The "slings and arrows of aging" - how are you doing?
07-27-14, 08:19 AM
#76
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I think stress is the ultimate killer. My wife and I are under constant stress as regards the current and future of our son with profound developmental disabilities – who will be 47 next month. He requires 24/7 observation and support.
This year we went through the extreme stress of the very untimely and unexpected death of his primary caregiver (he lives in what is called a “Host Home”). Fortunately a replacement had been trained during this process. At near 75 and 77yo, and suffering from several maladies, there is nothing we can do for him, except lunch every week with him and his daytime care provider (who resigned and then recanted a few weeks ago). It takes several months to really train in a replacement, and we were in a total panic. And, what happens when we die? Government funding for his 24 hour care is always tenuous, and constantly changing and under threat from one political party or another, both state and federal. Nothing is ever stable.
Our oldest son is doing great with his and his wife’s law practice, despite his being paralyzed from the neck down – but that is also a constant source of stress.
We hate when the phone rings. We both jump, wondering about which next catastrophe we need next to respond to. (grammar $%^&*)
I have, apparently, developed glaucoma in the left eye. My wife continues with the terrible afternoon and evening pain of post-herpetic-neuralgia – for 10 years now (residual from shingles - GET YOUR SHINGLES SHOT). My left hip has developed a chronic and sometimes acute bursitis, which often "screams" at me. And my Trigeminal Neuralgia can act up at a moment's notice.
Of course, we have seen all the best doctors, and even holistic medicine. No advice needed here, PLEASE.
Yet, we continue to find positives in life. My singing group now includes my wife. We both bicycle and swim and are active in leading our senior’s group at church. There have been several cruises and vacations. I continue incessant advocacy with some of the glory-seeking moron administrators who provide services and with state legislators, and propose new laws, etc.
Several close friends our age have developed Alzheimer’s, or Parkinsons and and/or have had strokes.
So, what about 10 years ahead? I doubt either of us makes it for 10 years.
I was sort of curious about other folks when I posted what seems, to some, to be an unimportant, or at least, an imponderable thread.
Sorry for that, but your answers are quite informative.
Yes, this is my "venting" thread.
Thanks
This year we went through the extreme stress of the very untimely and unexpected death of his primary caregiver (he lives in what is called a “Host Home”). Fortunately a replacement had been trained during this process. At near 75 and 77yo, and suffering from several maladies, there is nothing we can do for him, except lunch every week with him and his daytime care provider (who resigned and then recanted a few weeks ago). It takes several months to really train in a replacement, and we were in a total panic. And, what happens when we die? Government funding for his 24 hour care is always tenuous, and constantly changing and under threat from one political party or another, both state and federal. Nothing is ever stable.
Our oldest son is doing great with his and his wife’s law practice, despite his being paralyzed from the neck down – but that is also a constant source of stress.
We hate when the phone rings. We both jump, wondering about which next catastrophe we need next to respond to. (grammar $%^&*)
I have, apparently, developed glaucoma in the left eye. My wife continues with the terrible afternoon and evening pain of post-herpetic-neuralgia – for 10 years now (residual from shingles - GET YOUR SHINGLES SHOT). My left hip has developed a chronic and sometimes acute bursitis, which often "screams" at me. And my Trigeminal Neuralgia can act up at a moment's notice.
Of course, we have seen all the best doctors, and even holistic medicine. No advice needed here, PLEASE.
Yet, we continue to find positives in life. My singing group now includes my wife. We both bicycle and swim and are active in leading our senior’s group at church. There have been several cruises and vacations. I continue incessant advocacy with some of the glory-seeking moron administrators who provide services and with state legislators, and propose new laws, etc.
Several close friends our age have developed Alzheimer’s, or Parkinsons and and/or have had strokes.
So, what about 10 years ahead? I doubt either of us makes it for 10 years.
I was sort of curious about other folks when I posted what seems, to some, to be an unimportant, or at least, an imponderable thread.
Sorry for that, but your answers are quite informative.
Yes, this is my "venting" thread.
