There is a spelling mistake - a typo - on the yellow chapter screens in this video, sorry. I accidentally put it live a week early. I had uploaded it as a work-in-progress for Channel Members of my Adventure Crew to view and give me feedback. However, something in the settings went wrong and it suddenly was available to everyone. I hope the typo doesn't detract too much from the content.
I was about to mention it, Simon, then saw your comment! That aside, another great video, thank you. Also, who makes the hat you’re wearing under your helmet?? I have one similar by Haglöfs but can I find another one…!?
I'm 74 and had my bladder removed 2 years ago due to cancer. It took me ages to walk again, But over time I have learned again to cycle, windsurf, paddle board and ocean swim each of which feels like a mini-adventure. I feel great now and completely agree that our lives must feel adventurous. A big thank you for your inspirational series.
Hello from Australia. At 65 I packed my bike in a box, flew to Zurich, and then cycled 1500 kilometres through 6 countries in Europe. I carried all my camping gear and did it solo. It was the greatest experience of my life. I plan to do something similar again this year at 70. I have had a few serious health issues, but thats life. Enjoy all the time you have left. Stay well
Hi Peter, I live in Valla Beach, NSW. If you find yourself here one day, please look me up as I too have done similar adventures at 60 years of age. I'm easy to find, just go to the cafe and ask for The Koala Guy.
My wife died a couple of years ago and for a while I was in real danger of becoming a lonely old man living alone in a shed in the Australian bush. However I met a wonderful lady who is now my partner and with her came an entire new circle of friends and quite a social life. I'm convinced that this alone will give me another 10 years of life or more.
I'm 63 and still cycle, climb, Mountaineer etc with 0 intention of stopping anytime soon ! I also work for the NHS and can say without a doubt that I see people on a daily basis who are often 10 or even 20 years younger than me who in many cases have just totally given up and embraced OLD CODGERISM . . Mentality is SO IMPORTANT !
Just 76, I became a certified Yoga Instructor a year ago with emphasis on men’s only classes. Bringing men together, celebrating our uniqueness, communing in a common practice. Our numbers are growing, I am learning and friendships are developing. I am a water person, surfing 65 years, rowed, race kayaks, sailing charter captain, swim 3-4x/week, backpacked the Grand Canyon last year. Enjoying you quality channel.
I saw two different doctors at the hospital recently after I broke my wrist. One was very condescending and treated me like an old person. He was shocked and rather upset that I didn't take any medication. He was also shocked that I take part in dog agility. The other doctor was totally different. He said don't give up the agility, it's keeping you going. Keep running with the dog. Amazing. I felt normal again. Please doctors, we don't go stupid and become infirm the minute we hit 70.
@@marilynsue4273 I hope your wrist recovers well. I had the cast taken off after five weeks. I couldn't stand it any longer. It was fine. It's not true that it takes longer to heal because you're older.
When I was 60, I had to change primary care physicians. The new one met me to do a baseline physical. He asked if I exercised. I told him that I was a lifelong ballet dancer (was still dancing then) and did a fast 30-minute morning walk every day. He replied, incredulously, "Every day?" Yes, I said. He couldn't believe it. Now I'm 71, still do my morning walk, and a year ago took uip a rowing machine, and now do 30 minutes a day on that. I will be joining a masters rowing club this spring, so I'm expanding my social circle. Use it or lose it! Truer words were never spoken.
I'm 67, and a lifelong runner. Until my mid-20's I had been a sprinter (100, 200, 400m). As I got older, my body obviously changed, but not in the way I expected it would. Though I now lack the speed I once had, running far has become easier. 18 months ago I ran my first ever 50K run. Not only did I ever think I'd be able to run that far, but I got progressively faster throughout the run. Then this past November I ran another 50K, 25 minutes faster than my first one. Again, it was remarkably easy. This new discovery has given me hope, it's given me a goal. Being only 4 minutes off the Canadian 50K record for my age group (I learned after the fact), I want to give it a shot this spring... But whether one is competitive or not, having a deep love for the sport/activity one does is key. And it should provoke a sense of play. I think this is one reason trail running has become so attractive to older runners: it's fun! It gives you an excuse to play in puddles and mud like you did as a child!
That's incredible, congrats!! I learned about ultras from a race volunteer in his 70s. He started running in his 60s, and now did ultras! I switched to going long at 41, after being frustrated with my lack of speed as the years passed. It's an all new sport, with new skills, gear, techniques to learn, which is great for reigniting new passion in an old hobby. I'll never beat my younger self at a 5k, but I'm enjoying getting better at 50ks (more enjoyable and less injuries!), and think I might just try a 50 miler for my 50th birthday! I'm no longer dreading aging! Best wishes to you on your journey!
