Feeling Old vs Being Old
#26
Banned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 1,066
From: Lincoln Ne
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
The first time you use the excuse you are too old to do something, you will probably never do it again. Then you are on the long down hill slide. If you have fairly good health keep doing everything you can. Old age is mainly a bad attitude.
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 681
Likes: 82
From: Bowie Texas
Bikes: Origin-8 Lactic Acid Giant Escape 2 Centurian Lemans 12 Kuwahara Tandem 1989 Ironman Expert 1988 Ironman Master
I drive a Corvette a Miata and a 56 Chevy hotrod, ride bikes with my kids and grandkids, work 40 hours a week in a factory where I out work people half my age. I go to the Dr twice a year for a checkup to keep my wife happy. I don't know what 62 is supposed to feel like but I like it!
Yes I have a few aches and pains and the eye doctor told me I have the beginning of a cataract but I'm not going to let minor stuff keep me from enjoying the rest of my life no matter how long or short it may be.
Yes I have a few aches and pains and the eye doctor told me I have the beginning of a cataract but I'm not going to let minor stuff keep me from enjoying the rest of my life no matter how long or short it may be.
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 602
Likes: 23
From: high above the pounding surf of Lake Erie
Bikes: Couple of rigid MTB's and a fixed gear
Feeling young still, except:
A group of my contemporaries and I have been kayak surfing the Lake since high school. Autumn is when the best conditions come up due to storm activity. It's also when the water temp plunges to the freezing level.
Maybe older is smarter, but I can't bring myself to pull on the wetsuit and let the Lake beat me into the sandy, rocky bottom anymore. I gave it up two years ago, and miss it dearly. Miss it, but can't suffer the physical abuse like I used to. There are younger surfers that have started to replace our original group...the circle of life?
Hard to feel young when there are things I'm just not willing to do anymore
A group of my contemporaries and I have been kayak surfing the Lake since high school. Autumn is when the best conditions come up due to storm activity. It's also when the water temp plunges to the freezing level.
Maybe older is smarter, but I can't bring myself to pull on the wetsuit and let the Lake beat me into the sandy, rocky bottom anymore. I gave it up two years ago, and miss it dearly. Miss it, but can't suffer the physical abuse like I used to. There are younger surfers that have started to replace our original group...the circle of life?
Hard to feel young when there are things I'm just not willing to do anymore
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 879
Likes: 136
From: Peoples Republic of Brooklyn
Bikes: Pinarello Dogma F8 Giant TCR Advanced 2 Jamis Coda
Time does take a toll, however, and after achillies reconstructive and shoulder surgery as well as a hip replacement after a fracture running was pretty much a thing of the past. That hasn't limited me as a cyclist. I regularly ride six days a week and have just passed 9000 miles for the year. I work more on flexibility these days doing yoga and more body weight exercises than free weights.
I'm happy as long as I can finish a workout feeling like I've pushed myself and not just soft pedaled for an hour. So the bottom line is that despite some limitations I don't feel my age. I like to say you're only young once but you can be immature forever.
#31
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 11,013
Likes: 24
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Real age is 82. Am 5'7", weigh 135 lbs.
So far only got in 5,100+ miles for 2014. Have slowed down a bit. Quit riding the El Tour de Tucson at age 80 and have done it 29 times.
Been riding since the early 1970s and have cycled over 300,000 miles so far between tandem and single bikes.
'Old' is 10 years older than what I happen to be now!
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem
So far only got in 5,100+ miles for 2014. Have slowed down a bit. Quit riding the El Tour de Tucson at age 80 and have done it 29 times.
Been riding since the early 1970s and have cycled over 300,000 miles so far between tandem and single bikes.
'Old' is 10 years older than what I happen to be now!
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem
#33
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
Real age is 82. Am 5'7", weigh 135 lbs.
So far only got in 5,100+ miles for 2014. Have slowed down a bit. Quit riding the El Tour de Tucson at age 80 and have done it 29 times.
Been riding since the early 1970s and have cycled over 300,000 miles so far between tandem and single bikes.
'Old' is 10 years older than what I happen to be now!
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem
So far only got in 5,100+ miles for 2014. Have slowed down a bit. Quit riding the El Tour de Tucson at age 80 and have done it 29 times.
Been riding since the early 1970s and have cycled over 300,000 miles so far between tandem and single bikes.
'Old' is 10 years older than what I happen to be now!
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 13
From: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
I wasn't aware of age having a "feeling". I honestly can't say I feel any different today than I did 30 years ago... when I was in my 30's.