Thanks
07-27-14, 10:32 AM
#77
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I am doing well ! Wife's Bday was yesterday, mine was Friday, our anniversary was 2 weeks ago. Our 2 oldest granddaughters, our daughter and her 2 children, our 15y.o. and us are all staying very busy! The Dr. says 10 years? probably not. lol, oh well, we are still having a good time ! tom
07-27-14, 10:49 AM
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60 this year. Started out feeling fine in the spring, getting ready for regular 30+ RT commute on crushed limestone trails and 100+ mile weeks.
But I failed a stress test and had multiple stents put in a couple of months ago. I am on beta blockers, blood pressure medicine, and anti-clotting drugs. I am now commuting 30+ twice a week with cardiac rehab the other 3,, and I ride on the weekend. I did my first 100+ mi week last week. Man do I get tired much faster and I am at least a few mph slower - not as fun as even the early spring. I would go 60+ mi rides at the end of last year but 20 takes it out of me right now.
I hope this improves and I get back into it, but I want to keep commuting at least 3 times a week and put in 500 mi months.
Any suggestions?
-
But I failed a stress test and had multiple stents put in a couple of months ago. I am on beta blockers, blood pressure medicine, and anti-clotting drugs. I am now commuting 30+ twice a week with cardiac rehab the other 3,, and I ride on the weekend. I did my first 100+ mi week last week. Man do I get tired much faster and I am at least a few mph slower - not as fun as even the early spring. I would go 60+ mi rides at the end of last year but 20 takes it out of me right now.
I hope this improves and I get back into it, but I want to keep commuting at least 3 times a week and put in 500 mi months.
Any suggestions?
-
Last edited by GeneO; 07-27-14 at 11:22 AM.
07-27-14, 08:21 PM
#79
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I'm guessing there won't be many 80 year old's replies, not too many 70's, either.
I wish there were.
But, I don't know many 70-80 year olds that use a computer. The combo of older riders that use computers is probably hard to come by. Be neat to hear from them.
I wish there were.
But, I don't know many 70-80 year olds that use a computer. The combo of older riders that use computers is probably hard to come by. Be neat to hear from them.
07-27-14, 08:42 PM
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I and others I know in their 70's (can't speak for 80 yo's but my wife is 76 and she uses a bike computer - loves it). I use a smart phone app (My Tracks) that does just about everything my Garmin 305 (see how dated that is?) did before that battery went away forever. I have computers on all my bikes, as do my 70+ yo friends.
But, I am not into formally tracking mileage, Strava, etc., as it ruins the ride for me.
We do have an 81yo rider here who keeps track of his mileage (over 300,000) pretty carefully.
07-27-14, 08:59 PM
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Perhaps there are not many of us that use a computer and ride a bike that are 70-80. But there are a lot of us computer literate and programming them too! I code PHP and javascript (jQuery mostly) mainly with the Google Maps API 3. Also write a Wordpress plugins now and then. Test wrote an Android app using Cordova too. But I am young at 76 and only ride 100-150 miles a week now.
07-27-14, 09:39 PM
#82
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I retired last August after 38 years in the insurance business. If you count the time I spent in the womb i am 70. I still ride 2-3 days a week and hike 2 days a week. I also shoot twice a week (competitive shooter) and am president of my shooting club. I work in my vegetable garden at least one day a week as well. I am unhappy that there are not 8 days because I have not figured out how to weave fly fishing into my schedule. My aerobic capacity is not what it used to be. My hips hurt after hiking. It is getting harder for me to win matches. I consider myself lucky that I am still able to pursue new adventures. I don't worry about my physical future. I can't do much about it. I live each day as a gift of life.
My father lived to be 96. He as frail but still full of life and sharp as a tack. He had great friends, many of the much younger than him. He walked a bit bent over but never complained. He attended Rotary club right up to the end even though he could not always hear what was being said.
I watched my dad land a good sized yellow tail when he was 89. A group of kayakers had gathered around to watch. When I gaffed the fish and brought it aboard they all clapped for my dad. I yelled that he was 89. My dad yelled, "89 and a half"!.
My dad passed away a year ago in May. He knew he was going to go and said, "well I was hoping for 100 but I guess I am going to kick the bucket" He had no regrets about anything he had done in his life. He was a B25 pilot in WWII, a successful business man and was married to my mom for 70 years and raised 5 children. His was a life very well lived. I think that we all should live what life we have as well as we can and not worry about what we are going to be like in 10 years. All we really have for sure is this moment.
