Aging With an Attitude!
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Maybe it's the Bhuddism or the fact I've seen a lot of suffering, or maybe just cause I'm a Canadian, but I don't judge the people in this group or age group too harshly. Many people here have had significant health issues, and many have lost incredible amounts of weight. I respect them for both. I'm as much an alpha male as the next guy, and don't let my health history stand in my way, period. I won't, however, tear anyone down for their personal roadblocks in getting to their goals. We all have our own road to travel.
I understand completely what you're saying and there are people who have very legitimate health issues that I think are difficult to overcome. On the other hand, I also hear a lot of excuse making from people that appear to be otherwise healthy but use age (or menopause for women) as an excuse for not being able to improve their health or even lose a little weight.
We just met up with an old high school group of my husband's and OMG, some of them were pitiful for no real reason that I could see and they were very blunt about their health issues..........sorry.....but they made themselves that way in some cases and have already given up............really????....they're 67.
You're kinder than I am.........LOL
I hear you. I was at the hardware store today, on my motorcycle, getting some gear for a 400 mile trip, and while mounting up I watched a guy my age get into his car in the handicap space. He was easily 100 pounds over where he should be, moving like he couldn't outrun a really slow zombie. I looked for, without actually asking, what might be wrong with him. I couldn't see anything except he'd just given up on living. Without knowing the guy, I may be completely off base, but it just amazes me when I'm fighting every day to beat heart disease, and frankly, kicking it's *kitten*, why someone could let themselves become like this guy.
I try to not judge others, but when my 59 year old *kitten* is fighting to survive, and in better shape than many in their 20's, it's hard not to say something occasionally.
Yes..........I've beaten a lot of challenges myself, although yours is possibly more impressive......
but I really just think some people find it easier to give up than try to change. Really, even small changes in exercise and diet can have a big impact no matter what health issues they may or may not have.
I never say anything though unless someone asks for advice or asks what I've done. I think it's the whining from some people that gets me.
Although, I don't mind ranting here anonymously....LOL
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I don't judge anymore. Things happen to others some are visible others have heart disease or cancer or another invisible ailment. Maybe he's not kicking *kitten* yet because he hasn't found his/her way. Or they have and have a long road in front of them. Be kind to others. If you knew their story maybe you would feel different.0
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heart2health wrote: »I don't judge anymore. Things happen to others some are visible others have heart disease or cancer or another invisible ailment. Maybe he's not kicking *kitten* yet because he hasn't found his/her way. Or they have and have a long road in front of them. Be kind to others. If you knew their story maybe you would feel different.
I agree with you. Without knowing their path, I don't judge. However, if they are shoving do-nuts or fast food into their feeding hole, I have a hard time feeling any compassion, Buddhist or not. We have a renovated Tim Hortons across from the fire hall. It was renovated two years ago. I haven't seen it. Choose your path and follow it. I'm not trying to be a prick here, but you need to lead fire attacks and your life from the front.
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I stumbled into the gym about a month ago. My back was just killing me (it just flared up again tonight). The pain was so bad it hurt to lay down to do my bench press. I worked through my sets and set a new PR for myself (205lbs).
I decided the plain isn't going to stop me. I hobbled over to do some deadlifts (stupid, I know), loaded 135, did 8 reps, it felt good. To a little break, 8 more reps, still felt good. Added another plate (up to 225lbs) felt good after 8 reps. I decided, to hell with it. Threw on another plate (now at315lbs) looked in the mirror and saw a couple 20 something guys sorta staring and chuckling in my direction. That sealed it, 6 reps at 315lbs.
It felt good to wipe the smiles off their faces. I watched the youngsters earlier struggling at 245lbs.
I call it old guy power.