I used to (20 or more years ago) have more arthritic discomfort than I do now. And there was a period when my muscles appeared more elongated (a sign of ageing) than they do today. But there is no mistaking me for a much younger man. I'd guess that being healthy and fit feels "normal" or youthful. And maybe feeling ill or in poor condition due to fitness or poor diet relates to feeling "old".
I used to (20 or more years ago) have more arthritic discomfort than I do now. And there was a period when my muscles appeared more elongated (a sign of ageing) than they do today. But there is no mistaking me for a much younger man. I'd guess that being healthy and fit feels "normal" or youthful. And maybe feeling ill or in poor condition due to fitness or poor diet relates to feeling "old".
#35
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
From: Memphis
Bikes: 2014 Felt Z100, 1987 Schwinn Sierra
I feel younger at 50 than I did at 40 or 30. Cigarettes, bad food, a little too much booze, a lot of late nights at work, and no exercise will do that to you.
So I started trying to clean up my act in early 2000. Little by little I've been able to eliminate one or two bad things per year. I knew that I was making good progress, and then it happened: In May The Bike got me. It was painful for a few months, but I persevered.
Today, only seven months later, I feel invincible. Age really is just a number. The body heals itself if you'll only give it a chance.
This song has always been a favorite of mine for some reason. I always thought it had something to do with John Lennon retreating from public life with Yoko.
But now I know why I like it. I think it's really about bicycles.
Merry Everything, and Happy Always, whatever you choose celebrate this month.
So I started trying to clean up my act in early 2000. Little by little I've been able to eliminate one or two bad things per year. I knew that I was making good progress, and then it happened: In May The Bike got me. It was painful for a few months, but I persevered.
Today, only seven months later, I feel invincible. Age really is just a number. The body heals itself if you'll only give it a chance.
This song has always been a favorite of mine for some reason. I always thought it had something to do with John Lennon retreating from public life with Yoko.
But now I know why I like it. I think it's really about bicycles.
Merry Everything, and Happy Always, whatever you choose celebrate this month.
#36
Seat Sniffer


Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 3,037
From: SoCal
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
You took the works right out of my mouth!
Physically, I don't feel old at all. Yea, I get my aches and pains, but I also have times when I feel really, really good (and no, not when I've been drinking too much). That doesn't mean squat, though. My warranty expired long ago, and anything could happen at this point.
What makes me feel old? Contemporaries passing away. What I continue to think of as "babies" voting, graduating from college, and having babies of their own. That kind of stuff.
Physically, I don't feel old at all. Yea, I get my aches and pains, but I also have times when I feel really, really good (and no, not when I've been drinking too much). That doesn't mean squat, though. My warranty expired long ago, and anything could happen at this point.
What makes me feel old? Contemporaries passing away. What I continue to think of as "babies" voting, graduating from college, and having babies of their own. That kind of stuff.
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Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#38
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,977
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I have felt like crap for so long, I have forgotten what it was like not to be in pain. Thanks to a few health issues like arthritis in my hands and knees, a 30+ year bout with Hemochromatosis that was missed by several doctors for 25 years, I have almost constant joint pain, muscle weakness and fatigue. None of which are life threatening so they may slow me at times but I wont stop until I can not go any further.
It's great to be alive, beats the alternatives...
It's great to be alive, beats the alternatives...
#39
Seems like a relatively pointless study that basically proves healthy people live longer than unhealthy people...
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"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
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#40
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
A wise man once asked "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?"
#41
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,962
Likes: 1,382
From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
I have felt like crap for so long, I have forgotten what it was like not to be in pain. Thanks to a few health issues like arthritis in my hands and knees, a 30+ year bout with Hemochromatosis that was missed by several doctors for 25 years, I have almost constant joint pain, muscle weakness and fatigue. None of which are life threatening so they may slow me at times but I wont stop until I can not go any further.
It's great to be alive, beats the alternatives...
It's great to be alive, beats the alternatives...
There are times when the alternative is much preferred and I have no problems with that since I believe the alternative is simply an eternal void. So peaceful.
BTW, healthy people are dying young every day. Health does not guarantee longevity.
#43
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 881
Likes: 204
From: Norman, OK
Bikes: Casati Laser, Ciöcc Exige, Black Mountain Cycles Road
I used to commute to work on a small motorcycle. Sometime around age 40, though, I realized I was getting much better at imagining what it would feel like to hit the pavement or a guardrail -- things you just don't think about when you're a teenager or in your twenties. There are a number of age-related realizations like this: I quit smoking when I realized how weak my lungs had become; I drink a lot less since I realized that I don't sleep as well after drinking (not to mention longer recovery times). I also returned to cycling after several years off and now feel much better than I have in years. There are still creeping aches and pains, failing eye-sight and hearing, but I'm much more at ease with myself and I've learned to live better with age, and cycling is a big part of that, of course. Let's call it maturity, though, not "feeling young" or "feeling old."
