-----or is it just the illusion of a generation that refuses to either grow up or admit how old we actually are? I got thinking about this the other day as I was scratching the moss off my roof. There is no way in hell my grandfather would have been up there when he was over 60-----one of us grandkids would have been though.
When I was 15, my perception was that most people over 60 would be too old to be on a roof----let alone working on a roof. I think it started with my dad. I am sure that when he was over 60 he was still walking the ridge of his greenhouses spraying white paint on the glass to provide some amount of reduced light for the African Violets below. I have walked those ridges myself and I can tell you it can be un-nerving. These greenhouses were more than 100 feet long and probably 40 feet wide and here you are walking on a ridge that is maybe 8" wide (and not flat) with nothing but cheapo-window glass on both sides----- a tank sprayer strapped to your back and a long spray wand in your hands. Here is a really grainy picture of me in one of those big greenhouses when I was 13.
As a builder in my 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's I would think nothing of walking on the uncovered joists 26 feet above the concrete basement floor. I doubt that it would faze me in the least even today----I just don't have the opportunity anymore.
Is it really that there are always exceptions to the rule----or are 60 year-olds generally more fit today than they used to be?
As many of you know, I play soccer a couple of times a week----on a men's over 50 team and a men's over 55 team. Most of the players on these teams are over 60 and many are over 70. There are currently at least 26 such teams in the Seattle area alone. 26 times 22 (average roster size) equals over 572 players-----can that many people all be in denial? It would seem that the limits we place on ourselves are mostly in our heads. I know there is the old saying that "you are only as old as you feel," but this seems to go well beyond that.
Are we "actually" healthier in our older age than generations before us----is it regional----
----or is it all in my head after all?
Charles Buell
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I think people are generally in better shape and their mindset is to keep active and not slow down. Now, if you're over 60, when was that photo on your blog taken? 20 years ago?
Jim, I know I need to update the photo---it is almost 5 years old.
My point was that you sure don't look 60. I guess that sort of backs up the point of your post.
I'm hitting the BIG 50 in 2 weeks. I remember by parents telling me that they didn't feel as old as they were. I know I don't feel like I've lived enough to be 1/2 a century old ! ~Evelyn
I have herd it called "Old man strength" (or woman). The way it works is that the old timers (yes that is a shot at old folks) possess a deeper strength strength than the young bucks in that they are smarter about how they go about accomplishing their goals and tasks. For example, when I'm rock climbing I am deliberate and thoughtful about the goal and I really try to accomplish that goal with minimal harm to my self. A younger me would have shredded by rotator cuffs, elbows, knees and anything else on down the line displaying power ans speed. Now I climb deliberately and and technically I still use power but I don't rely on it, instead I rely on my brain. I should mention that I am 31 which is still young I think but I've been climbing for 19 years which I think is long enough for me to learn something... maybe. Perhaps the older generation (generation G. G = Geriatric). Is smarter about how their living and are realizing the importance of being physically fit and they know the best way to maintain that health is by avoiding injury and know exactly how far to push it with out over doing it. It seems that old people across the country are in a lot better shape than even the younger generations before them they just come from a different time where what was important was different. Generation G'ers are definitely healthier than those that will come after you but I think Medical advances are giving you G'ers a leg up on your predessors
Hey dad, I bet you could touch that photo up with photo shop or something!
Klee B. Patel
Charlie B,
I come from a different perspective. My dad was just a year or two younger than I am now, when I was born. He was in his 70's when I was in high school. He worked, doing remodels, until he was in his 80's. He retired in his 90's. He passed away at 105. You are so young, compared to him, that I am hoping you are not still wet behind the ears. Get back on the roof and do a dance.
Jim, thanks!
Evelyn, "half a century" is a weird concept.
Klee, I like the idea of "Generation G"
Steve, you are right of course----it seems that there have always been people like your dad. I am just wondering if it is becoming "more" prevalent or not.
I feel over the hill today. I've worked too hard lately and I'd like to go lay down and sleep for a few days. Today, I show a house at 3P and hope I write an offer then company is coming for dinner at 7.Whew!
It is scary to even think about walking on the top of that glass greenhouse! But you are right. Grandparents didn't treasure and pamper kids then as they do today. They let those kids do the hard jobs. Today's parent or grandparent seems to think that if Junior stubbs his toe, he'll be scarred for life and they just do the chore for him. (Is that you, Charlie, and the way you treat your grandchildren?)
Lizette, I think we can all feel that way sometimes---there is really only one word to say----coffee.
Barbara, I don't see them enough to do anything but pamper them:)
Charlie B,
I am so glad I can be of help. I read Jim's comment and your response back about a current photo. You said you needed an update. Anyway, that time you were up playing soccer and I took those profile publicity shots, those turned out pretty well, so I will post one for you. I think they give a pretty good idea of the changes in you over the past five years. Same toothy grin, a bit of a receding hairline, otherwise just normal aging I would say.
Walking on the top of the greenhouse wouldn't be so scarry if it wasn't for the glass which you would crash through before hitting the floor.
Sean Allen
Steve, if you expect people to believe you you have to use a picture that has the right number of teeth----you know darn well I don't have that many teeth!
Sean, remember the old saying the fall isn't what kills you---it is the sudden stop at the bottom. Greenhouse walking may change that saying a little.
Nice Charles,
Are you taking advantage of those 70 year old soccer players.
Can I join?
Ron, maybe----you don't look 60 though:)