What makes you feel young? (1 Viewer)

[NutterButter]

There's only a couple of tough hikes in NJ and the one I do the most is more like a training session to keep up my base fitness for the longer harder hikes I do out of state. Its got a pretty good grade to it; about 1.1k ft of gain over a little over a mile and I do that up and down 3 times. For those of you that don't hike, that's a pretty tough climb and I'm pretty spent after doing it. This morning, I pass this old guy on my 1st time up and just exchanged some "good mornings". Coming down he was sitting down at about the half way point so I stopped to converse. This guy is 85 and does this climb 3x per week 2x per session. I'm 47, in good shape and this hike gives me a heck of a workout and this guy is 85 and doing it. Meeting older folks like him that are still out there killing it makes me believe that I still have A LOT of good years left. Folks like him are my inspiration. Lets do this.

Jersey hiker as well, where do you usually go?

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/mount-tammany-red-dot-and-blue-dot-loop-trail?u=i&sh=im6gic

I usually just do the first mile or so b/c that's the big aerobic payoff but there's an amazing view like .5 miles further and the loop itself is excellent b/c the 2nd half of the descent goes along just a gorgeous mountain stream especially when its flowing. Limited parking and the place gets packed on the weekend during late spring through fall but pretty quiet in the mornings before work and during the colder months.

 

[Terminalxylem]

There's only a couple of tough hikes in NJ and the one I do the most is more like a training session to keep up my base fitness for the longer harder hikes I do out of state. Its got a pretty good grade to it; about 1.1k ft of gain over a little over a mile and I do that up and down 3 times. For those of you that don't hike, that's a pretty tough climb and I'm pretty spent after doing it. This morning, I pass this old guy on my 1st time up and just exchanged some "good mornings". Coming down he was sitting down at about the half way point so I stopped to converse. This guy is 85 and does this climb 3x per week 2x per session. I'm 47, in good shape and this hike gives me a heck of a workout and this guy is 85 and doing it. Meeting older folks like him that are still out there killing it makes me believe that I still have A LOT of good years left. Folks like him are my inspiration. Lets do this.

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s. Definitely inspirational.

Rock climbing, on the other hand, rarely has people over 60, which kinda bums me out. I’m doing ok in my early 50s, but I have a sense of urgency to climb as much as possible now, before it’s too late.

Related, I dislike anyone telling me I’m pretty fit/good “for my age”. I’d prefer the caveat be left out, even if it isn’t true.

 

[Yambag]

There's only a couple of tough hikes in NJ and the one I do the most is more like a training session to keep up my base fitness for the longer harder hikes I do out of state. Its got a pretty good grade to it; about 1.1k ft of gain over a little over a mile and I do that up and down 3 times. For those of you that don't hike, that's a pretty tough climb and I'm pretty spent after doing it. This morning, I pass this old guy on my 1st time up and just exchanged some "good mornings". Coming down he was sitting down at about the half way point so I stopped to converse. This guy is 85 and does this climb 3x per week 2x per session. I'm 47, in good shape and this hike gives me a heck of a workout and this guy is 85 and doing it. Meeting older folks like him that are still out there killing it makes me believe that I still have A LOT of good years left. Folks like him are my inspiration. Lets do this.

Jersey hiker as well, where do you usually go?

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/mount-tammany-red-dot-and-blue-dot-loop-trail?u=i&sh=im6gic

I usually just do the first mile or so b/c that's the big aerobic payoff but there's an amazing view like .5 miles further and the loop itself is excellent b/c the 2nd half of the descent goes along just a gorgeous mountain stream especially when its flowing. Limited parking and the place gets packed on the weekend during late spring through fall but pretty quiet in the mornings before work and during the colder months.

Excellent, love that trail, I do it once or twice a year.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Rock climbing, on the other hand, rarely has people over 60, which kinda bums me out.

Yeah, you hardly ever see old people climbing up sheer surfaces with the use of hand-held equipment. Really makes you think.

 

[Gatorade]

I still remember a few years ago mountain biking with my wife. On the single track trail we caught up with a couple of 20 something kids. It didn't take long for my wife to proclaim, " move over boys, let Grandma thru"
LOL

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Exercising, especially pedaling hard and getting a little speed on my E Bike.

 

[dgreen]

Learning. Finding a hobby and then learning more about it is exciting.