I'm twenty years younger, but hearing this from you gives me SO much hope I'll still be able to play in twenty years, out on the trails. It's just the BEST! 🌊🏃🏻♀️💨
Love your series! I’m a 63 year old with multiple health issues (entire colon removed after colon cancer, kidney disease, progressive autoimmune liver disease turning my liver into mush, severe arthritis in shoulders, knees and feet, etc.). But I’m still out there pushing it minimum 2hrs/day 6 or 7 days a week. Completed the longest multi-week hikes and cycles of my life in 2022, dialed it up in 2023 and will dial it up again in 2024. Currently working through my bucket list in the order of “hardest first” before my health window closes. Where the mind goes, the body will follow.
Amazing. You should be proud of yourself. I stop exercising at the smallest ache or pain. I have no excuse. I will think of you next time and push myself. Thank you for sharing.
I love the phrase I read in a strength training book for ageing athletes. In read “society tells you to take it easy as you age, but taking it easy makes you soft, and soft makes you dead!” So true. Unfortunately, at 52 I have zero friends and I absolutely love it that way. Real friends are very difficult to come by. I find most people are very fickle.
I love this series. I’m 60 and still busy with work but I keep active backpacking and biking. I’m looking forward to spending my retirement years doing even more activities. My wife is my main hiking partner but my friend Rick and I make sure we do 2-3 overnight trips each year. I also try to do a solo trip annually, as I find this helpful for my mental well being. Keep up the good work Simon!
This was a great commentary on getting on without getting old, and your key essentials fit well with our lifestyle. I'm 80, ride a tandem with my spouse of 39 years, make videos, work at building and revising our van for travel and camping, and other woodworking and metalworking projects around the house, and do most of the cooking, always trying new vegetarian recipes. We serve on the board of a retreat for women in the arts, belong to two weaving/fiber arts guilds, and are the longest-serving members of our senior center yoga group, aside from the leader, and even lead the sessions when neither of the regular leaders are available. We have a few friends, mostly women, and one couple with whom we share vacation time. I'm a reluctantly-retired software engineer, and still code and write answers to Linux questions on the Internet. My fitness watch insists I'm only 66, but it takes a lot of work to stay young. It's been hard to get back to "normal," post-pandemic, avoiding public gatherings such as concerts and movies, and rarely dine out. Have enjoyed the other installments in your series that we've come across.
Had a man fly past me last year on a gravel bike like i was standing still, i eventually caught him up a few mile on as he stopped off for a cup of tea at the cafe, we talked bikes and he was on a 60 mile loop, it turned out he was 84 years old had cycled all his life not for fitness it was all he knew and its what kept him happy, its a conversation i will remember all my life with him.
I'm sooo there, 65 years old. I've been cycling since 1988. In the last couple years I've had some health issues that have set me back a little. I'm regrouping and not abiding by the norms for my age group. I’ve become involved in a couple local trails groups finding great purpose and still being in the cycling/outdoors world!
I’m enjoying this series. I just turned 72. I’ve been cycling for the past 45 years. I used to run some too but arthritis in my knees has put a stop to that. Like you, I struggle with the relationship part of this formula. I’m kind of an introvert so mixing with others tends to be stressful and stress is something we’re supposed to avoid. Don’t know what the answer is to this but I will keep working at it. Thanks for putting this series together!
Same. And dropping the "odd" comment here works for me; just don't take any particular reply personally; it's not you, it's them. And keep on cycling 'cause it is a lovely way to get out and about. I've recently purchased an old - very old as it turned out - Brompton. Being smaller and strange - the bike mostly - I get a lot of comments esp. seeing as I'm moving slowly - there really is no rush - and I generally cruise the footpaths because the roads are too dangerous. Being extra extra courteous on the footpath works wonders. Have fun, stay safe.
Im in the same boat. BUT I choose recreation that I can do alone as i am also a social misfit(introvert). I am alone but not lonely. I find the time i spend mountain bike riding,fixing the trails that i ride and boxing helps me decompress from the stresses of day to day ,especially my job. Im 56 and need time to myself to repair the rigours of life that seem to be getting harder as i get older. But i am good at not giving a fu*k.
