Posted on 12/16/2012 8:53:38 AM PST by virgil283
"I never imagined what being 40 would feel like, because it never occurred to me that I’d ever be 40. I didn’t think I wouldn’t be, mind you. It was just too boring to enter my brain, and it seemed like forever from now." — Stephanie Dolgoff-- Been there, done that, got the postcard. Haven’t we all (I’m not including you whippersnappers in “all” — and P.S.: get off my lawn!)? When you’re a kid, people who are middle-aged almost seem like a different species. You’re young, energetic, and have your whole life in front of you. You’re the male lion of the human world, and they’re not the hyenas you’re going to surpass or the antelope you plan to eat; they’re more the hippos of the human world. You see them around, moving from one task to another, doing things you don’t. You don’t hate them or eat them, but you don’t want to be them either. The idea that you’ll be like that one day seems almost beyond belief. ....
(Excerpt) Read more at pjmedia.com ...
I have that problem with my three-year-old granddaughter.
I know what she wants for Christmas is a real tool kit not a kiddy kit.
Resiliency
In my 70’s, I look at friends my age and thank God how healthy I am. I am still active in the American Legion, I made 250 calls with the volunteeer Rescue Squad so far this year, and still ride the motorcycle about 7,000 miles a year.
However I have noticed that a bit of shrinkage has slipped in on me. You older guys know what I am talking about. that is a bit worrisome LOL.
Yes, I continue to be amazed at how different people are.
But I am also amazed at how little I care about the differences (I am much more tolerant) and I care even less about what others think of me.
And I sleep like a baby.
I turned 50 two weeks ago.......
If youth only knew
And age only could...
I’m 51, I’m too heavy but I’ve been heavy all my life, in a wrestler/defensive guard sort of way. One good thing is that I got involved in martial arts in the late 70’s and my flexibility has stayed very good ever since, no chronic illnesses, no aches or pains. I also went the route of hardening my hands and still pound the makiwara on occaison, it never led to arthritis as some said it would.
Another blessing was that after 9-11 I got a wild hair and decided to boycott gasoline and walk everywhere...it became a habit and I still walk everywhere. Today I needed some bread and a 5mi walk to get it was a nice way to start the day.
In most regards I’d say I’m as healthy as ever, the only difference now is that if I don’t exercise I feel things go downhill more rapidly. I don’t lift weights anymore, but I do more dynamic tension type exercises similar to what they call sanchin, plus I do get out in some manual labor jobs on occaison, somehow I’m recommended when there’s heavy lifting to be done. I have a small underground biz that pays my bills, but a few days of manual labor from time to time seems like getting paid to go to the gym.
My mom is 80 and she was always an iron sergeant, now in the last year she’s gone downhill quick. She’s very depressed and frightened by it, and it was a shock to all of us, becsuse she’s always been so indestructible.
So, I’m hoping that daily walking and activity plus some of the chinese exercises keep me at a high state of preservation for the long run...because there’s no one to take care of me but me.
Lol! Don’t you love being on the dark side and having cookies?!? I haven’t worn gloves for dishwashing since forever. I enjoy being the leathery, opinionated old bat.
You are *so* correct!
Congratulations! I abide by The Wheat Belly book and the advice it gives. Mainly a Paleo diet without sugars, low in carbs. Work out at the gym everyday. Yes, I have my aches and pains, but after beating my body for 62 years that is expected. See my earlier post here for my numbers. My family doc sure doesn’t make anything off of seeing me.
love the image! my new girlfriend suprised me with cookies this weekend, not just any cookies, but cowboy cookies, she called my mom to find out what my favorite type of cookies are. I may have found a keeper!
I suspect your good fortune has more to do with the wisdom you used in picking your ancestors...
Following your path at 49 with similar habits and numbers. Thanks for verifying that I could have a bunch of good years ahead if I keep it up.
The interplay of genes and behavior is interesting. My parents and all the relatives here did not exercise much and ate whatever. Many of the relatives here (second, third, and fourth-generation Americans) are overweight and have the usual constellation of American medical problems. But back in the old country, all the direct relations are slender and have VERY long lives. So with the same genetic material, you can avoid obesity and reduce the chances of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other common diseases. Some of those problems may get me in the end, but I'm going to fight them off as long as possible.
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