 

[zoobird]

There's only a couple of tough hikes in NJ and the one I do the most is more like a training session to keep up my base fitness for the longer harder hikes I do out of state. Its got a pretty good grade to it; about 1.1k ft of gain over a little over a mile and I do that up and down 3 times. For those of you that don't hike, that's a pretty tough climb and I'm pretty spent after doing it. This morning, I pass this old guy on my 1st time up and just exchanged some "good mornings". Coming down he was sitting down at about the half way point so I stopped to converse. This guy is 85 and does this climb 3x per week 2x per session. I'm 47, in good shape and this hike gives me a heck of a workout and this guy is 85 and doing it. Meeting older folks like him that are still out there killing it makes me believe that I still have A LOT of good years left. Folks like him are my inspiration. Lets do this.

Jersey hiker as well, where do you usually go?

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/mount-tammany-red-dot-and-blue-dot-loop-trail?u=i&sh=im6gic

I usually just do the first mile or so b/c that's the big aerobic payoff but there's an amazing view like .5 miles further and the loop itself is excellent b/c the 2nd half of the descent goes along just a gorgeous mountain stream especially when its flowing. Limited parking and the place gets packed on the weekend during late spring through fall but pretty quiet in the mornings before work and during the colder months.

Lack of good hiking in NJ is my #1 least favorite thing about living in Central NJ.

That said, I've done Mount Tammany, and that's definitely a good workout with pretty good view.

This is another one that's in NJ (although very near the NY border I think) that is fairly tough and has some payoff: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/surprise-lake-ii-via-greenwood-lake-overlook/

That said, 1-2 hours into NY (2-3 hours from where I live), there are plenty of insanely fun hikes.

 

[FarFromHome]

Eating at IHOP always does the trick for me. I'm always surrounded by couple where the wife reads the menu to the husband. I can still read my own menu. I walk out feeling like a kid..

 

[Brony]

I've been biking a lot since COVID. The local bike club is full of retirees and every time I ride with them I can't figure it if I feel old cuz I'm with them or if I feel young because of the relative age difference.
Eating sugary cereal or a kid focused food like Chic nuggets, chocolate milk or pop tarts will give me a quick hit of youth. Same with listening to loud music with the windows down.

 

[zoobird]

Running on the days where I feel good (maybe 1/2 the time), and especially when my wife will run outside with me.

Playing in the snow. It's going to be embarrassing the first time I go out and play once my kids are both off at college, but I'm going to do it anyway.

Working remotely with 99.9% younger co-workers. I think this would have the opposite effect if we were in person frequently. When I'm on Zoom calls and Slack with them I feel like I fit right in. When I'm in person, I feel old and a bit out of place.

When I interact with lively, interesting people who are way older than me and still act like they're not old.

Like someone said earlier in this thread...I've never REALLY felt like an adult, so that definitely helps.

Also would say that I went through a stretch where I felt old and kind of like I was just running out the clock when I was in my mid-to-late 40s, but that completely passed around the time I turned 50 (54 now).

 

[Gally]

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s.

I am not so sure if skiing is something I would consider doing much beyond 50. Tearing things and breaking things seem to be at play going down a hill of snow (unless you are talking about water skiing but I don't think you are). But then again i probably haven't snow skied in probably 25 years and would be dreadfully out of shape for dealing with the boots and falling down/getting back up.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

There's only a couple of tough hikes in NJ and the one I do the most is more like a training session to keep up my base fitness for the longer harder hikes I do out of state. Its got a pretty good grade to it; about 1.1k ft of gain over a little over a mile and I do that up and down 3 times. For those of you that don't hike, that's a pretty tough climb and I'm pretty spent after doing it. This morning, I pass this old guy on my 1st time up and just exchanged some "good mornings". Coming down he was sitting down at about the half way point so I stopped to converse. This guy is 85 and does this climb 3x per week 2x per session. I'm 47, in good shape and this hike gives me a heck of a workout and this guy is 85 and doing it. Meeting older folks like him that are still out there killing it makes me believe that I still have A LOT of good years left. Folks like him are my inspiration. Lets do this.

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s. Definitely inspirational.

Rock climbing, on the other hand, rarely has people over 60, which kinda bums me out. I’m doing ok in my early 50s, but I have a sense of urgency to climb as much as possible now, before it’s too late.

Related, I dislike anyone telling me I’m pretty fit/good “for my age”. I’d prefer the caveat be left out, even if it isn’t true.

F em. Caveat away. I know how hard it is and how much work it takes to keep bringing it like the younguns. I tell them to Come talk to me in 30 years and we’ll see how you’re doing.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s.