I too am a social misfit and don’t socialise much as I find it exhausting. I have a couple of close friends I see regularly but always prefer 1 :2:1 meet ups, not groups. I’m 68 and race Cyclo cross, mountain bike and Caterham car. I study horsemanship and have 2 horses. To keep my mind busy I do sudoku, wordle, simulator driving and reading. I think we should regularly do things out of our comfort zone. This year mine is racing the Panceltic bike packing race and racing the Gralloch Gravel . These are probably a bit tame, but I can always add something scarier (biking through London to Kings + ) Omg! Done it once, never again😱
As someone who struggles with social anxiety, I have found relationships formed during an activity one loves leads to bonds without the stress of focusing on just the social part. Leveraged that to enjoying activities such as walking, hiking, seeing shows, performing, and then noshing with people one is already comfortable with.
As a 66 year old, with a lifetime of outdoor adventuring, self employment, and 3 grown sons and wonderful wife. I have redefined my life focus into 4 categories. F.A.A.S. Friends/ relationships, Athlete/ healthy lifestyle, Artist/ my creative outlets, and Student/ continuing to be curious and continued learning. From my perspective of culture especially my generation, we are exiting the work force and can see the elderly among us in all their different conditions. Aging and limited remaining time alive are very real challenges where a strong mental attitude and clear focus seems more important than ever to me. My example of how I can live each day seems the greatest gift I can offer others. I am old, I am getting older, I ride my bike year round, I ski as often as possible and I am here to carry on as best I can.
I love this so much. 51.10 year old with husband and three grown sons - self-employed with husband in landscape business. This is how I live my life as well. For creative outlets I love gardening (food and pretty stuff) and papercrafts. As a student, I love anything regarding health, nutrition, gardening, soil science, history, science, and genealogy. Some of my favorite lectures come from the Great Courses (now called Wondrium) and and an assortment of podcasts. I think I’m going to work through a pre-calculus book again and return to Latin.
Excellent channel. I turned 70 last week. Like you, I’m in great shape and do all sorts of vigorous outdoor sports. SO many 60+ are OLD. They have not taken care of themselves and think old. Get out, have fun and don’t say no to working out and getting with friends.
Fantastic video Simon,I’m just about to turn 56 and yesterday I received a brochure asking me should I think about a care home..I’m thinking bloody ell😬.Great content and you explained it perfectly..so after watching your video I have thrown the care home brochure away 🤣🤣..and will take advice from your content 👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻
Greetings from the U.S. - as a 76 year old retiree I can identify with many of the points discussed in this video. I cycle as many days as possible and for me the secret is to view each bicycle ride as a small adventure. Each day I try to accomplish something to give myself a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Each bike ride an adventure. The hardest part for me is bouncing back from an injury or a health issue and/or dwelling on the current political state in our country. So when I feel this way I go into the garage and clean my bike chain! Seriously! Love the thoughtfulness in your videos. Always a bright spot when I see them pop up on you tube. Love Scotland. Wife’s parents from Paisley. Roll on Simon. Thank you, Key West Rick
I like the idea of mindfulness in bike cleaning - that's good. Totally agree re-injury or health issues. I've had a cold for 4 weeks and only now getting over it. I've missed 5 of our ParkRuns.
after my last cancer and the PTSD that i have from being an EMT in Detroit for 14 years i find it hard not to self isolate , i spend about 90% of my time alone and rarely train with anyone , i have about 5 close friends that i talk to every so often , the cancer treatments aged me badly and i grew tried of people telling how old i ,look so i walled myself off, after seeing this i guess i will try and do a little better get myself back into the world
Fantastic summary of science that reinforces the feeling I had of just pushing back on accepting "getting older" the biggest one is pushing back others trying to get you to "act your age" and "accept you can't", stuff that for a lark! I also have a feeling that those that love exercise, especially wild outdoors stuff, tend to be happier in their own company, others may brand us "introverted". Really enjoying your series, and love your infectious enthusiasm and encouragement.
Thank you Simon for taking the time to film this. It is a huge support. I love my cycling and I do long distance cycling too. I am 62 years old. Last year I watched my father pass away, he was 93 years old. It made me think about my own mortality and up until then never thought about it. This has made me clear my head from my bereavement last year and continue with my cycling no matter what people say of the long distance I do and not to look back but think forward. I am very grateful I have my health and treasure it and look after it so I can get out there and cycle. I love meeting up with my cycling chums too. Again, thank you for this refreshing perspective it will remain with me for ever!
I enjoyed that thanks. All good advice. It's not dissimilar to the quote from NZ PM (1970s), who said: "Basically there are four things that matter to people: they have to have somewhere to live, they have to have food to eat, they have to have clothing to wear, and they have to have something to hope for.” Ian, aged 63 &1/4🤓
A part of Stoicism is in not troubling the mind with things one can't control. Age is certainly one of those things. Other people is an obvious other. I stopped caring what others think (for the most part anyway) a long time ago. So liberating. I agree all good things start with attitude. The other hard thing you must do for a richer life, is to cut toxic relationships out of it. That can be a work colleague, a family member or someone you used to think of as a friend, when really they were just a bad influencer. This is why it's hard having real friends, life does not often throw good people your way that are compatible with you and you them.
