I cant believe I'm 68 and trying to get faster, instead of relaxing and watch the world go by. I guess your as old as you feel. Oh and I am getting faster, but not fast enough yet ;)

OK p-dog, is this just a case of the mid-winter, its-too-friggin-cold, blues? Jeez, you just turned 51 a couple of months ago. :p Or are you just depressed about your vapor-ware S2?


Correct. Plus it was -10ºF here last night. That's F-ing cold Cleavey.

This is a great forum. Only one "HTFU" and it was clearly in jest.

This is a safe forum to air one's angst concerning the aging process.

If we were to think the less of you, by tomorrow no one would have remembered. Such is the short-term memory of the over fifty crowd.

Pcad, based somewhat on your hearty endorsement (I think), I'm considering purchasing a dual suspension mountain bike through BD. Such a purchase might represent the triumph of optimism over common sense, but whatever. I'd rather buy one of those than a snazzy electric wheelchair to race around the Walmart.

This is a great forum. Only one "HTFU" and it was clearly in jest.

Two.

HI,
I maybe weird but I don't think much about my age,58+ only my current fitness, I want to go faster longer and better than the previous months,
And so far I am gaining on the big young dogs.
My only regret is that it took me so long to find the love of bicycling , my knee's would be better and my legs would be much stronger, and I doubt I would have the High blood pressure if I would have biked more weight lifted less.:innocent:
I do love my bike except when it 14 deg with a breeze..:twitchy:
Doug
PSPS
Watch you meds many cause more symptoms than normal cause your more active than normal, I ve reacted to Some BP meds, and those cholesterol lowering drugs really messed me up I could barely walk after 6mos of them..My DR's response was that happens sometimes. Jeeze thanks for the warning.

The other thing that's making me feel old is my right knee needs those Synnvisc shots again. Had a round of them a year ago February 5th. But they have worn off. All things considered a year is a damn good return for those injections. Synnvisc is like Six Million Dollar Man Cortisone. They hurt, and they're a bit pricey, but they get me back on the racing bike. Right now my knee feels like it has a perpetual air bladder where the meniscus cartilage should be. Arthritis boys.

I roto-rootered my right knee pretty good on a motorcycle in 1989 and had a major ACL reconstruction. Didn't really start getting chronic arthritis in it until age 50 and I've hammered on the bike with it for 15 out of those 20 years. Now I may have to resort to those Synnvisc shots once a year. Oh well.

I look at it this way, I may be old, but at least I'm stupid.

I got a good idea what your putting up with, as I have Rheumatoid and Osteo arthritis. Thank God for drugs, I mean the legal ones.:D

Pcad,

What are these Synnvisc shots rou speak of? Is this witchcraft medicine of new science? Maybe my POS ankle could use some of those shots.

It is really hard for me to get my head around the fact that I am really 53. I know that it's a fact, my hair is gray and thinning, and I have these mystery little aches and pains that seem to pop up for no reason, but I just can't feel it. Maybe because I am always active, kept pretty much in shape even when I wasn't working on it, still play guitar in a rock-n-roll band, ride bikes and motorcycles, run races...I just hate the FACT that I AM this age, but what ya gonna do about it???

Keep on rockin'

I'm going to turn 61 next week and it does seem a bit odd.
When I was a kid, someone that old had the waistband of their pants nearly up to their armpits.
Me? You can almost see the crack.....

TMI, Bill!

Everything seems backwards; Youth is wasted on the Young. :notamused:
:

Isn't that the whole premise of "Benjamin Buttons"?

I hit 58 next month. 60 is two years away. I pray I stay healthy and with a good mind as it appears I may be working another decade or so. :(

BTW let me ask my old lady question here - I know in this group you will understand discussions about medical problems... over the last year I have developed an intolerance to salt. The good thing it has forced me to stop eating processed food. Also no crackers, chips etc. If I eat even the tiniest bit of salt (like half a cracker or pretzel), my mouth starts to burn and I can taste salt all night. It has kept me up at night. Like I said, I've done my best to stop eating salty foods but geez you learn what food naturally have salt, lile celery (which I loved to snack on).

Anyone have this problem as well - or is it my own special brand of weird "oldness"? :o

it appears I may be working another decade or so. :(

Daymn; ain't that the frick'n truth:(

Pcad,

What are these Synnvisc shots rou speak of? Is this witchcraft medicine of new science? Maybe my POS ankle could use some of those shots.

http://www.synvisc.com/ It looks like it is for knees.

http://www.synvisc.com/ It looks like it is for knees.

Hey, would that stuff help my brain work better?

Synvisc is for knees, and it is very effective.

Hey, the last time I was here everybody was pissed at me for insulting them all. I'm not sure what the problem is. You old guys should lighten up before you get a friggin stroke. Life is too short. Like I have to tell you farts that.

The only thing that helps my brain work better is cycling, and now that it's 0-10º here all the time, that's off the table. Hoping to get out tomorrow when it inches up into the 15ºF range. If I lived in Minnesota I'd throw myself into a snowblower and be done with it. This weather is highly unusual here. We only get a couple of days a winter where it doesn't break high teens.

At least here they won't call me old man so much. I would imagine.

At 51 you'll be lucky to avoid being called called "sonny".

Hey, the last time I was here everybody was pissed at me for insulting them all. I'm not sure what the problem is. You old guys should lighten up before you get a friggin stroke. Life is too short. Like I have to tell you farts that.



Dude, this thread has been a veritable love-fest. Lighten up.

At 51 you'll be lucky to avoid being called called "sonny".

Heh. There's a guy who comes to the library every couple of weeks or so. He's 87. Calls me "Sonnyboy". Makes my day every time.

BTW let me ask my old lady question here - I know in this group you will understand discussions about medical problems... over the last year I have developed an intolerance to salt. The good thing it has forced me to stop eating processed food. Also no crackers, chips etc. If I eat even the tiniest bit of salt (like half a cracker or pretzel), my mouth starts to burn and I can taste salt all night. It has kept me up at night. Like I said, I've done my best to stop eating salty foods but geez you learn what food naturally have salt, lile celery (which I loved to snack on).

Anyone have this problem as well - or is it my own special brand of weird "oldness"? :o

That would be a tough one for me, I consider salt one of the basic food groups.

The fact that 55 is a couple months away is quite an eye opener for me. After recently losing a good friend, I am happy whenever I can get on the stupid bike and ride around. During the ride I feel that there is still time to enjoy life and I'm glad that I started riding again as an adult.
p-cad talks about throwing himself into a snow blower and it's not all in jest, I think. I'm sure many of us have had feelings of futility or desperation or just get tired of trying.
The bike experience and friends/loved ones make it possible to keep going.

Heh. There's a guy who comes to the library every couple of weeks or so. He's 87. Calls me "Sonnyboy". Makes my day every time.

That's funny. There are 2 guys in my road club who felt insulted or disrespected by me calling them 'young fella' until they found out that I was older than they are, then it was o.k.