I am not so sure if skiing is something I would consider doing much beyond 50. Tearing things and breaking things seem to be at play going down a hill of snow (unless you are talking about water skiing but I don't think you are). But then again i probably haven't snow skied in probably 25 years and would be dreadfully out of shape for dealing with the boots and falling down/getting back up.

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I regularly see people skiing in their 60s/70s, and sometimes even 80s. Most are sticking to the groomers, which is fine. But for now, I feel comfortable going anywhere on the mountain. So there’s room to scale back, when my body starts slowing down.

Most people ski less as they get older, electing more half days, early apres, and avoiding the worst conditions. I’ve become a bit more selective in my 50s, but don’t object to skiing the entire day, with minimal breaks when the snow is good.

Never water skied, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s less longevity in that sport. Doesn’t every run end with a wipe out?

I wonder how long other FBG skiers planning on keeping at it? @DA RAIDERS @MTskibum?

 

[MTskibum]

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s.

I am not so sure if skiing is something I would consider doing much beyond 50. Tearing things and breaking things seem to be at play going down a hill of snow (unless you are talking about water skiing but I don't think you are). But then again i probably haven't snow skied in probably 25 years and would be dreadfully out of shape for dealing with the boots and falling down/getting back up.

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I regularly see people skiing in their 60s/70s, and sometimes even 80s. Most are sticking to the groomers, which is fine. But for now, I feel comfortable going anywhere on the mountain. So there’s room to scale back, when my body starts slowing down.

Most people ski less as they get older, electing more half days, early apres, and avoiding the worst conditions. I’ve become a bit more selective in my 50s, but don’t object to skiing the entire day, with minimal breaks when the snow is good.

Never water skied, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s less longevity in that sport. Doesn’t every run end with a wipe out?

I wonder how long other FBG skiers planning on keeping at it? @DA RAIDERS @MTskibum?

I think I will be able to safely ski in my 70's baring something catastrophic.

I have only wrecked once in last few years and I spend time on difficult terrain.

The one wreck wasn't even my fault. I had a binding break and the ski fell off.

Both my parents still run half marathons in their 60's.

 

[Gally]

The one wreck wasn't even my fault. I had a binding break and the ski fell off.

I wouldn't be worrying about the wrecks that were my fault and more about things out of my hands like other skiers running into me or things like this (equipment failing).

 

[Gally]

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I guess I never was a skier that skied a lot. Maybe one weekend trip a year in high school through my mid 20's. My recollection on those experiences was that the boots hurt and were a pain and that other skiers were always a concern causing me to have to do something to avoid issues. Seems like at my advanced age (and out of shapeness) that skiing would be a recipe for disaster now. Probably much different for you professionals that have skied a lot more.

 

[MTskibum]

The one wreck wasn't even my fault. I had a binding break and the ski fell off.

I wouldn't be worrying about the wrecks that were my fault and more about things out of my hands like other skiers running into me or things like this (equipment failing).

That was on the top of a steep double black too, although to be fair my equipment was old and needed replaced.

I should still be doing double blacks until my late 50's, however i won't skimp on gear again.

 

[the moops]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

 

[AAABatteries]

Most of what I would say has been mentioned but I’ll add holidays. I’m like a big kid come Thanksgiving and Christmas - absolutely love the holiday season.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I guess I never was a skier that skied a lot. Maybe one weekend trip a year in high school through my mid 20's. My recollection on those experiences was that the boots hurt and were a pain and that other skiers were always a concern causing me to have to do something to avoid issues. Seems like at my advanced age (and out of shapeness) that skiing would be a recipe for disaster now. Probably much different for you professionals that have skied a lot more.

You’re right, collisions are a possibility. But it’s a bigger issue where people congregate, and groomed runs. For now, I avoid those areas.

And modern boots, appropriately fitted, shouldn’t hurt.

 

[MTskibum]

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I guess I never was a skier that skied a lot. Maybe one weekend trip a year in high school through my mid 20's. My recollection on those experiences was that the boots hurt and were a pain and that other skiers were always a concern causing me to have to do something to avoid issues. Seems like at my advanced age (and out of shapeness) that skiing would be a recipe for disaster now. Probably much different for you professionals that have skied a lot more.

I went a lot in highschool and in my 20's. Most years 20-30 times and 4-5 years of 50-90 trips.

I picked up snowboarding at some point in my 20's so I had something to do when going with people who weren't fellow skibums, but got to the point of mostly doing blacks and doubl blacks on board as well.