Thanks for your inspiring advice. I'm sure people can stay healthy and live longer by thinking positively and doing daily mental and physical exercise. The health wreckers I have seen are anger, alcohol and inactivity, avoiding even walking. Best wishes to everyone here.
Spot on, Simon. 🎯👍🏻 More often than not, younger riders I meet on cycling events self-destruct due to their *ego* and their fatal anxiety to prove a thing or two. I’m certainly no trained psychologist but I’m quite positive that not giving a f*ck is the best cure for that. 😄
I’m 61 in February and have been living an active life since I stopped smoking in 2000. I can definitely say that I am much fitter and stronger now than I was then. I run, cycle and train in the gym and it definitely helps with the aging process. My dad died at just 60, my grandparents were sedentary and very old by they reached my age. I can’t imagine being like them at all.
I have battled cancer, heart disease, and some really nasty stuff. I am a 60 year old male and youtuber like you sir. I do survival, hunting & fishing videos and make my own music. It is this purpose that keeps me going through it all.
Honest commentary. I give occasional talks to sports people on this subject. Its not just about being active, although that is very important, but its getting out of your comfort zone that keeps you young. As an MTBer for years now, I summited Kilimanjaro a year ago hiking - at the age of 70!
excellent video! Even any 44 I am starting to feel the repercussions of letting friendships stale, being isolated from culture and my community having moved cross country and then to a rural location. Great for rediscovering cycling! Challenging for mental health. It's definitely something I've been neglecting since before COVID and something to focus on in 2024...which could/most certainly will be a very difficult and violent year for us Americans. Thanks for your content, truly inspiring!
I used to work with the elderly running a day centre and always felt there was a definite split in them regards their own attitudes. There was the ones who were very out going and wanted to do their best and then others who just wanted to sit about much of it seemed to depend on class and on personality and life experiences. Many didn’t realise the things they could do in old age having resigned themselves to old age. The doers were the ones who seemed to get on better physically and mentally. I think attitudes have really changed and nowadays more older people do carryon doing activities. I do wonder though what will happen with younger generations as many younger folk seem to have lost the resilience of the older generations. I will say that I’m not sure if I agree with needing to have a bigger social circle etc but then again I was an only child with few relatives and had to move away from any friends I did have and found myself somewhere where I haven’t found any friends but I’m actually quite happy with that and even the fact that the other half shall shuffle off in the not to distant future doesn’t bother me as I’ll have more time and can do as I please as I’ve found it a challenge to have someone in my life. I think my health will actually improve as I’ll can move away to where I want to be and have new purpose. Perhaps there are the few that are contrary to the majority.
That was one of the most interesting videos I have seen of yours. I agree totally with the thought that we can think ourselves into the grave. My father passed away in his fifties and at the time seemed like an old man too me, I'm 66 years old now and Cycle, Kayak walk etc. most days and I believe it gives me a much higher quality of life. Your an inspiration so keep it up. Also our weather is a little bit more forgiving in Australia but the animals do want to kill us lol.
I cannot like this video enough. Simon! It deserves more thumbs up than I have thumbs to offer. I think this is a superb series of videos but this one is especially good. Every ageing study that I am aware of from anywhere in the world from any culture shows a stronger link between longevity, a long healthspan and the mental aspects discussed here than it does healthy activities like exercise or not smoking. My own passion and now job is in the field of physical activity and nutrition for healthy ageing because they are both incredibly important but the psychological aspects of ageing are just as important if not more so. I'm maybe one of the younger followers of this channel at the age of soon-to-be-50 but the last couple of years of my 40s has been a bit of a transformation for me. I was starting to get a bit down about the looming Big Five Oh but then I started thinking about what I have accomplished in the last 30 years of my adult life and realised I should have a good 30 more years to accomplish a lot more. Of course, caveats and limitations may apply but I have had a pretty rocky past and yet I still feel I have done well for myself so I see no reason why that won't continue. So I am now genuinely looking forward to seeing what I can achieve in my 50s rather than dreading the next decade like many of my peers do. That said, we were out with a bunch of friends who are all around the same age and my wife and I were the only ones who were not overweight and I know many are on medication. If you are that unhealthy in your 40s and 50s maybe you don't have much to be positive about... Attitude is such a big thing. When I met my father in law he was in his late 50s and had taken early retirement. He was never the youngest acting person but sometime around his 65th birthday he suddenly started acting old. It was is if he had become am OAP overnight and was only allowed to walk with a slow shuffle from then on. He lived into his 80s but he was nowhere near as vibrant as my grandfather who only lived a few years longer but didn't begin to slow down until well after his 80th birthday. Several years ago I encountered a gentleman by the name of Charles Eugster (check RUclips for many of his videos and blog.ted.com/this-93-year-old-has-a-message-for-us-a-beach-body-at-90-is-no-longer-a-dream/) and that helped reframe my vision of getting older. One of the points he makes is that being unemployed is known to be bad for your health and being retired can be much the same as being unemployed so get a job when you retire! Not necessarily paid employment but have something to do that has a purpose, just as you say, Simon. That said, my mum did exactly that and it didn't help her recover from her stressful career so I was very glad when she stopped volunteering and started living it up a little. She moved from a slightly less remote village in the Highlands to Stirling in order to be nearer the cultural hotspots that Scotland has to offer. She will be 79 this year and is on no medication: she walks, cycles and lifts weights, sings in a choir, is learning Gaelic and volunteers at a nature reserve by clearing paths. Go mum!
