The creeping sickness that is old age...

[pfclassof61]

It was sobering to read that two esteemed posters (Blue Adder and MidhurstBlue) either may or will not renew their STs for next season due to arthritis and old age. So sad that they have contemplated giving up something they cherish. Perhaps a restful summer will change their minds...

I've been intrigued by just how you decide to stop an activity because of advancing years. If you have an illness or debilitating condition, it's obvious that unhappily you may be forced to call it a day. But if you're fit, yet ageing, it's almost as though after years of gradual decline, your body throws a switch - and that's it! Damn frustrating!

I recall asking a National Cycling Time Trial Champion (who quit the sport at 74) why he hung up his tribars and he said, 'I just knew it was time'.

I stopped playing badminton about six years ago 'cos I couldn't sleep the night after - body too energized. And I ride a mountain bike rather than a road bike because it offers the choice of a gentle spin or red

[bluekriss66]

We have an 89 year old up by us in the SS..He gets in quite early before kick off as it takes him a good half hour to climb the stairs..big respect to him as he told me he's seen 67 seasons at Pompey,proper hardcore i say x

[pfclassof61]

A few days ago I saw a old bloke get down on his knees to kiss his young grand (or even great grand-daughter).

It took him five minutes - but he WAS GOING TO GIVE HER A KISS!

Took him another ten minutes and the help of two strappin' lads to get him back on his feet.

But was it worth it?

[Corkhead]

Once you stop you'll never start again so make sure you mean it if you decide to quit your thing whatever it is.

I still get on the squash court 2/3 times a week. I get looks like I am mad when I tell people. In fact I play one guy who is 70 and another who is 72 in the leagues. Just keep doing it.

[bluekite]

Agree with Corky (nothing unusual there).. just keep doing it as long as you can.. we have a few 80+ golfers where I play and at least one 90+ year old. Some of them use "one man" buggies, but it gets them out in the fresh air, gives them a great social outlet and some competition. Good luck to them and I hope I can emulate them.
Old age certainly creeps up on you. We think we are immortal, but gradually bits stop working properly or not at all , so you adapt your activities accordingly. No squash for me but I do a bit of aerobic rock and roll dancing once a week.
Old age body
Old age mind... no such thing.. always a 20 year old

[SaintD]

Old age mind... no such thing.. always a 20 year old

Here, Here!

[BlueAdder]

Agree with all this positive thinking. Stay young, never give up, keep right on to the end of the road etc.
However, it's not the mind giving up or the attitude diminishing, it's the bloody body failing you that becomes the problem. I was fine until well past 70 but the last few years have got so much harder. I have serious pains in my ankles, knees and hips. My walk has become quite unstable. On top of that I suffered a bout of viral labrynthitis a couple of years ago and my balance is also poor. Nowadays I have to leave games 5 minutes esrly just to get down the stairs before the rush starts.
So a match day becomes a bit of an ordeal, but still a massive decision to give up the S/T.
You're a long time dead as they say.

You young 60 year olds have got it all to come. Good Luck.

[midhurstblue]

[quote="pfclassof61"]It was sobering to read that two esteemed posters (Blue Adder and MidhurstBlue) either may or will not renew their STs for next season due to arthritis and old age. So sad that they have contemplated giving up something they cherish. Perhaps a restful summer will change their minds...

I've been intrigued by just how you decide to stop an activity because of advancing years. If you have an illness or debilitating condition, it's obvious that unhappily you may be forced to call it a day. But if you're fit, yet ageing, it's almost as though after years of gradual decline, your body throws a switch - and that's it! Damn frustrating!

I recall asking a National Cycling Time Trial Champion (who quit the sport at 74) why he hung up his tribars and he said, 'I just knew it was time'.

I stopped playing badminton about six years ago 'cos I couldn't sleep the night after - body too energized. And I ride a mountain bike rather than a road bike bec

[GrumpyPeteT]

Look on the bright side...Old age doesn't last that long..No not to long.

[BlueAdder]

Look on the bright side...Old age doesn't last that long..No not to long.

Now that made me laugh out loud. Brilliant!