Even then I have boarded 100 times or so, I don't feel like it is second nature like skiing. Only thing that limits my skiing is leg strength, when that goes I will need to adjust accordingly.

 

[MTskibum]

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I guess I never was a skier that skied a lot. Maybe one weekend trip a year in high school through my mid 20's. My recollection on those experiences was that the boots hurt and were a pain and that other skiers were always a concern causing me to have to do something to avoid issues. Seems like at my advanced age (and out of shapeness) that skiing would be a recipe for disaster now. Probably much different for you professionals that have skied a lot more.

You’re right, collisions are a possibility. But it’s a bigger issue where people congregate, and groomed runs. For now, I avoid those areas.

And modern boots, appropriately fitted, shouldn’t hurt.

I ski midweek at places like a-basin. Collision chance there compared to Breckenridge on the weekend.

Boots should not hurt, agreed.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s.

I am not so sure if skiing is something I would consider doing much beyond 50. Tearing things and breaking things seem to be at play going down a hill of snow (unless you are talking about water skiing but I don't think you are). But then again i probably haven't snow skied in probably 25 years and would be dreadfully out of shape for dealing with the boots and falling down/getting back up.

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I regularly see people skiing in their 60s/70s, and sometimes even 80s. Most are sticking to the groomers, which is fine. But for now, I feel comfortable going anywhere on the mountain. So there’s room to scale back, when my body starts slowing down.

Most people ski less as they get older, electing more half days, early apres, and avoiding the worst conditions. I’ve become a bit more selective in my 50s, but don’t object to skiing the entire day, with minimal breaks when the snow is good.

Never water skied, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s less longevity in that sport. Doesn’t every run end with a wipe out?

I wonder how long other FBG skiers planning on keeping at it? @DA RAIDERS @MTskibum?

I think I will be able to safely ski in my 70's baring something catastrophic.

I have only wrecked once in last few years and I spend time on difficult terrain.

The one wreck wasn't even my fault. I had a binding break and the ski fell off.

Both my parents still run half marathons in their 60's.

Perhaps to @Gally’s point, one of my recent wrecks was also due to breaking a binding.

Which reminds me, I need to get new bindings before winter.

 

[Gally]

I went a lot in highschool and in my 20's. Most years 20-30 times and 4-5 years of 50-90 trips.

I have gone less in my life than you did in one of those years. Definitely a lot more dangerous for me on the slopes.

I never gave snow boarding a chance even though everyone said how great it was. Since I really only went once a year I didn't want to spend half that time on my A$$ learning to snowboard......just wanted to ski because I had fun doing it. No need to change that for my one weekend a year I got on the slopes..hahahaha

 

[Terminalxylem]

Only thing that limits my skiing is leg strength, when that goes I will need to adjust accordingly.

I feel like leg strength and cardiovascular endurance, plus a smattering of non-musculoskeletal health problems (one of my buddies takes a blood thinner) play a bigger role than injuries in people skiing less.

Personally, I’m hoping to maintain both the strength and endurance to keep doing difficult runs at least another decade.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

 

[the moops]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s.

I am not so sure if skiing is something I would consider doing much beyond 50. Tearing things and breaking things seem to be at play going down a hill of snow (unless you are talking about water skiing but I don't think you are). But then again i probably haven't snow skied in probably 25 years and would be dreadfully out of shape for dealing with the boots and falling down/getting back up.

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I regularly see people skiing in their 60s/70s, and sometimes even 80s. Most are sticking to the groomers, which is fine. But for now, I feel comfortable going anywhere on the mountain. So there’s room to scale back, when my body starts slowing down.

Most people ski less as they get older, electing more half days, early apres, and avoiding the worst conditions. I’ve become a bit more selective in my 50s, but don’t object to skiing the entire day, with minimal breaks when the snow is good.

Never water skied, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s less longevity in that sport. Doesn’t every run end with a wipe out?

I wonder how long other FBG skiers planning on keeping at it? @DA RAIDERS @MTskibum?

I plan on skiing until I can’t. I can pretty easily go anywhere on the mountain at this point. I still do jumps(I probably shouldn’t). I absolutely love steeps and trees.

I’m a decent skier and if I don’t push it, I can avoiding falling completely. The two times I fell with you were my only falls of that whole trip. And the fall where I tore my rotator cuff was the hardest fall I’ve taken in years. And was a dumb fall at that.

