At 81 suffering from a few minor health aggrevations, he took up a biking challenge. He found it's the journey that matters.
"In 2002 my son Ed talked me into getting into the annual American Lung Association Mt. Diablo Challenge race. Over 1,000 riders enter each year, all ages, so I said I’d try it on the mountain bike. Years ago when we lived in Walnut Creek Ed and I had gone up that mountain many times, but I hadn’t tried it for over 25 years. Boy was I embarrassed! It took me 2 hours, 35 minutes to get to the top. I kept seeing riders coming back down. I couldn’t understand why the bike (and me) were so sluggish. When I reached the top, the timekeeper was packing up and wouldn’t take my time. He said: “Next time ride faster!”.
I took that to heart and bought a nice Romulus by Rivendell in Walnut Creek and trained all the next year. I learned more about heart monitors and the different heart zones and what they do. My doctor, who is also a bike rider, got me to John Muir Hospital for a treadmill test and echocardiogram. The cardiologist said: “Go do it! You don’t have any clogged veins or arteries.” And so I entered the Mt. Diablo challenge for 2003 at age 81.
To cut a long story short, I made it in one hour and thirty-five minutes by the clock when I got to the top. (Not official time, that’s published later this year on the Internet.) I got a nice medal for being the oldest rider to get to the top and three expensive bike shorts. One pair fits me fine, one pair fits Betty for our tandem riding, and one pair was HUGE, which I gave away. Thank you somebody for donating those real neat bike shorts.
All the early symptoms of getting older have gone away. I never have a sinus headache, no stomach problems, (unless I eat Mexican), bone density of 50-year-old, no more touches of arthritis, sleep perfectly every night, and seem to have a mental alertness of a much younger person. Betty experiences the same benefits. I ride between 70 and 100 miles a week; Betty does between 40 and 50. You will see us from time to time on our tandem riding with you, and you’ll see me riding up that mountain sometimes on Wednesday’s training for the 2004 challenge.
And that’s really my message. Keep a challenge in front of you no matter how old you get. Keep reaching out for the best that’s in you. Remember that the journey is often more rewarding than the destination, and don’t become totally satisfied with the destination…because there are always further and better destinations to try for. I’m going to get up Diablo in 2004 under 1 ½ hours!"
Full story here.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Seven deadly sins of retirement
was the topic of today's "Retire Smart" by Humberto and Georgina Cruz (Columbus Dispatch). It's possibly a repeat, but I don't see it on the web. If it comes up, I'll add a link. Here are the points they make:
1. Thinking or saying "I am too old to___________." Obviously, you're always too old for some things (playing dolls, mud pies, dating 16 year olds), but you know they are talking about defeatism here. I did wait too long to join the choir--about 40 years, and my voice was gone, but not my desire.
2. Constantly talking about ailments. Oh yes, and Amen to that. No surgery or ache but my own are interesting! I wrote a fictional story about the Whistle Stop Pot Luck which involves this one. In the story, each dinner guest gets a whistle to blow TWEET when the topic of Age, Health or Weight comes up. These are the three most boring topics that people over 50 discuss.
3. Finding excuses to postpone something. Procrastination. Some of us had this problem from a very young age. Jobs may have kept it in check.
4. Holding grudges. That will not only shorten your days, but make everyone else's seem longer if you talk about who did you wrong when.
5. Becoming intransigent. Clinging to values and beliefs and refusing to consider another viewpoint. Yes! I became a Republican when I was 60. But I have friends who have never considered the possibility that there is another way.
6. Feeling a false sense of entitlement. Don't be rude. Turn off your cell phone and don't talk loudly in restaurants, would be my advice. Also, you aren't the only car on the road.
7. Engaging in home owner association wars. We don't have those here, but we've got excellent management and only 30 units. However, I know people who have had to move. When shopping for a retirement or empty nester home, you'd sure want to check around on that. The by-laws and the escrow account can't tell you that.
If I could add seven pet peeves of my own about retired or nearly retired folks. . .
a) Appearing in public dressed like a slob--leave the sweats, shorts and ratty shoes in the garage or tool shed.
b) Not dressing your age. A 20 year old can wear a mini-skirt, but a 50 year old just looks like she's stepped from a 70s movie.
c) Trying to be the ladies' man or gushy flirt you once thought you were. You're not fooling us.
d) Not keeping up appearances. Even if you never did it before, hire someone to help with the housework or yard work if you don't know what to do. Everyone who visits will appreciate it. After my mother died, Dad hired a person to clean once a month. He had no idea how to do it, and at 86 he wasn't about to learn.
e) Becoming focused totally on the grandchildren. Are you the only person allowed to babysit? They are taking over your best years. We don't get do-overs.
f) Not wearing your hearing aid and/or false teeth if you have them. You'll be able to hear me and I'll be able to understand you. My mother-in-law got dentures when she was in her 40s; I knew her for over 40 years and never saw her without her teeth! My grandmother, who was blind, didn't need a hearing aid until her mid-80s. She thought hearing loss a much worse problem than blindness because it interferred with communication.
g) Talking inappropriately--this is related to the hearing aid--in church, at the theater, movies, concert, etc. If it's not on, you won't realize you are disturbing others. Because of rock music, head phones and ear buds, early deafness is now appearing much earlier than among our parents' and grandparents' generations.
retirement advice
good manners
senior housing
Humberto Cruz
1. Thinking or saying "I am too old to___________." Obviously, you're always too old for some things (playing dolls, mud pies, dating 16 year olds), but you know they are talking about defeatism here. I did wait too long to join the choir--about 40 years, and my voice was gone, but not my desire.