Yea, I have email but I have not figured out those new fangled cell phones. I guess I am going to have to consult a 10 year old.
My father lived to be 96. He as frail but still full of life and sharp as a tack. He had great friends, many of the much younger than him. He walked a bit bent over but never complained. He attended Rotary club right up to the end even though he could not always hear what was being said.
I watched my dad land a good sized yellow tail when he was 89. A group of kayakers had gathered around to watch. When I gaffed the fish and brought it aboard they all clapped for my dad. I yelled that he was 89. My dad yelled, "89 and a half"!.
My dad passed away a year ago in May. He knew he was going to go and said, "well I was hoping for 100 but I guess I am going to kick the bucket" He had no regrets about anything he had done in his life. He was a B25 pilot in WWII, a successful business man and was married to my mom for 70 years and raised 5 children. His was a life very well lived. I think that we all should live what life we have as well as we can and not worry about what we are going to be like in 10 years. All we really have for sure is this moment.
Yea, I have email but I have not figured out those new fangled cell phones. I guess I am going to have to consult a 10 year old.
07-28-14, 10:28 AM
#83
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What type of computer? Laptop? Old bicycle type? Smart phone? Garmin type?
I and others I know in their 70's (can't speak for 80 yo's but my wife is 76 and she uses a bike computer - loves it). I use a smart phone app (My Tracks) that does just about everything my Garmin 305 (see how dated that is?) did before that battery went away forever. I have computers on all my bikes, as do my 70+ yo friends.
But, I am not into formally tracking mileage, Strava, etc., as it ruins the ride for me.
We do have an 81yo rider here who keeps track of his mileage (over 300,000) pretty carefully.
I and others I know in their 70's (can't speak for 80 yo's but my wife is 76 and she uses a bike computer - loves it). I use a smart phone app (My Tracks) that does just about everything my Garmin 305 (see how dated that is?) did before that battery went away forever. I have computers on all my bikes, as do my 70+ yo friends.
But, I am not into formally tracking mileage, Strava, etc., as it ruins the ride for me.
We do have an 81yo rider here who keeps track of his mileage (over 300,000) pretty carefully.
07-28-14, 12:29 PM
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Whether or not there are fewer 70-80yo's online and, if so, the reasons why (if true, perhaps it is simply because there are fewer 70 and 80 yo's alive??), is an open question about which you are making an assumption, and whether or not the "sample" (if that is what one could call it) is skewed - well, we would have to design a bit better study then this one! 
Last edited by DnvrFox; 07-28-14 at 02:56 PM.
08-02-14, 05:55 AM
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Turned 60 a couple of weeks ago and probably feel better physically than anytime in the last 25 years. Decided in March I wanted to train for a Sprint Tri in June. In spite of having two knees that will need replacement eventually and were scheduled for scoping this April I was able to build up the running and on June 8 finished that Tri about 20 min faster than my initial hope. 5 weeks later I got silver in my age group in another Sprint tri. Looking at doing another one end of this month if a nagging groin pull eases off (have no idea where that came from). Over about the last 4 years my wife and I have really worked on base fitness: hiking, biking, pilates, yogo, swimming etc, etc. Also done a lot of experimenting with diet, avoiding virtually all processed foods and most wheat products. Try to never sit for more than 30 minutes at a time . . . will avoid prescription drugs like the plague (was supposed to go on BP drugs years ago, decided to eliminate salt, loss weight, get fitter instead). And, no question taking early retirement was HUGE. I loved my job (Special Ed teacher) but eliminating that stress made a big difference.
08-02-14, 12:15 PM
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Well, in a few short months I'll be 78. After major spine surgery 29 months ago that took me from barely walking with pain to no pain, riding a bike, walking for miles with a hiking staff I'm essentially normal, whatever that is. My feet and ankles are unstable from nerve damage. So I can ride and walk but have difficulty standing.