Last year at Alta/snowbird I challenged myself more than I had in years. On the deep powder day, I fell a bunch. But it was in powder so no harm. Didn’t fall once outside of the powder day And was skiing most of the hardest stuff on the hill

Eventually I will have a knee replacement. But I’ve talked with enough old guys on the lifts that are just fine skiing on theirs. I’m currently doing PT on my knees and considering hiring a sport specific trainer just to work on my legs for skiing.

 

[WVU Alum]

Just yesterday a very old lady at the beach said my wife was lucky to be married to such a nice young man.

My wife pointed to me and said, “ have to get rid of this one first.”

I felt pretty good up until that point

 

[Terminalxylem]

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I guess I never was a skier that skied a lot. Maybe one weekend trip a year in high school through my mid 20's. My recollection on those experiences was that the boots hurt and were a pain and that other skiers were always a concern causing me to have to do something to avoid issues. Seems like at my advanced age (and out of shapeness) that skiing would be a recipe for disaster now. Probably much different for you professionals that have skied a lot more.

You’re right, collisions are a possibility. But it’s a bigger issue where people congregate, and groomed runs. For now, I avoid those areas.

And modern boots, appropriately fitted, shouldn’t hurt.

I ski midweek at places like a-basin. Collision chance there compared to Breckenridge on the weekend.

Boots should not hurt, agreed.

Yeah, weekend skiing in groomed areas, at any major resort is a problem. Gotta do hike-to side-country to get away from the crowds (or back country, once I get avi trained).

 

[Terminalxylem]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

I've never tried it, but already looked to see how much a home set up would cost. The answer: $8K+.

Probably should actually climb on one before taking that plunge.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s.

I am not so sure if skiing is something I would consider doing much beyond 50. Tearing things and breaking things seem to be at play going down a hill of snow (unless you are talking about water skiing but I don't think you are). But then again i probably haven't snow skied in probably 25 years and would be dreadfully out of shape for dealing with the boots and falling down/getting back up.

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I regularly see people skiing in their 60s/70s, and sometimes even 80s. Most are sticking to the groomers, which is fine. But for now, I feel comfortable going anywhere on the mountain. So there’s room to scale back, when my body starts slowing down.

Most people ski less as they get older, electing more half days, early apres, and avoiding the worst conditions. I’ve become a bit more selective in my 50s, but don’t object to skiing the entire day, with minimal breaks when the snow is good.

Never water skied, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s less longevity in that sport. Doesn’t every run end with a wipe out?

I wonder how long other FBG skiers planning on keeping at it? @DA RAIDERS @MTskibum?

I plan on skiing until I can’t. I can pretty easily go anywhere on the mountain at this point. I still do jumps(I probably shouldn’t). I absolutely love steeps and trees.

I’m a decent skier and if I don’t push it, I can avoiding falling completely. The two times I fell with you were my only falls of that whole trip. And the fall where I tore my rotator cuff was the hardest fall I’ve taken in years. And was a dumb fall at that.

Last year at Alta/snowbird I challenged myself more than I had in years. On the deep powder day, I fell a bunch. But it was in powder so no harm. Didn’t fall once outside of the powder day And was skiing most of the hardest stuff on the hill

Eventually I will have a knee replacement. But I’ve talked with enough old guys on the lifts that are just fine skiing on theirs. I’m currently doing PT on my knees and considering hiring a sport specific trainer just to work on my legs for skiing.

My strategy, exactly. Though I gave up jumps years ago.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I also love seeing people older than me doing stuff I enjoy; hiking, biking and skiing are great activities where you can still participate until 70s/80s.

I am not so sure if skiing is something I would consider doing much beyond 50. Tearing things and breaking things seem to be at play going down a hill of snow (unless you are talking about water skiing but I don't think you are). But then again i probably haven't snow skied in probably 25 years and would be dreadfully out of shape for dealing with the boots and falling down/getting back up.

I’m not a great skier, but ski within my limits, rarely falling. Like maybe once or twice a trip, if that. There is one guy in our group of 50-somethings that yard sales a couple times every year. Now, he seems likely to get injured, but so far, there’s been exactly one broken bone (me, in my 40s), and no ligamentous injuries in our group, who have been meeting annually for over 20 years.

I regularly see people skiing in their 60s/70s, and sometimes even 80s. Most are sticking to the groomers, which is fine. But for now, I feel comfortable going anywhere on the mountain. So there’s room to scale back, when my body starts slowing down.

Most people ski less as they get older, electing more half days, early apres, and avoiding the worst conditions. I’ve become a bit more selective in my 50s, but don’t object to skiing the entire day, with minimal breaks when the snow is good.