2. Constantly talking about ailments. Oh yes, and Amen to that. No surgery or ache but my own are interesting! I wrote a fictional story about the Whistle Stop Pot Luck which involves this one. In the story, each dinner guest gets a whistle to blow TWEET when the topic of Age, Health or Weight comes up. These are the three most boring topics that people over 50 discuss.
3. Finding excuses to postpone something. Procrastination. Some of us had this problem from a very young age. Jobs may have kept it in check.
4. Holding grudges. That will not only shorten your days, but make everyone else's seem longer if you talk about who did you wrong when.
5. Becoming intransigent. Clinging to values and beliefs and refusing to consider another viewpoint. Yes! I became a Republican when I was 60. But I have friends who have never considered the possibility that there is another way.
6. Feeling a false sense of entitlement. Don't be rude. Turn off your cell phone and don't talk loudly in restaurants, would be my advice. Also, you aren't the only car on the road.
7. Engaging in home owner association wars. We don't have those here, but we've got excellent management and only 30 units. However, I know people who have had to move. When shopping for a retirement or empty nester home, you'd sure want to check around on that. The by-laws and the escrow account can't tell you that.
If I could add seven pet peeves of my own about retired or nearly retired folks. . .
a) Appearing in public dressed like a slob--leave the sweats, shorts and ratty shoes in the garage or tool shed.
b) Not dressing your age. A 20 year old can wear a mini-skirt, but a 50 year old just looks like she's stepped from a 70s movie.
c) Trying to be the ladies' man or gushy flirt you once thought you were. You're not fooling us.
d) Not keeping up appearances. Even if you never did it before, hire someone to help with the housework or yard work if you don't know what to do. Everyone who visits will appreciate it. After my mother died, Dad hired a person to clean once a month. He had no idea how to do it, and at 86 he wasn't about to learn.
e) Becoming focused totally on the grandchildren. Are you the only person allowed to babysit? They are taking over your best years. We don't get do-overs.
f) Not wearing your hearing aid and/or false teeth if you have them. You'll be able to hear me and I'll be able to understand you. My mother-in-law got dentures when she was in her 40s; I knew her for over 40 years and never saw her without her teeth! My grandmother, who was blind, didn't need a hearing aid until her mid-80s. She thought hearing loss a much worse problem than blindness because it interferred with communication.
g) Talking inappropriately--this is related to the hearing aid--in church, at the theater, movies, concert, etc. If it's not on, you won't realize you are disturbing others. Because of rock music, head phones and ear buds, early deafness is now appearing much earlier than among our parents' and grandparents' generations.
retirement advice
good manners
senior housing
Humberto Cruz
Monday, November 27, 2006
Randy's epiphany
Randy Kirk has a blog called The Truth about Everything. Recently he wrote about turning 50 eight years ago.
"It has been 8+ years since my friends gathered to give gifts tied with black ribbon, but I do remember that passage more than most. You see, I had an Epiphany. Up until that birthday I simply counted the total number of years God has given me on this earth. Starting at 50 I looked at it the other way. How many years are left.
The good news was that because of good genes, I could easily live into my eighties and be in decent physical and mental health. So I decided to assume 35 years to go. It was an exciting revelation, because it really meant enough time for an entire career...assuming I wanted a new career.
For instance, it could mean retiring and getting involved in some type of charitable activity full-time. It could mean writing for a living instead of making water bottles. The idea opened up a vast panoply of possibilities. Instead of dreading the future, I was filled with hope and expectations.
Eight + years later, I still have 28 years of potential, according to my personal actuarial table. Such an idea continues to be very motivating."
Used with permission.
"It has been 8+ years since my friends gathered to give gifts tied with black ribbon, but I do remember that passage more than most. You see, I had an Epiphany. Up until that birthday I simply counted the total number of years God has given me on this earth. Starting at 50 I looked at it the other way. How many years are left.
The good news was that because of good genes, I could easily live into my eighties and be in decent physical and mental health. So I decided to assume 35 years to go. It was an exciting revelation, because it really meant enough time for an entire career...assuming I wanted a new career.
For instance, it could mean retiring and getting involved in some type of charitable activity full-time. It could mean writing for a living instead of making water bottles. The idea opened up a vast panoply of possibilities. Instead of dreading the future, I was filled with hope and expectations.
Eight + years later, I still have 28 years of potential, according to my personal actuarial table. Such an idea continues to be very motivating."
Used with permission.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Birthday LJMcInnis
She turns 50 tomorrow, just in time for this blog! So I've linked to her. Visit her blog, R Cubed and tell her Norma sent you.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
I wouldn't have thought of Boise
Today I picked up a copy of Where to Retire, Sept-Oct, 2006, at the library. It may be the first time I've ever looked at it. My reasons for living/retiring in this particular city aren't usually listed--"my children are here, my friends are here, and I know the city."