This is a very timely video. I too have neglected some of your four key points. Well done, thank you! I am closing in on 76 years of age (yes that is a recent pic of me). I have had to give up distance running but I hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and still cycle, both road and gravel, about 5000km a year. Your videos are inspirational and informative, and Simon, my father who like you and me had a similar hair "style" often said; "an intelligent head does not tolerate much hair". Cheers!
Hi. I'm 65, run 20-30 miles a week. Been running for 40 years. Helps with afib. Had a tumor in bladder removed 6 months ago, non aggressive thank God ! Really enjoy watching the videos and your thoughts.
Nice work. I am 72 and a cyclist. Still ride as much as a can. Every ride is special for me. I survived throat cancer 18 years ago. I refuse to give in to my age. lol!!😎
Thank you for this. I’m a 44 year old anesthesiologist in America. I feel that after 13 years of formal education, training, and building my career that I gave up my young adult life. I love cycling, but hated the “race” aspect of it. I became obsessed about watts, speed, distance, and it ruined it for me. After a bad crash my bike was ruined. I gave it up for years. I am now so excited to see gravel bike riding is an alternative that connects me with nature. My mental health is suffering and the only break I get from my demons as I call them is while I’m away from the hospital and in solitude pushing my body in endurance sport. However, my body is ageing. I’m learning it’s okay not to shoot for 60+ mile rides while fasting and I don’t have to be in zone 5 the entire time. I’m learnign to not give a F@%&. Gravel cycling is going to help save my life. You’ve inspired me to just start again. I don’t track watts, speed, mileage, and set out with entention for a specific time (say 2 hours duration) in zone 3. My times suck, but I feel so much better than bonking and punishing my body and hating it for not being able to do what it used to be able to do. Again, thank you for this. You’ve also inspired me to wipe the dust off my GoPro. I love seeing that you do your own filming. Perhaps, you’ve already made a video on how you capture yourself. I look at it as a video journal. I don’t expect to share it with anyone. It helps me get out of my mind and into the present. I suffer more in imagination and when I’m idle. I have no specific goal in writing this other than to thank you. You contribute to my life's parallel journey. It also reminds me that people need each other. I’m on introvert. America seems to have lost touch with human connection. People sit at home on social media and feel as though they are connected. It’s artificial. I’m going to push out of my conmfort zone and would love to have a cup of coffee after a ride and surround myself with a few key mates that are similar in mindset. I feel like we are all out there suffering in our parallell journey. Those that do best have moments of connection with others on their own journey. Even if it’s after a bike ride. I’m rambling, but wanted to thank you for what you do. It’s helped me in my journey. All the best from an American stranger. All the best to you and those that watch and feel the same yearning for something more meaningful. It’s not found in a bigger house, more money, fancier cars, or another watch. It’s found in simplicity, being in the present moment, and combined with the outdoors and physical activity ideally with a few close friends here and there make for a more tranquil life. Thank you for showing me that I’m not too old or that my “best years” arent behind me. The rest of my life can be the best of my life.