Now when my back gets sore I go straight to doing deadlifting. I don't know how, but it sure makes my back feel good
Next is breaking 250lbs on squats0 -
Thanks. I still have my motor-cyclic' glasses on there. That call came in early morning while I was having a morning coffee with the firefighters before work. It was a tragic fire at a horse barn. Four high value horses didn't make it out. I drove our heavy rescue truck, and am changing out one of the. 'Kids' bottles here.
Sometimes it easy to forget the work of a fire fighter. How tragic for the those poor horses. How did a fire get started in a barn? The owners must be devastated!!
Farback .. I admire you greatly..
Have a great day 0 -
Well, thank you very much. It's all about teamwork. None of is as dumb as all of us.
That fire was undetermined, but suspected electrical. It started on the end of the barn where the panel was. Too much damage to be sure of cause. The farmer drove his tractor through the side of the barn and managed to rescue a few horses.0 -
Good thinking on the part of the farmer. Im pleased to he managed to save some horses. I have a friend here in the uk who is a fire fighter & he puts his neck on the line every time he goes to work.. Just like you. I don't mean to come across as mushy. Im not that kind of character. But I do appreciate anyone who is willing to go that extra mile to help preserve a life.. 0
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I stumbled into the gym about a month ago. My back was just killing me (it just flared up again tonight). The pain was so bad it hurt to lay down to do my bench press. I worked through my sets and set a new PR for myself (205lbs).
I decided the plain isn't going to stop me. I hobbled over to do some deadlifts (stupid, I know), loaded 135, did 8 reps, it felt good. To a little break, 8 more reps, still felt good. Added another plate (up to 225lbs) felt good after 8 reps. I decided, to hell with it. Threw on another plate (now at315lbs) looked in the mirror and saw a couple 20 something guys sorta staring and chuckling in my direction. That sealed it, 6 reps at 315lbs.
It felt good to wipe the smiles off their faces. I watched the youngsters earlier struggling at 245lbs.
I call it old guy power.
Now when my back gets sore I go straight to doing deadlifting. I don't know how, but it sure makes my back feel good
Next is breaking 250lbs on squats
I love this............I have a nasty back as well but it actually feels better when I work (exercise) through it. The days I don't go to the gym it hurts worse......LOL
Dead lifts are my favorite and best lift as well..........funny. But I also do a lot of core work which I first started with my earlier trainer almost 2 years ago..............lots of planks and pushups etc.....and I do a lot of swimming for cardio.
Good job with the youngsters! I actually had a 30 something guy come up to me once and tell me that I was really strong. I was only DLing 135 lbs at the time, I'm up to 175 now......
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Maybe it's the Bhuddism or the fact I've seen a lot of suffering, or maybe just cause I'm a Canadian, but I don't judge the people in this group or age group too harshly. Many people here have had significant health issues, and many have lost incredible amounts of weight. I respect them for both. I'm as much an alpha male as the next guy, and don't let my health history stand in my way, period. I won't, however, tear anyone down for their personal roadblocks in getting to their goals. We all have our own road to travel.
I understand completely what you're saying and there are people who have very legitimate health issues that I think are difficult to overcome. On the other hand, I also hear a lot of excuse making from people that appear to be otherwise healthy but use age (or menopause for women) as an excuse for not being able to improve their health or even lose a little weight.
We just met up with an old high school group of my husband's and OMG, some of them were pitiful for no real reason that I could see and they were very blunt about their health issues..........sorry.....but they made themselves that way in some cases and have already given up............really????....they're 67.
You're kinder than I am.........LOL
I hear you. I was at the hardware store today, on my motorcycle, getting some gear for a 400 mile trip, and while mounting up I watched a guy my age get into his car in the handicap space. He was easily 100 pounds over where he should be, moving like he couldn't outrun a really slow zombie. I looked for, without actually asking, what might be wrong with him. I couldn't see anything except he'd just given up on living. Without knowing the guy, I may be completely off base, but it just amazes me when I'm fighting every day to beat heart disease, and frankly, kicking it's *kitten*, why someone could let themselves become like this guy.
