Well put, Shug. I've especially noticing decreasing ambition lately. Yesterday I thought I'd go hiking at Mt. Rainier today- got up and lost the old urge to go. Might be because I'm pushing 70- come September I'll be dragging it...
Well put, Shug. I've especially noticing decreasing ambition lately. Yesterday I thought I'd go hiking at Mt. Rainier today- got up and lost the old urge to go. Might be because I'm pushing 70- come September I'll be dragging it...
Just turned 88 and my knees are gone. So...I just purchased an electric bike and am back on the trail. "Boldly going forth, I know not where."
The electric bike is great for I was having trouble with a replacement knee on hills. Now, I just press the assist button and it is over the top without even having to shift. It is also very easy to stealth camp with a bike. I just amble along and seldom go top speed.
I’m finding this thread oddly inspirational. If I can still hike/bike/camp in my 80s I will be thrilled to pieces. Turning 50 and experiencing more activity related injuries has been a humbling experience. I hope I never quit but I appreciate I’m not alone in my pursuits.
~ All I want is affordable, simple, ultralight luxury. That’s not asking too much is it?
I agree. I’ve had a rough year turning 50 including breaking my hand in four places, breaking my wrist, fracturing a cheek bone and tearing ligaments in an ankle. I guess I’m lucky in that all these were sports/biking related injuries and I’m still out there pursuing my hobbies. My wife thinks I should be slowing things down and she’s not entirely wrong. I don’t plan to stop but I know I’m no longer 20. I take inspiration from this thread. Power on my friends - life is too short to live within the confines of a nuagahyde recliner.
When I was a child, I thought it was really strange that older adults would spend so much time talking about their (and others') ailments and injuries. Now I totally get it. We know our bodies are going to start giving out, but when it starts to happen, it's a shock: "Why can't I do X anymore? What is going on???"
Sometimes I think, if only I could tell my younger self about this.... then I realize, it wouldn't have made any difference! Feeling invincible when young is not curable! (and I don't think it would have changed how I behaved...)
Adjusting to limitations involves constant self-assessment. "Will I be able to safely go up on the roof this year to clear the gutters?" "If I can't do X this time, who in heck will I ask to do it for me???" And Shug's ("Slug's")? philosophy is right where I'm at:
The only problem is, I still have another year of employment to get through.......Ambition decreasing. Ego diminishing. TV alluring. Money don't matter. Sitting is beauty. Garden is nirvana. Food is glory. Sleep is a party.
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