Don't wait to do the things that take some physical energy like rafting, scuba, golf, tennis, racquet ball, travel. You will get to a point in your life where these things are impractical or impossible. DO IT NOW!! I am glad that I started at 60, 26 years ago.
You hit on a few things I've done lots of: -White water rafting -Golf -Tennis -Racquet ball Also used to do a lot of cross-country bike riding. It's been a while, though. And I've not done a lot of travel.
I've done, and continue to do, those physical things I like to do: Climbing trees, on rope, hiking trails, swimming, very physical repairs around my house, occasional bike riding. That's about it. Played handball for some years, but it was brutal on my hands. If I stepped inside a court, now, I wouldn't last more than a few minutes. I never liked racquet ball as much. Did scuba diving, but my ears definitely couldn't handle it.
Well, for another year anyway, we will have our 20 foot powerboat. It was much easier launching it in Florida when it was in Dry Storage. A forklift would take it out of a rack and put it in the water and then retrieve it when we got back. No such thing here, so we physically have to launch/retrieve it. My rodeo competition days are definitely over, but we both still highly enjoy going to rodeos. The two problems I can think of with your thread here, Lon, there are those that have to contend with health problems, even at 60 or 70 years old AND, those that simply don't have the money to do things they'd love to do. Arthritis, like both wife and I have, but it not real bad, can definitely stop people from physically doing things they love to do.
The money part I understand and it makes sense but the health problems depends on the symptoms and severity. I was diagnosed with Atrial Fib and then NHL in my 60's but was still able to Scuba Dive, travel, golf. I had no money problems.
Well, what I'm saying actually this, when it comes to health problems.........there are those, and believe it or not, really don't care about their heath problems and want to "push their luck" in doing things that they really shouldn't do or be doing anymore. We knew a lady just like that. She had a hip replacement done and her PCP told her to take it easy on the hip. IOW, no cleaning or over-physical assertion. Well, she didn't follow what her PCP said and wound up back "under the knife" with another surgery to re-do the hip. No matter what, most of the time, I follow my PCP's suggestions of what to do and what not to do.
Great advice Lonnie. I did most of what I wanted to do except travel to Spain. I still stay active and workout and walk every day, but my inner ear disorder prevents travel except by auto and then only day trips that don't have too much elevation change. Then couple that with several other issues including severe permanent nerve damage and things I loved like windsurfing. mountain climbing, beach volleyball, riding, and camping at roundup are in my past. I have to sleep at a certain angle which requires my adjustable bed. Any water sport including swimming is out forever. I decided after cancer at age 68 to quit wearing bikinis and beach walking, but your post is timely as I ordered a new sports bikini that will arrive USPS within the hour. Also, a thin wrap dress sun guard cover and a women's beach volleyball sports cap to protect my nose from any more sun damage. I plan to do a lot of beach walking and exploring this summer. I have given myself the same advice to do what I can, so 3 to 5 miles a day of walking and staying independent as long as possible. I plan to try and maintain my current state of fitness and activity at least until 90.
My interest in tennis and racquet ball ended back in the 90's, and I couldn't care less about any of those other activities. The only travel we care to do is in our RV, and after having a motorhome for the past 10 years or so we've already been everywhere we wanted to go. We'll probably put it up for sale sometime this year.
Why 90? go for 96, babe! Love your attitude - Take precautions, but keep going. I recently was reminded and have adopted Yoda's advice: "DO or NOT DO - THERE IS NO TRY". Am saddened by your problems with traveling which is another reminder to me to DO it now .
I had a big drive trip planned for last year that had to be cancelled due to Covid. Enrolled in a writing workshop in SW Colorado and was looking forward to driving down through WA, OR, UT, CO, then coming back through AZ where I visit friends and meet siblings, then drive up CA on the eastern side of the Sierras for a bit, then on up OR and back home. Over the year from heck -- are we allowed some "swear words" here? -- my eyesight deteriorated enough to make me very hesitant to do that kind of drive alone now. Too bad, as I enjoy road trips in the last stick shift car on the west coast (I might be exaggerating).
You drive a stick???? Good for you! It's the only way to really drive a car. Sadly, it's slowly becoming an unavailable option. Regarding swear words...I've typed things like "a$$" when I've been in a polite mood, and I've also typed "ass." I've also typed "damn" and "hell." No one's gotten on my butt for it. But it's always had a valid context. And it's not been to excess. ps: If you don't see me around anymore, it's because I must have actually done that on another forum and I just got myself banned here.