Last edited by Oldguyonoldbike; 12-24-14 at 07:35 AM.
#44
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 780
Wake up every morning also feeling like crap. I could take meds that could help change things but I do not. The body does not always heal itself either. I could have a new shoulder installed and a new wrist installed and surgery on my knees and my eyes and maybe that would help a bit, but as of right now, I will not.
There are times when the alternative is much preferred and I have no problems with that since I believe the alternative is simply an eternal void. So peaceful.
BTW, healthy people are dying young every day. Health does not guarantee longevity.
There are times when the alternative is much preferred and I have no problems with that since I believe the alternative is simply an eternal void. So peaceful.
BTW, healthy people are dying young every day. Health does not guarantee longevity.
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 879
Likes: 136
From: Peoples Republic of Brooklyn
Bikes: Pinarello Dogma F8 Giant TCR Advanced 2 Jamis Coda
BTW, healthy people are dying young every day. Health does not guarantee longevity.
There are no guaranties in life and it's sure not fair but I still try and live my life like I'm going to live forever. If you keep looking ahead and stop looking back it keeps you more positive and that's half the game right there. Focus on what you can do and let go of what you can't. Besides being fit and active feels a lot better than being fat and out of breath.
There are no guaranties in life and it's sure not fair but I still try and live my life like I'm going to live forever. If you keep looking ahead and stop looking back it keeps you more positive and that's half the game right there. Focus on what you can do and let go of what you can't. Besides being fit and active feels a lot better than being fat and out of breath.
#46
a77impala
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 13
From: Central South Dakota
Bikes: 04=LeMond Arravee, 08 LeMond Versailles, 92 Trek 970
Christmas day the water pump started leaking on my car. Front wheel drive, hadn't changed one ever, my mechanic closed his shop until Jan. 2nd. I gave up car repairs when went to front wheel drive.
Friday I decided I could do the repair myself, two hours later I was done and went for test drive. My wife's comment was the average 70 year olds are not out in the driveway replacing a water pump. Made my day!
I had doubted myself and proved I could still turn a wrench when I had to! Age is relative.
Friday I decided I could do the repair myself, two hours later I was done and went for test drive. My wife's comment was the average 70 year olds are not out in the driveway replacing a water pump. Made my day!
I had doubted myself and proved I could still turn a wrench when I had to! Age is relative.
#47
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 5
From: Prestwick, Scotland
Bikes: Bianchi Via Ninron, Bianchi Intenso and Cannondale trail 6 29er 2015
I am 57 but regularly mistaken for late 40s but don't think I look particularly young. (Not a hair on my head) but think is is more about how I approach things and hold myself. Had a bad accident on my bike on the 1st August and broke my hip still walk with a limp and actually feel older for the first time in my life. But I will change that next year
Last edited by Gordy. 1888; 12-29-14 at 05:46 PM.
#49
Full Member

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 218
Likes: 78
From: CA
Bikes: Spot ACME with Shimano Alfine 11 & Gates Carbon Drive
I'm amazed how good I feel at 62. I really expected to have slowed down by now but I don't think that I have. Either that, or I've slowed down at such a gradual pace that I haven't noticed the difference.
#50
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 55
From: Chapin, SC
Bikes: all steel stable: surly world troller, paris sport fixed, fuji ss
An alternative view of the topic:
These kinds of studies are based on a premise that I believe is somewhat faulty and ageist in nature. There is a difference between functional ability, perceived health, and pain or discomfort related to illness/disease and getting old. To equate these with age or that of feeling healthy with youth is a faulty presupposition. Yet, many still persist in holding this as an acceptable truth. Too often these subtle beliefs manifest themselves in negative attitudes toward aging. I try to live by the thought that I am not who I was yesterday or who I will be tomorrow. On any given day I may have more or less of a given ability. I may feel more or less pain and discomfort. Age is not the way I choose to define this phenomenon.
These kinds of studies are based on a premise that I believe is somewhat faulty and ageist in nature. There is a difference between functional ability, perceived health, and pain or discomfort related to illness/disease and getting old. To equate these with age or that of feeling healthy with youth is a faulty presupposition. Yet, many still persist in holding this as an acceptable truth. Too often these subtle beliefs manifest themselves in negative attitudes toward aging. I try to live by the thought that I am not who I was yesterday or who I will be tomorrow. On any given day I may have more or less of a given ability. I may feel more or less pain and discomfort. Age is not the way I choose to define this phenomenon.