Never water skied, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s less longevity in that sport. Doesn’t every run end with a wipe out?

I wonder how long other FBG skiers planning on keeping at it? @DA RAIDERS @MTskibum?

I plan on skiing until I can’t. I can pretty easily go anywhere on the mountain at this point. I still do jumps(I probably shouldn’t). I absolutely love steeps and trees.

I’m a decent skier and if I don’t push it, I can avoiding falling completely. The two times I fell with you were my only falls of that whole trip. And the fall where I tore my rotator cuff was the hardest fall I’ve taken in years. And was a dumb fall at that.

Last year at Alta/snowbird I challenged myself more than I had in years. On the deep powder day, I fell a bunch. But it was in powder so no harm. Didn’t fall once outside of the powder day And was skiing most of the hardest stuff on the hill

Eventually I will have a knee replacement. But I’ve talked with enough old guys on the lifts that are just fine skiing on theirs. I’m currently doing PT on my knees and considering hiring a sport specific trainer just to work on my legs for skiing.

My strategy, exactly. Though I gave up jumps years ago.

I ski with a lot of teenagers. For that matter, most of the people I ski with are younger than me. . Still should dial back the jumps.

Chasing the former pro snowboarder at snowbird was SOOO fun. But dangerous.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Live music.

This X 100. Especially music festivals. As a family we do The Hangout Festival each year and Gulf Shores and while I know very few of the acts well as metal and hard alternative are more my thing, I come out of each three day weekend there with this cool, exhausted euphoria.

Also, alcohol and hiking.

 

[nirad3]

Live music.

This X 100. Especially music festivals. As a family we do The Hangout Festival each year and Gulf Shores and while I know very few of the acts well as metal and hard alternative are more my thing, I come out of each three day weekend there with this cool, exhausted euphoria.

Also, alcohol and hiking.

Yeah I'll +1 this, and deviate slightly and say live electronic/dance music. I've been to a few shows over the past couple of years that really get the blood pumping and endorphins coursing through my body ... which in turn invigorates me to no end.

 

[snellman]

When the Grandkids come over I feel young playing with them and running after them. However, after they wear me out and leave, I realize why we have kids when we are young and feel old.

 

[offdee]

Referencing the thread title and the original post...what keeps you young and what makes you feel young are two very different things. I don't understand how hanging out with kids or teenagers make you feel young. They may KEEP you young, but they certainly don't make you FEEL young.

 

[matttyl]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

My 9 year old has gotten into climbing, and has joined the local gym’s jr climbing competition team. Due to his age, l need to stay in the gym during his 2x a week practices - so Ive been getting into it myself. Tried the kilter wall yesterday for the first time…..went right back to the completely vertical bouldering wall. That thing is a beast!!

 

[the moops]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

My 9 year old has gotten into climbing, and has joined the local gym’s jr climbing competition team. Due to his age, l need to stay in the gym during his 2x a week practices - so Ive been getting into it myself. Tried the kilter wall yesterday for the first time…..went right back to the completely vertical bouldering wall. That thing is a beast!!

Yea about 9 months ago, my kids got onto teams and they were at practice 3 days a week. I didn't need to stay with them, so at first, I would drop them, and walk next door to the brewery and consume a few beers and pizza then go grab them. After a couple weeks of that, I realized I couldn't/shouldn't keep that up, so I decided to join the gym and climb on the same days as them. And as an added bonus I got to spend some really good time with the 10 year old while 12 year old had practice, and with the 12 year old while the 10 year old had practice (on Thu nights they had different practice times but they overlapped for a bit in the middle). So instead of consuming a couple thousand calories in beer and pizza a week, I am doing the opposite and burning those calories.

@matttyl as your kid progresses if you all have any questions, please reach out. I owe you for your phone call we had about health insurance. Competition season for bouldering is just around the corner (first comps are 2nd weekend in October), not sure if the little guy will want to jump right into it (my kids did reluctantly) but if so I can offer some wise words

 

[matttyl]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

My 9 year old has gotten into climbing, and has joined the local gym’s jr climbing competition team. Due to his age, l need to stay in the gym during his 2x a week practices - so Ive been getting into it myself. Tried the kilter wall yesterday for the first time…..went right back to the completely vertical bouldering wall. That thing is a beast!!

