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Today while going through my week three trauma check-up my wife told me she suspected I was struggling with my age, and was trying to match my 20 and 40 year old self; which in part resulted in my bike injuries on labor day. I have always been active, and for most of my life been a long distance runner. Like most I had knee surgery this year, and have been told to stop running, something I did not want to do. I took up biking which has worked great till the accident, now I am told I seem to be headed to the age related crisis as I rapidly approach my sixth decade of life. In truth I am not overjoyed seeing the years tick by, but I don’t think I have dwelled on that uncontrollable factor of living, I am very competitive, more with my self than against others, and will push myself to the limits now just as I did at 20 or 40, but even with that I don’t come close to the past abilities in my youth, and I don’t think that really bothers me.
Having the age thing put directly to me after a major injury and the question I have asked myself this month really opened the issue in my head. At what age should we slow down? When I turn 60 is that a point to cut the 40 mile trails rides down and quit the 100 mile a week totals, is the world of running really gone after 55, is all this just fighting age, or an addiction to endorphins? Two major repairs tell me something needs a change, but how much and if I change doesn’t it just confirm I am getting too old?
Don't give up! Consult with your specialist and perhaps a physical therapist to see what is appropriate based on your history of injury, surgery, etc. You might need to indeed do less running or find a different sport. But age itself has little to do with it. Keep active! It's the best thing in the world for you. Use it, or lose it, it's really true.
In my mid-50's, I temporarily got physically active and took up softball just for the fun of it.
One night, I hit a major line drive out into deep center field and was going to turn it into a double, but my old legs gave out about half-way between home and 1st base. I collapsed with a shriek and was easily thrown out. I had to leave the game because I basically couldn't walk.
The next day, I took my legs to the Doctor and he gave me this advice: "Either play a WHOLE lot more softball, or none at all."
I took his advice. These days, I louse around the house and just enjoy the hell out of it.
While i believe that you should play it smart when it comes to exercise comparative of one's age i see that tomorrow is Jack Lalanne's birthday Sept 26, 1914 and he's still exercising 2 hours a day in his mid 90's and so i say that unless you have an injury then by all means don't stop or slow down when it comes to exercise.
Look into web sites that feature over 40/over 50 bodybuilding and/or exercising as they are showing that age is not a barrier when it comes to staying in shape .
While i believe that you should play it smart when it comes to exercise comparative of one's age i see that tomorrow is Jack Lalanne's birthday Sept 26, 1914 and he's still exercising 2 hours a day in his mid 90's and so i say that unless you have an injury then by all means don't stop or slow down when it comes to exercise.
Look into web sites that feature over 40/over 50 bodybuilding and/or exercising as they are showing that age is not a barrier when it comes to staying in shape .
I try to prevent the injuries I got as well as to keep my mind sharp. I am also one of those people who respond well to endorphins. One good run or and good long bike ride and I can be twice as productive the next few days. Studies show people who stay active greatly reduce the chance of dementia, and it is suppose to make your bones stronger, but I have real questions on that on this month. I think there is no question it is good for any person, I just wonder to what level. The net for people over 50 sure had low expectations on aerobic workouts. I hope that is a sliding scale based on how hyper the individual is LOL.
keeps your cardiovascular system in shape
decrease in mental decline
improves mental health/mood
decreased arthritis pain
decreased risk of fall
decreased risk of diabetes
in the event of a severe illness/injury, recovery will be faster and more complete
I just saw an eighty year old woman running faster than I can on campus the other day. Preventing the slow down can be done.
In general, it's best to keep yourself at the same levels of activity if at all possible. It slows age degeneration, and keeps you in tip top shape. With all the positive benefits, especially considering how it seems to slow cognitive decline, I'd say the knees aren't much to worry about.
I just saw an eighty year old woman running faster than I can on campus the other day. Preventing the slow down can be done.
I have had that experience also. When working in Japan I set a goal to backpack up Mt. Fuji. I spent over a year getting in shape, and the day I picked was perfect. As I huffed and puffed thinking how well I was doing I was passed by a Japanese lady who had to be in her 80 moving as if she did it every day. I have remembered it every time I think I have reached a wall in my workouts. She pointed out the only wall we have is the one in our own heads. I think that may be the answer I am looking for.
Because life is more fun when your body and mind are in shape? I was at the Malibu triathlon a few weeks ago, and the oldest competitor was 86 - and sharp as all out, cracking jokes on the podium.
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