Anyway, on p. 136 was an interesting article about a couple who lived in northern Virginia, in the hubbub of Washington DC, and they flew to Boise for the inaugeration of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, whom they met when he was a senator (he's now Sec. of the Interior). It was instant love from the airport on. They've since moved from their first Boise home of 3200 s.f. to a patio townhouse of 1970 s.f. After a few details of their personal lives and activities, touring the west in their motor home, riding their Harleys, and dabbling in business, the writer moves on to tell us about Boise. She says it's traffic woes are on the rise, which must make people from DC laugh and slap their knees.
Where to Retire.
Anyway, on p. 136 was an interesting article about a couple who lived in northern Virginia, in the hubbub of Washington DC, and they flew to Boise for the inaugeration of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, whom they met when he was a senator (he's now Sec. of the Interior). It was instant love from the airport on. They've since moved from their first Boise home of 3200 s.f. to a patio townhouse of 1970 s.f. After a few details of their personal lives and activities, touring the west in their motor home, riding their Harleys, and dabbling in business, the writer moves on to tell us about Boise. She says it's traffic woes are on the rise, which must make people from DC laugh and slap their knees.
Where to Retire.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
If you buy a condo
Many older boomers and retirees have decided they want to spend more time traveling or with the grandchildren and less time cleaning gutters and raking leaves. They have moved to condominiums or free standing homes in an association. We love it; haven’t missed our home of 34 years even a minute. However, if you go this route, be considerate.
Please have the decency to attend the business meetings. You don’t need to socialize, you can even vote by proxy. I get so frustrated when we have something important to change in our by-laws, and the board members always have to go out and scare up the missing home owners. Because our units are all different sizes, it isn’t just 75% of the owners, but 75% of the ownership. This probably won’t surprise you, but the richest folks with the largest units, are the ones who don’t show up or send a proxy.
Pew report on working after retirement
More than three quarters of today's workers (77%) expect to work for pay even after they retire, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Of those who feel this way, most say it's because they'll want to, not because they'll have to. News release on the report here. The information for this report was gathered in June-July 2006.
Working after retirement; the gap between expectations and reality.
Working after retirement; the gap between expectations and reality.
Health benefits of modest weight loss
When your BMI (body mass index) increases, the risk of dying from any cause increases. If you're a boomer or older, you've probably packed on a few resistant pounds in the past few years. I added 20 lbs when we got broadband for the computer! At 150 I was "borderline overweight" and now at 139 I'm back in the upper range of "normal." And I'm back in my favorite slacks. I'm working on a modest weight loss now because we're having a great retirement and I want it to stay that way. With even a modest weight loss, you can experience the following:
Decreased risk of heart disease
Decreased risk of diabetes
Decreased risk of some cancers
Decreased levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) and insulin
Decreased blood pressure
Decreased levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides
Increased HDL (good cholesterol)
Decrease in severity of sleep apnea
Reduced symptoms of degenerative joint disease
Improvement in gynecologic conditions
Decrease in problems with pregnancy and labor
Reduced incidence and symptoms of depression
Decrease in discrimination
Easier to exercise and be physically fit
Many of these points come from The Step Diet Book, Workman Publishing, 2004, which might work, but my pedometer doesn’t. Any article you read on health will probably include some or all of these.
Decreased risk of heart disease
Decreased risk of diabetes
Decreased risk of some cancers
Decreased levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) and insulin
Decreased blood pressure
Decreased levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides
Increased HDL (good cholesterol)
Decrease in severity of sleep apnea
Reduced symptoms of degenerative joint disease
Improvement in gynecologic conditions
Decrease in problems with pregnancy and labor
Reduced incidence and symptoms of depression
Decrease in discrimination
Easier to exercise and be physically fit
Many of these points come from The Step Diet Book, Workman Publishing, 2004, which might work, but my pedometer doesn’t. Any article you read on health will probably include some or all of these.
Friday, November 17, 2006
A note from cousin Dianne
Working for God on earth does not pay much,
but His Retirement plan is out of this world.
but His Retirement plan is out of this world.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Who is blogging?
Three percent of online U.S. seniors have created a blog and 17 percent have read someone else's blog, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. But those stats were from a year ago. Let me go dig up some new ones.
I looked at the project (dated June 2006) and noticed it says 2% of bloggers are 65 or over, 14% are in the 50-64, so unless they've got a very high threshold for "senior," that above figure looks a bit low. However, according to Pew, only 7% of people over 65 are using the internet, so if 2% of the bloggers (12 millinion Americans) are over 65, I'd say the ones that are using it must have a lot to say.
I looked at the project (dated June 2006) and noticed it says 2% of bloggers are 65 or over, 14% are in the 50-64, so unless they've got a very high threshold for "senior," that above figure looks a bit low. However, according to Pew, only 7% of people over 65 are using the internet, so if 2% of the bloggers (12 millinion Americans) are over 65, I'd say the ones that are using it must have a lot to say.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