It's genuinely good to hear from you Jonathan, thank you for writing. I hope it might even have helped a little to set the words down. This should take you to a playlist of videos I made a little while ago about how I shoot videos. tinyurl.com/HowIShoot They won't necessarily be what you want to do, but there might be some tips, or they might spark some ideas. I find the whole shooting and editing thing very fulfilling, and although I share them, I really make them for myself - for self-purpose, and to keep my mind working. No-one around here rides bikes and my nearest club is an hour and ferry away, so I ride alone mostly. I've got used to that, but enjoy touring places where I meet people. Being solo helps those encounters. My most recent friendships and local and within my community, usually by saying "Yes" to things I might not otherwise do. When I shake this damn cough, I'll join our singing group (unless the boot me out when they hear me!). I started our little running group so I could exercise with friends. And I've just agreed to half someone shoot some dog-training videos because they seem nice people. That's all about me, but the point I eventually realised is that not everything has to be bike related. Finally, I have a cardiologist coming on next Sunday. He's a climber and we try to answer the question about 'how hard is too hard' for the older athlete. Given it's medically focused, it might be of interest and hopefully won't awaken any demons. Thanks again for commenting. All the best. S
Great advice Simon and as usual brilliant video. As a very nearly 70 year old, I decided to take up cycling again in 2017 after 30 year “rest”. Started with 426 miles in first year, now regularly doing 5000 miles! A lot of the inspiration has come from your videos, you are a star and hope I will meet you in Strontian one day!
Totally agree re men and nurturing relationships. I’m 51 (nearly 52) and realise how I simply need to make regular, proactive effort to keep those relationships I do value a part of my life.
79 urban exploration. Just had my colon removed..cancer. But 6 weeks on am back out exploration, ruins, mines industrial site's. I love it and still fit, slim and going strong
I just came across your video and it was a breath of fresh air. Thank you for taking the time and I'm looking forward to watching the series. I'm 62 and definitely don't feel my age. Mountain biking is my outlet and one of my passions and purpose, but one thing I think that helps me feel younger is hanging out with younger friends. Most of my riding partners are at least 10 years younger than I am. Just yesterday I rode one of the toughest double black diamond trails in Arizona with 3 others who are likely in their 30's. One of the best days of my year so far.
LOVE this video (and the redt in the series). I'm alot older than my profile picture might suggest (!) but still riding and adventuring. Attitude is everything and appreciating what you do have, even if it's not the same as in your youth. Thanks for the great videos!!
Thanks from the 70-year-old that lives alone. Very inspirational. I live in Leeds so there's no excuse for me not to get out and about. All the best and thanks again for producing and sharing the content
Love this! I’m 63. I’m also an avid cyclist. My husband and I also hike and kayak in the spring, summer, and fall here in Canada. We are semi-retired (having streamlined our lawn care business so we don’t feel like retiring from it anytime soon…maybe in 20 yrs!) but I have my winters off. In the winter we resistance train at our local gym and x-country ski and snowshoe when the weather allows. Over the years I’ve worked at building my level of fitness to the point that I can outperform and outlift most women half my age. I lift heavy for me, always challenging myself to achieve what I describe as new personal world records. I’m also an author, actor, creativity coach, singer/singwriter, and keynote speaker (beginning these endeavours after I turned 50) and enjoy talking about the importance of keeping yourself challenged physically as we age. It’s vital for anyone who wishes to THRIVE to not listen to the prevailing norms that begin to creep in as we age…and everyone is ageing if they think about it. It’s a point of fierce pride for me to be an example of what it means to maintain a challenging level of fitness in our 60s. It’s sad to say but I don’t see a lot of females in my age group challenging themselves in the gym or on the bike, but I’m sure they’re out there! We need to begin now, challenging those societal norms that try to dictate what we can and can’t do…and tell us when we should sit down or back off. I don’t do that very well….HA! Thanks for the inspiration this fine day!
Hello from Northern Ontario. Your advice is spot on for me who is soon to hit 78 and outlive both parents and grandparents ( maternal side was all hatched in Cumbria). I've developed intermittant (paroxysmal) afib and was mentally hesitant about doing a snowshoe with friends tomorrow with a morning temp a much balmier -20 C (- 30 C with windchill) than today. You've helped me make up my mind. Thanks for the attitude correction.
So true I am 65 just had the all clear from prostate cancer. Always been fit and healthy ex British Gymnast , then British judo champion. Slowed down in 40’s with family . But 50 started again, now past 60 it’s about enjoyment keeping fit not a chore. Lucky my wife enjoys the same. Mountain bikes for years , now we e-bike puts a smile on our faces and no hill a problem. Switched the sea kayaks for paddle boards as easier to load. However just picking up new inflatable kayak this weekend to try again as long time shop ASWaterspots have said technology now so good worth a try for those days when too much wind on paddle board. Having a van has changed a lot what we do in the outdoors easy to carry everything . Keep on making these videos keeps us all motivated and some of your sayings do stick 😊
We’re on our second van now and it makes winter trips way more comfortable. The switch from kayak to SUP is interesting. Our Nordkapps are gathering moss - but it’s suck a pain to get all the kit together.