I try to not judge others, but when my 59 year old *kitten* is fighting to survive, and in better shape than many in their 20's, it's hard not to say something occasionally.
Yes..........I've beaten a lot of challenges myself, although yours is possibly more impressive...... but I really just think some people find it easier to give up than try to change. Really, even small changes in exercise and diet can have a big impact no matter what health issues they may or may not have.
I never say anything though unless someone asks for advice or asks what I've done. I think it's the whining from some people that gets me. Although, I don't mind ranting here anonymously....LOL
I like what you said about people finding it easier to give up than try to change. That's probably very true. I think that's the part that sends me over the edge. If that is how they want it to be, that's their choice, but when someone says that they just can't and expect sympathy because of it, I tune out quickly. (Not meaning those who have real issues that they really can't get past.)0 -
Society has these "parts" scripted and waiting for us to act out . "You've worked all your life ,you deserve to take it easy, just sit down Sweetie ,turn on the TV , over eat , become old and drop out." They need these parts filled and played out , it makes them feel safe , secure .
No thank you , I'll pass .
I hear the imaginary fears and terrors from others all the time. "At your age" what if a bear eats you in the woods while backpacking , or you fall off a cliff , or get lost and starve. Kayaking ??!! What if you drown ? Have a heart attack ? All these imaginary things to be afraid of. None of them very likely to really happen.
We fear the unknown, the unusual , the imagined .
Why is no one afraid that if I sit down and over eat I will have a heart attack or stroke and die. Or worse live in poor health. Now those threats are likely . But no one seems to fear the real threat to me. Or them.
I don't have to tell you guys. If you're here on this forum you're already steering your own course. Just don't let anyone talk you down.
Like Arnold said in the latest Terminator. " I'm just old , NOT Obsolete ."
OK Sorry , end of rant. (((;
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^^^^ yeah - what he said!!!0
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burnsgene42 wrote: »Like Arnold said in the latest Terminator. " I'm just old , NOT Obsolete ."
OK Sorry , end of rant. (((;
Rant on!!!0 -
Aging has been good. I'm in the best shape in decades. I'm 54 and find it amazing to see how far diet and exercise can go.
Right now there are 48,000 participants in the Map My Ride Challenge. It ends in a few days. As an over 50 guy I'm in the top 6%. There are no age brackets, that's against everyone.
It is nice to know that we still can compete. I'm heading out now to ride more. Maybe I can break into the top 5%....
But I have to have an attitude of a competitor to get there. Attitude is so much of what we do.
Great thread and reminder of a great
command
Focus Grasshopper!
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I'm pear shaped but it doesn't stop me from wearing wild spandex in the gym, even though I'm a lot older than almost everyone. I can always tell which one I am in the mirror without my glasses, too !!!0
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burnsgene42 wrote: »Society has these "parts" scripted and waiting for us to act out . "You've worked all your life ,you deserve to take it easy, just sit down Sweetie ,turn on the TV , over eat , become old and drop out." They need these parts filled and played out , it makes them feel safe , secure .
No thank you , I'll pass .
I hear the imaginary fears and terrors from others all the time. "At your age" what if a bear eats you in the woods while backpacking , or you fall off a cliff , or get lost and starve. Kayaking ??!! What if you drown ? Have a heart attack ? All these imaginary things to be afraid of. None of them very likely to really happen.
We fear the unknown, the unusual , the imagined .
Why is no one afraid that if I sit down and over eat I will have a heart attack or stroke and die. Or worse live in poor health. Now those threats are likely . But no one seems to fear the real threat to me. Or them.
I don't have to tell you guys. If you're here on this forum you're already steering your own course. Just don't let anyone talk you down.
Like Arnold said in the latest Terminator. " I'm just old , NOT Obsolete ."
OK Sorry , end of rant. (((;
Great perspective...............sometimes even my own children, who I know are proud of me, tell me to be careful......."Don't hurt yourself"...........it's a little annoying sometimes.