Yea about 9 months ago, my kids got onto teams and they were at practice 3 days a week. I didn't need to stay with them, so at first, I would drop them, and walk next door to the brewery and consume a few beers and pizza then go grab them. After a couple weeks of that, I realized I couldn't/shouldn't keep that up, so I decided to join the gym and climb on the same days as them. And as an added bonus I got to spend some really good time with the 10 year old while 12 year old had practice, and with the 12 year old while the 10 year old had practice (on Thu nights they had different practice times but they overlapped for a bit in the middle). So instead of consuming a couple thousand calories in beer and pizza a week, I am doing the opposite and burning those calories.

@matttyl as your kid progresses if you all have any questions, please reach out. I owe you for your phone call we had about health insurance. Competition season for bouldering is just around the corner (first comps are 2nd weekend in October), not sure if the little guy will want to jump right into it (my kids did reluctantly) but if so I can offer some wise words

Yeah, we got the list of competitions in our area just yesterday, and with him being on the “competition team”, we are “expected” to participate in at least one. What sucks is that we have to buy an annual USA climbing membership (or whatever it’s called, which I think is $110) as well as the fees at the hosting gym in order for him to “compete” - and there is no regionals or anything in his age group that he could qualify for. Oh well, he’s enjoying it and making friends and seems to be pretty good at it. Meanwhile my forearms are in a constant state of ache.

ETA - can’t believe you remember my call from 5 years ago!

 

[the moops]

and there is no regionals or anything in his age group that he could qualify for.

There should be a regional comp he can compete in if he qualifies. They changed age categories this year but it was similar last year in that kids under the age of 11 (this year 12) can only compete up to regionals, and not in divisionals or nationals

 

[matttyl]

and there is no regionals or anything in his age group that he could qualify for.

There should be a regional comp he can compete in if he qualifies. They changed age categories this year but it was similar last year in that kids under the age of 11 (this year 12) can only compete up to regionals, and not in divisionals or nationals

That’s what I meant - no divisional or nationals for him at age 9.

 

[the moops]

and there is no regionals or anything in his age group that he could qualify for.

There should be a regional comp he can compete in if he qualifies. They changed age categories this year but it was similar last year in that kids under the age of 11 (this year 12) can only compete up to regionals, and not in divisionals or nationals

That’s what I meant - no divisional or nationals for him at age 9.

Yea. I understand their reasoning though, even if we were a little annoyed because my 10 year old last year finished in 5th place in regionals and would have qualified for divisional if allowed. But I get it - gotta ease kids into this

 

[Terminalxylem]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

My 9 year old has gotten into climbing, and has joined the local gym’s jr climbing competition team. Due to his age, l need to stay in the gym during his 2x a week practices - so Ive been getting into it myself. Tried the kilter wall yesterday for the first time…..went right back to the completely vertical bouldering wall. That thing is a beast!!

Don't know anything about the comp scene, but I highly recommend you take your kids climbing outdoors. It requires a slightly different skillset than indoor walls, but exposes them to nature and often occurs in areas where cell coverage is limited, forcing them off their phones.

Kilter board is tough, as is bouldering in general, on old bodies. You may want to try rope climbing, if you haven'y already. Do the comps involve both bouldering and sport climbing, or do kids generally compete in one or the other?

 

[matttyl]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

My 9 year old has gotten into climbing, and has joined the local gym’s jr climbing competition team. Due to his age, l need to stay in the gym during his 2x a week practices - so Ive been getting into it myself. Tried the kilter wall yesterday for the first time…..went right back to the completely vertical bouldering wall. That thing is a beast!!

Don't know anything about the comp scene, but I highly recommend you take your kids climbing outdoors. It requires a slightly different skillset than indoor walls, but exposes them to nature and often occurs in areas where cell coverage is limited, forcing them off their phones.

Kilter board is tough, as is bouldering in general, on old bodies. You may want to try rope climbing, if you haven'y already. Do the comps involve both bouldering and sport climbing, or do kids generally compete in one or the other?

While I totally get the outdoor bit, we already do a lot of that with our biking. My 9 year old may be the only kid in town with both a mountain bike and a gravel bike. Between he, me, and the wife were now up to 10 bikes in the house (N+1 gone wild). So we do already get plenty of outdoor time with that hobby.

The way his comp team is they do bouldering in the fall and top roping stuff in the spring. He’s pretty decent at both for his age (he’s long and lean like his daddy used to be).

 

[Terminalxylem]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

My 9 year old has gotten into climbing, and has joined the local gym’s jr climbing competition team. Due to his age, l need to stay in the gym during his 2x a week practices - so Ive been getting into it myself. Tried the kilter wall yesterday for the first time…..went right back to the completely vertical bouldering wall. That thing is a beast!!