I too am enjoying this series. It resonates because I'm in similar age bracket as the host - although my Garmin smartwatch advised last weekend that it thinks my health/body age is 8 years younger. Possibly not the most robust scientific prognosis but I'll take it cos of the positivity. Luckily I do have a positive frame of reference to life, and 15 years ago when I stopped smoking if I didn't already accept the tenet of being honest with oneself I certainly bedded that to the very roots of my being. And then honesty leads me to what of the 4 areas I do need to work upon: purpose, relationships, culture.
64, male, cyclist here. One great thing about not working full-time anymore is that I can do a lot more fun stuff like cycling and hiking. I've always been in fairly good shape, but I've taken it up a notch or two these days.
I road cycled until I was 47 and since then I've ridden Mtb xc and regularly ride the UK trail parks. Now I'm 61!. It keeps me physically and mentally younger. Yes I know I'm a dad style rider compared to the lads flying through the air but don't ever let that stop you, even in your 70's. The younger riders will actually respect the older boys for having a go (and succeeding quite often, just the jumps are much smaller). It's largely a mental thing and yes as Simon says, you can think yourself younger!
All these tips are fantastic. There’s a decent book that addresses the reasons to keep active, “Younger Next Year”. It’s not specifically an exercise OR diet book, but it addresses the need to, and the reasoning behind both issues. There are diet and exercise guidelines in the book, and the “attitude” towards continued healthy activity is very similar to the message in this video. Nice Job!
Thank you Simon. I’m stateside in a similarly bucolic setting. Kids are moving out, my wife is a teacher, and as a work from home guy, I need to actively think about engaging with others to keep my spirits up, especially in the wintertime! Your perspective and the great info provided are much appreciated - friend!
Thanks for putting this series together Simon, I've really enjoyed it, as a 67 year old cyclist just coming out of a tough period of my life its helped me start to refocus.
Hi, I'm 65, retired a few years ago, and have just discovered your channel. I'm quite active (home gym, exercise bike, weights) and used to be a very keen cyclist prior to retirement. I must say your channel has inspired me to get the cycle out and get back on the bike, and view my training differently, great vids, keep up the good work 💪
I'm 52 and hold an at-home IT job. I cycle on a trainer between breaks and referee soccer during spring, summer, and fall. I have no health issues but the thought of being old and immobile scares the bejesus out of me. I'm staying ahead of the curve in staying active. Thanks for your inspirational advice.
Wow. What incredible scenery. You are totally blessed to live in that area. Yes I agree that we males often need to make a real effort to make new friends and keep old ones. Thank you for your positive content.
I just celebrated my 69th birthday by passing my PSIA certification as a professional ski instructor. It is the hardest physical work I’ve ever done in my life. It not only gives me a purpose in life, I have to build relationships with students and peers. I am having the time of my life.
I've been managing volunteers undertaking nature conservation work for 30 years. I have many over 60 who can do a day's hard graft and are inspirational. The one thing they all seem to have in common is they never talk themself old or winge about being old. I truly believe that if you think old you can make yourself feel decreped and demotivate yourself with an I can't do attitude, think positive you will feel physically better, its a psychological psycsymatic win win situation.
Idk how many people die shorty after retirement because they lack purpose! And wow, I thought I was the only guy who had a problem making friends! Great video. I'd like to add my faith as something that helps keep me going.
Well done. I run a small NGO, I am the small NGO. I also work 13-15 hours a week to raise savings at easy peasy retail job just to be out there at 71. Never athletic but I ride bikes and will do some bike touring. Hiker for 50 plus years and still going out. Keeping up the social interaction has been my gap but fixable.
Just tuned in and love the attitude.... we always need to keep moving, especially here in the US! One of the best aspects I find is the social piece, whether on a run or a cycle, its good camaraderie and competitiveness in the moment with the cafe stop after! Thanks for sharing your info and adventures.