My trainer is my biggest supporter and seems to know what I'm capable of and pushes me to reach my full potential. He always reminds me that age is just a number but of course he's only 30. I don't know if it's true or if he's just humoring me but he tells me he uses me as an example to most of the much younger women he trains. "If Lulu can do it...........then you can do it".....LOL
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professionalHobbyist wrote: »Aging has been good. I'm in the best shape in decades. I'm 54 and find it amazing to see how far diet and exercise can go.
Right now there are 48,000 participants in the Map My Ride Challenge. It ends in a few days. As an over 50 guy I'm in the top 6%. There are no age brackets, that's against everyone.
It is nice to know that we still can compete. I'm heading out now to ride more. Maybe I can break into the top 5%....
But I have to have an attitude of a competitor to get there. Attitude is so much of what we do.
Great thread and reminder of a great
command
Focus Grasshopper!
Wow..........top 6%.....Congratulations! Speaking of attitude, you've got it nailed!
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I love the atttudes in ths group. I need to hang out here more often. I lost 90 pounds on MFP without ever once clicking on the Discussions until I hit a plateau and needed help. While I got the help I needed, and most of the people on the main forums are very nice and helpful, there are a fair share of snarky answers out there to legitimate questions making the person asking feeling as if they have to explain themselves or look stupid. This group seems to have an entrely dfferent attitude and I thank you.
I must say that I am 62 years old and up until a year ago I was one with all of the excuses and reasons why I could not lose weight. Now I have had an atttude shift and have to stop myself from judgng those who are still using those self-destructive thought processes and love them anyway. You are all such an inspiration wth your wonderful outlooks and stories! Keep it up. It is nce to have someplace to come to be uplifted with like minded folks.0 -
sunnyazgirl wrote: »I love the atttudes in ths group. I need to hang out here more often. I lost 90 pounds on MFP without ever once clicking on the Discussions until I hit a plateau and needed help. While I got the help I needed, and most of the people on the main forums are very nice and helpful, there are a fair share of snarky answers out there to legitimate questions making the person asking feeling as if they have to explain themselves or look stupid. This group seems to have an entrely dfferent attitude and I thank you.
I must say that I am 62 years old and up until a year ago I was one with all of the excuses and reasons why I could not lose weight. Now I have had an atttude shift and have to stop myself from judgng those who are still using those self-destructive thought processes and love them anyway. You are all such an inspiration wth your wonderful outlooks and stories! Keep it up. It is nce to have someplace to come to be uplifted with like minded folks.
thank you for your positive comments on our group. We all get on like a house on fire.. Some great people to share our journey with. I look forward to getting to know you a little better xx0 -
I am ignoring those who say that you can't lose weight after 50, or when going through the various stages of menopause, that you can't lose your belly, etc. Maybe THEY can't but I CAN and will. Even if it kills me which it feels like it does some days.1
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nikkib0103 wrote: »I am ignoring those who say that you can't lose weight after 50, or when going through the various stages of menopause, that you can't lose your belly, etc. Maybe THEY can't but I CAN and will. Even if it kills me which it feels like it does some days.
Nikki, I can testify that you definitely CAN do all those things. I had a few naysayers in my group of friends in the early days here and thank God I ignored them.................. 0 -
Lulu, it seems like the older one gets the more one hears "You can't do that!" Even after you do it they keep waiting for you to slide back. Not me and not you, sister. I am not going through this again. This is it, by hook or by crook.0
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sunnyazgirl wrote: »I love the atttudes in ths group. I need to hang out here more often. I lost 90 pounds on MFP without ever once clicking on the Discussions until I hit a plateau and needed help. While I got the help I needed, and most of the people on the main forums are very nice and helpful, there are a fair share of snarky answers out there to legitimate questions making the person asking feeling as if they have to explain themselves or look stupid. This group seems to have an entrely dfferent attitude and I thank you.