Here is a sample of my "New Normal". Day before yesterday my spouse and I bought some lattés from our favorite place and walked two miles next to the river. Yesterday spent some time in the gym using the elliptical trainer, leg press(350#), bench press(150#), arm curls to overhead press(60#), supine overhead pullovers(60#), flies(60#), overhead pulldowns(105#) and just walking with 60# trying to get ankles and feet to cooperate and provide some stability.
You know I'm setting up new computers. Also, trying to get motivated to learn a new programming language.
Pretty puny by old normal and most folks. But I'm happy to be smelling the flowers.
Should comment on the biggest challenge. We have discovered there is a world of difference between being old in a standard community where one has lived for many years and moving in already old. Striking up a social and mutual support life for newcomers is difficult. That doesn't appear to be the case in "retirement communities" since everyone is in the same boat.
Here is a sample of my "New Normal". Day before yesterday my spouse and I bought some lattés from our favorite place and walked two miles next to the river. Yesterday spent some time in the gym using the elliptical trainer, leg press(350#), bench press(150#), arm curls to overhead press(60#), supine overhead pullovers(60#), flies(60#), overhead pulldowns(105#) and just walking with 60# trying to get ankles and feet to cooperate and provide some stability.
You know I'm setting up new computers. Also, trying to get motivated to learn a new programming language.
Pretty puny by old normal and most folks. But I'm happy to be smelling the flowers.
Should comment on the biggest challenge. We have discovered there is a world of difference between being old in a standard community where one has lived for many years and moving in already old. Striking up a social and mutual support life for newcomers is difficult. That doesn't appear to be the case in "retirement communities" since everyone is in the same boat.
Last edited by ModeratedUser150120149; 08-02-14 at 12:47 PM.
08-02-14, 03:45 PM
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Well, in a few short months I'll be 78. After major spine surgery 29 months ago that took me from barely walking with pain to no pain, riding a bike, walking for miles with a hiking staff I'm essentially normal, whatever that is. My feet and ankles are unstable from nerve damage. So I can ride and walk but have difficulty standing.
Here is a sample of my "New Normal". Day before yesterday my spouse and I bought some lattés from our favorite place and walked two miles next to the river. Yesterday spent some time in the gym using the elliptical trainer, leg press(350#), bench press(150#), arm curls to overhead press(60#), supine overhead pullovers(60#), flies(60#), overhead pulldowns(105#) and just walking with 60# trying to get ankles and feet to cooperate and provide some stability.
You know I'm setting up new computers. Also, trying to get motivated to learn a new programming language.
Pretty puny by old normal and most folks. But I'm happy to be smelling the flowers.
Should comment on the biggest challenge. We have discovered there is a world of difference between being old in a standard community where one has lived for many years and moving in already old. Striking up a social and mutual support life for newcomers is difficult. That doesn't appear to be the case in "retirement communities" since everyone is in the same boat.
Here is a sample of my "New Normal". Day before yesterday my spouse and I bought some lattés from our favorite place and walked two miles next to the river. Yesterday spent some time in the gym using the elliptical trainer, leg press(350#), bench press(150#), arm curls to overhead press(60#), supine overhead pullovers(60#), flies(60#), overhead pulldowns(105#) and just walking with 60# trying to get ankles and feet to cooperate and provide some stability.
You know I'm setting up new computers. Also, trying to get motivated to learn a new programming language.
Pretty puny by old normal and most folks. But I'm happy to be smelling the flowers.
Should comment on the biggest challenge. We have discovered there is a world of difference between being old in a standard community where one has lived for many years and moving in already old. Striking up a social and mutual support life for newcomers is difficult. That doesn't appear to be the case in "retirement communities" since everyone is in the same boat.
I have known him for several years now. We have ridden together, lunched together and email and talk on the phone regularly. He used the same surgeon I did for his back surgeries. I have followed his progress closely.
I want to make it extremely clear that the progress he has shown did not just happen. It was his grit, determination, attitude of never giving up and support of his spouse and others that brought him to an amazing spot in his still never-ending journey of improvement. A lesser person would have given up months/years ago.
I am proud to know him, and for him to be a participant in the 50+ forum.
Many kudos, HawkOwl!
08-04-14, 01:53 PM
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WOW! Denver I don't know what to say except Thanks for the support and good words.
I will refrain from attempting any profundities.
I will refrain from attempting any profundities.