Don't know anything about the comp scene, but I highly recommend you take your kids climbing outdoors. It requires a slightly different skillset than indoor walls, but exposes them to nature and often occurs in areas where cell coverage is limited, forcing them off their phones.

Kilter board is tough, as is bouldering in general, on old bodies. You may want to try rope climbing, if you haven'y already. Do the comps involve both bouldering and sport climbing, or do kids generally compete in one or the other?

While I totally get the outdoor bit, we already do a lot of that with our biking. My 9 year old may be the only kid in town with both a mountain bike and a gravel bike. Between he, me, and the wife were now up to 10 bikes in the house (N+1 gone wild). So we do already get plenty of outdoor time with that hobby.

The way his comp team is they do bouldering in the fall and top roping stuff in the spring. He’s pretty decent at both for his age (he’s long and lean like his daddy used to be).

Top roping? So they don’t expect them to lead the routes?

Biking is also a great outdoor activity. Wife and I have 5 bikes between us, including a tandem which allows pedaling independently. Unfortunately, they’ve all fallen into disuse since the pandemic.

 

[the moops]

Climbing. Not so much afterwards, but while climbing (bouldering in my case) I feel like I am at most 35 years old I am probably more flexible than 75% of the guys in the climbing gym, yet stronger than probably 10% so that hurts a bit. But I routinely do climbs with 20 year old dudes who are way better looking and hipper and stronger than me, but we all climb the same stuff

Our gym just got a kilter board, which is making me reconsider my self-imposed bouldering ban.

Those will give you a crazy workout. Don't love them myself, except on rare occasions

My 9 year old has gotten into climbing, and has joined the local gym’s jr climbing competition team. Due to his age, l need to stay in the gym during his 2x a week practices - so Ive been getting into it myself. Tried the kilter wall yesterday for the first time…..went right back to the completely vertical bouldering wall. That thing is a beast!!

Don't know anything about the comp scene, but I highly recommend you take your kids climbing outdoors. It requires a slightly different skillset than indoor walls, but exposes them to nature and often occurs in areas where cell coverage is limited, forcing them off their phones.

Kilter board is tough, as is bouldering in general, on old bodies. You may want to try rope climbing, if you haven'y already. Do the comps involve both bouldering and sport climbing, or do kids generally compete in one or the other?

While I totally get the outdoor bit, we already do a lot of that with our biking. My 9 year old may be the only kid in town with both a mountain bike and a gravel bike. Between he, me, and the wife were now up to 10 bikes in the house (N+1 gone wild). So we do already get plenty of outdoor time with that hobby.

The way his comp team is they do bouldering in the fall and top roping stuff in the spring. He’s pretty decent at both for his age (he’s long and lean like his daddy used to be).

Top roping? So they don’t expect them to lead the routes?

Biking is also a great outdoor activity. Wife and I have 5 bikes between us, including a tandem which allows pedaling independently. Unfortunately, they’ve all fallen into disuse since the pandemic.

Bouldering is in the fall to early winter. Comps are in Oct/Nov/Dec, regionals in January, Divisionals in February. Lead/TR starts right after that with comps in March/Apr/May with regionals and divisionals in June. Nationals is in July typically. And speed is in there somewhere too.

I would say most kids specialize in boulder or lead, with some really good ones doing well in both. A decent amount of gyms tend to be strictly bouldering or really top rope heavy with a small bouldering wall, so it gets tough for kids to get much practice in both

 

[the moops]

Don't know anything about the comp scene, but I highly recommend you take your kids climbing outdoors. It requires a slightly different skillset than indoor walls, but exposes them to nature and often occurs in areas where cell coverage is limited, forcing them off their phones.

My kids don't have phones yet (11 and 13) but I agree with the outdoor sentiment. It is really fun and way different than indoor. Much more difficult but cool to be climbing actual rock

 

[Terminalxylem]

Don't know anything about the comp scene, but I highly recommend you take your kids climbing outdoors. It requires a slightly different skillset than indoor walls, but exposes them to nature and often occurs in areas where cell coverage is limited, forcing them off their phones.

My kids don't have phones yet (11 and 13) but I agree with the outdoor sentiment. It is really fun and way different than indoor. Much more difficult but cool to be climbing actual rock

Kudos to you. I've had a few friends keep their children phone-less into their teen years. Despite a lot of pressure to the contrary, seems like the way to go. When are you planning to relent?