I must say that I am 62 years old and up until a year ago I was one with all of the excuses and reasons why I could not lose weight. Now I have had an atttude shift and have to stop myself from judgng those who are still using those self-destructive thought processes and love them anyway. You are all such an inspiration wth your wonderful outlooks and stories! Keep it up. It is nce to have someplace to come to be uplifted with like minded folks.
thank you for your positive comments on our group. We all get on like a house on fire.. Some great people to share our journey with. I look forward to getting to know you a little better xx
Thank you! I was a bit discouraged by the main boards and was going to stay away. but ths group is so positive that I will keep coming back! 0 -
Exactly. I started tracking my calories on MFP a year ago when I was 61. Now I am 62 and am closing in on 100 pounds lost! If I can do it, so can you. The difference for me this time is that I don't feel as if I am on a diet because I have no "forbidden foods". I am counting the calories. If I want the donut I can have it, log it and go on. However, now I can see what that donut will do to my claories for the rest of the day and most of the tme I will pass it by. It's not worth it. But it is my decision, not the diet's decision.nikkib0103 wrote: »I am ignoring those who say that you can't lose weight after 50, or when going through the various stages of menopause, that you can't lose your belly, etc. Maybe THEY can't but I CAN and will. Even if it kills me which it feels like it does some days.
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nikkib0103 wrote: »Lulu, it seems like the older one gets the more one hears "You can't do that!" Even after you do it they keep waiting for you to slide back. Not me and not you, sister. I am not going through this again. This is it, by hook or by crook.
Absolutely correct Nikki. This is it for me too!0 -
sunnyazgirl wrote: »
Exactly. I started tracking my calories on MFP a year ago when I was 61. Now I am 62 and am closing in on 100 pounds lost! If I can do it, so can you. The difference for me this time is that I don't feel as if I am on a diet because I have no "forbidden foods". I am counting the calories. If I want the donut I can have it, log it and go on. However, now I can see what that donut will do to my claories for the rest of the day and most of the tme I will pass it by. It's not worth it. But it is my decision, not the diet's decision.nikkib0103 wrote: »I am ignoring those who say that you can't lose weight after 50, or when going through the various stages of menopause, that you can't lose your belly, etc. Maybe THEY can't but I CAN and will. Even if it kills me which it feels like it does some days.
Congrats on all your hard work!
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It's the same thing when we were young - whatever you do, is in your favor. Even moving slowly. You're still beating everyone on the couch. There's no way you can say, you can't lose weight after 50. We can still build muscle, right? Increase flexibility? Please. The people who say that we can't lose weight, have given up. Plain and simple.0
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There is an old saying, "If you say you can or say you can't, it is true." I am 63. lost 85 pounds and kept it off three years, so some of us are losing in our sixties. I have many who are waiting for me to get fat again, or think I starve myself. People looking for a magic wand, just have given up or aren't ready yet.0
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nikkib0103 wrote: »I am ignoring those who say that you can't lose weight after 50, or when going through the various stages of menopause, that you can't lose your belly, etc. Maybe THEY can't but I CAN and will. Even if it kills me which it feels like it does some days.
Nikki, I can testify that you definitely CAN do all those things. I had a few naysayers in my group of friends in the early days here and thank God I ignored them..................
+1!! to Both of You.
"Those who say " have just bought into the myth that life is really over at 40 or so.
NO one can tell me that you can't improve your health and lifestyle at any age.
In 2011 at age 69 I was pushing 215 lbs. on a 5'10" frame. Dreaded just getting up and going out to feed the dogs. Just worn out all the time.
NOW I can put on a 30+Lb. backpack and still weigh less than that and can walk up the side of a mountain.
I'm certainly nothing special , Anyone can do this and more.
This is really a good thread. Because the way you spend your life (that is within your control) is all about your "Attitude" toward life.
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^^^^ Well said!0
This discussion has been closed.