Last edited by ModeratedUser150120149; 08-05-14 at 02:04 PM. Reason: Grammar
08-04-14, 06:56 PM
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At 75 I feel qualified to say that there are two problems as far age goes. One, body parts don't do the same level of work and Two the meds you take will probably have a much bigger impact. For me: at 50 sub 5 100 mi, at 75 sub 7 100mi and I am now thinking just finishing 100 miles at 85 will be good enough. A few months ago I accidently stopped taking one of my meds containing statins. Next day and until mistake discovered my daily average speed went up by over 1 mph.
08-10-14, 12:04 PM
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Latest update for me....at age 68 after last year's crash and C1-C2 fusion I am stronger than I have been for many years. Last Friday I did my 17.4 mi. TT w/1,000 ft. elevation at 16.6 mph. It was the first time I've done that ride this year. It will be a weekly ride from this point on. Also riding with my club about 100 mi. a week at around 15 mph. I fell stronger, faster and more confident than ever. Down from 195 lbs. to 180 lbs and that's less than my college football weight. Feeling pretty damned good.
08-10-14, 12:17 PM
#92
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50-59
I'm finding that all those little things you do for your health do pay off. I have:
-Cut way down on meat.
-Quit smoking.
-Exercise daily.
-Fast regularly.
-Avoid processed food.
-Avoid soda.
-Avoid stress.
I have minor aches and pains but so far everything works and I can do pretty much whatever I want.
I'm finding that all those little things you do for your health do pay off. I have:
-Cut way down on meat.
-Quit smoking.
-Exercise daily.
-Fast regularly.
-Avoid processed food.
-Avoid soda.
-Avoid stress.
I have minor aches and pains but so far everything works and I can do pretty much whatever I want.
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08-10-14, 01:35 PM
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After reading all the misfortunes that others have experienced I feel pretty lucky at 79. Nothing really major health wise.
Not fast but durable, putting in 100 plus miles per week. Minor inconvenience of a hydrocele (I had never heard of it either). Two visits to the hospital for back injuries (degenerative discs). Blood pressure is under control and attitude on the bike is superb. Life is good! Practice my French out on the lonelier roads and appreciate the sight of healthy people sharing the road with me.
Not fast but durable, putting in 100 plus miles per week. Minor inconvenience of a hydrocele (I had never heard of it either). Two visits to the hospital for back injuries (degenerative discs). Blood pressure is under control and attitude on the bike is superb. Life is good! Practice my French out on the lonelier roads and appreciate the sight of healthy people sharing the road with me.
08-19-14, 12:49 PM
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How important do you all feel about avoiding stress? I recently left teaching high school for a much less stressful job. An opportunity came up to teach for a few more years but I let it pass because I recall all the stress I used to experience. I'm soooooo much more relaxed now, and the $ on my retirement job is pretty much the same.
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08-19-14, 04:03 PM
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One of the problematic things about stress is that you can't avoid it when it finds you. That's why it is stressful. It sucks away your lifeblood.
I recently spent five years in a job that become extremely stressful. Another position much less stressful fell into my lap, a stroke of good fortune for which I am extremely grateful. Now I bike 150 miles a week in commuting alone (plus another 60 to 90 miles on the weekends riding a tandem with my sweetie). Life is very, very much better.
I recently spent five years in a job that become extremely stressful. Another position much less stressful fell into my lap, a stroke of good fortune for which I am extremely grateful. Now I bike 150 miles a week in commuting alone (plus another 60 to 90 miles on the weekends riding a tandem with my sweetie). Life is very, very much better.
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08-19-14, 05:02 PM
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How important do you all feel about avoiding stress? I recently left teaching high school for a much less stressful job. An opportunity came up to teach for a few more years but I let it pass because I recall all the stress I used to experience. I'm soooooo much more relaxed now, and the $ on my retirement job is pretty much the same.
I think I can relate a number of my physical ailments at 74 to stress starting in my 20's. Stress is a killer.
Sometimes, reading this forum, I am jealous of those of you who seem to have had a different life, and of the financial success afforded by a situation of which I had no opportunity. But when I look at my now grown children (one who will shortly qualify for the 50+ age group), I realize it was and is now worth all the efforts and sacrifices.
Last edited by DnvrFox; 08-20-14 at 06:53 AM.
08-19-14, 05:08 PM
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How important do you all feel about avoiding stress? I recently left teaching high school for a much less stressful job. An opportunity came up to teach for a few more years but I let it pass because I recall all the stress I used to experience. I'm soooooo much more relaxed now, and the $ on my retirement job is pretty much the same.
08-19-14, 05:11 PM
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How important do you all feel about avoiding stress? I recently left teaching high school for a much less stressful job. An opportunity came up to teach for a few more years but I let it pass because I recall all the stress I used to experience. I'm soooooo much more relaxed now, and the $ on my retirement job is pretty much the same.
Rich
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..life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. ― Andy Rooney ...enjoy what's left!
..life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. ― Andy Rooney ...enjoy what's left!
08-19-14, 08:12 PM
#99
Senior Member
Perhaps there are not many of us that use a computer and ride a bike that are 70-80. But there are a lot of us computer literate and programming them too! I code PHP and javascript (jQuery mostly) mainly with the Google Maps API 3. Also write a Wordpress plugins now and then. Test wrote an Android app using Cordova too. But I am young at 76 and only ride 100-150 miles a week now.
08-19-14, 08:23 PM
#100
Senior Member
Thanks for topic Mr. Fox
The Facts: 69 and started riding upon move to a South Florida at 63; began road bike less than 3 years ago. Riden 18,000 miles and this year scheduled to ride 6,000 after 5,000 last year.
The Bad: Lost wife after 30 years of marriage in 2001 and weighed almost 300. Had total right knee replacement in 2005 and left knee not so good. Little physical activity since 1986.
The Good: Remarried in 2006 and moved to South Florida in 2008; now weigh 210, last 40 thanks to biking. In best shape since played Varsity sports in High School. Heart rate about 51 standing and 170 Max. Recovery to 118 quite fast. Goal to lose 10 more pounds...for now.
The Riding: On club rides average 19 MPH and did 19.6 Saturday on 45+ mile ride--my average for the year is 48. Getting stronger each week as started group rides in April and got dropped as they say 21 or less but often go faster. After a month no longer get dropped. Working with coach who says I'm stronger than all his younger clients, even those age 30. Today did more HITs than any of his clients at 100-105 cadence and upto 27+ MPH on a trainer.
The Future: getting stronger and expect to keep doing so. Don't know limit but hope to find out. Expect to ride hard as along as can and get stronger and faster--why not if possible. Ride with friend almost 67 who leaves me in the dust when he wants and he's been riding almost 3 years. Have no idea what will do in 3, 5, or 10 years but look forward to finding out. It's a great journey and am thankful for what I have.
Yes, biking has helped change my life. Best wishes to all.
The Facts: 69 and started riding upon move to a South Florida at 63; began road bike less than 3 years ago. Riden 18,000 miles and this year scheduled to ride 6,000 after 5,000 last year.
The Bad: Lost wife after 30 years of marriage in 2001 and weighed almost 300. Had total right knee replacement in 2005 and left knee not so good. Little physical activity since 1986.
The Good: Remarried in 2006 and moved to South Florida in 2008; now weigh 210, last 40 thanks to biking. In best shape since played Varsity sports in High School. Heart rate about 51 standing and 170 Max. Recovery to 118 quite fast. Goal to lose 10 more pounds...for now.
The Riding: On club rides average 19 MPH and did 19.6 Saturday on 45+ mile ride--my average for the year is 48. Getting stronger each week as started group rides in April and got dropped as they say 21 or less but often go faster. After a month no longer get dropped. Working with coach who says I'm stronger than all his younger clients, even those age 30. Today did more HITs than any of his clients at 100-105 cadence and upto 27+ MPH on a trainer.
The Future: getting stronger and expect to keep doing so. Don't know limit but hope to find out. Expect to ride hard as along as can and get stronger and faster--why not if possible. Ride with friend almost 67 who leaves me in the dust when he wants and he's been riding almost 3 years. Have no idea what will do in 3, 5, or 10 years but look forward to finding out. It's a great journey and am thankful for what I have.
Yes, biking has helped change my life. Best wishes to all.