Male 74. Cycle 25 mph 25 miles every day climb 1200 feet per day. I row kayak hike xc ski snowshoe. No alcohol ever never smoked. Mediterranean diet max HR 178 pulse in 50s. Still part time psychologist. Married to active spouse friends are active TY for your well researched foundation of ideas
Dane in Scandinavia chiming in. I´ll turn sixty this coming summer and I feel fuming, livid, furious and a lot of other things every time I come across the attitude of " Life After Fifty".... F off!!! Over the span of the last thirty years I´ve had my spine dislocated three times,- spent a year on a matress on the floor not knowing if I was ever to walk again, been through two years of chemotherapeutic Cancer treatment, two major operations with surgically having a kidney removed,- where one and a half years was spent in the experimental ward from which only a handful of people walk away on a yearly basis. I´m still here,- so I don´t give a fu*k about other people´s expectations and statistical presumptions as to who I am and what I can do. I´ll be the judge of that, thank you very much! You have to make an active deliberate choice: Fifty, fat and finished,- or,- fifty, fit and fantastic. Sixty, sad and sorry,- or,- sixty, super and sexy. Your choice. I do recreational Olympic Weightlifting, MMA with my fifteen year old son, swim, bike and play football regularily,- always done various sports and other strenous physical activity such as my own lumberjacking in my garden and at the cottage, and I get as wound up as Colin from Portsmouth whenever I come across that condescending attitude towards mature people,- as if we´re all fragile pieces of china prone to shattering if the wind blows from the wrong direction. Granted the knees get sore from time to time and I have to do longer warm ups so as not get be too stiff in my joints to actually do the work and injure myself, but I´ve been hard on myself for the last forty-five years so it´s to be expected. I´m still able to do all the things I´ve always done,- the tempos just not so high anymore,- but I guess that comes with mileage. I refuse to let myself be looked upon and treated as an old person until I actually AM old,- somewhere around the 85-90 years mark,-.... maybe... Anyway, thanks for having me on. Love to the family.
Thank you my friend it's just a shot in the arm I needed this morning as I've been recovering from major back surgery Although I weight train I've been considering getting a bicycle like yours God bless your efforts!!
With progressing in my profession, which I enjoy, I started to find that at the end of a day/week of work I used to feel ground down and just wanted to hide at the back of the cave. I’ve always been active and wanted to understand what had put a foot on my brakes. As long as I side-stepped the lethargy I knew I’d enjoy myself. It dawned on me that the drag was cultural from my workplace. My role is quite serious and carries hefty responsibility. The cultural-norm or “image” of the person in my role does not sit naturally with someone who wants to bounce off the walls full of zing. The “schizophrenia” was hurting me until I recognised its effects. Now I am Jekyll and Hyde, on my terms. By day I’m a sober professional until the end of the day then I flip into an over energetic freewheeler heading out to play. My inner twelve year old is happy and active again. My colleagues were initially disapproving but have accepted my “eccentricity”. I suffer with aches or bruises from a great trip to the mountains, they take their potions for illnesses of self-neglect. It is important to hold onto the sense of play. The toys and games may change but ultimately, it’s the joy of movement and adventure that keeps us vital and vibrant. You may not live longer but you will enjoy a fuller life.
I love your videos and it resonates so much with how I feel about aging! I am 67 years old, love to do half marathons at my snail speed😂. I also love being part of the Bombay Hash House Harriers. There are local chapters of the same all over the world and totally chilled.
I’m 76yo, and between mountain biking every day, remodeling my house, working on my motorcycles,and occasional side jobs doing tile work, I don’t have time to get old.
I agree with your comments on making an effort and having a purpose. "For the man who does not know to which port he sails , no wind is favourable...Seneca.
Hello from USA, i am 69 yr. Old cyclist ridding my 1973 Holdsworth i bougt new life long joy of cycling. My life greatly improved 12 yrs ago when i came to the mind that i have been blessed and i was to give to others when giving to glorify gods name rather than my glory. My positivity, my marriage, my hope for the future have been lifted higher than i have ever e xpected i thought i might share that as what has helped my life feel fulfilled more than just gladness
Awesome video Simon. I truly believe if you think young you feel young. I'm 64 and I play like I'm 30. My says I act like 4. Keep the great content coming.
Thank You! I use to deliver DME Durable Medical Equipment Wheelchairs, Walkers, Oxygen Concentrators, Oxygen, and so on. I discovered that the people who had interests and stayed Active were far more HAPPIER and well adjusted, than the people who sat around and watched TV. Keep Moving, find something you love and DO IT!
A thought provoking video! I am now 61 and moved to Spain 5 years ago, to work, not to retire!! I have always cycled, done triathlons and kept trim. 18 months ago I had a heart attack at the end of a bike ride and this knocked my confidence. We moved to a Casa Rustica 650m up a long winding road and then I realised that I was not strong enough for the inclines!!! So, I bought an electric bike and I was free again!! Unfortunately whilst cycling next to a river I hit a tree root and was thrown off the bike and suffered a broken humorous proxima. No cycling for four months!! You have to laugh!!!! I am back on the bike now and take it steady!!!! So, lessons for aeging! Laugh it off and be greateful for all the people who look after you at the hosptial and then go out and dont give f*ck
I can relate to all the points you make. I’m similar small circle of mates, love riding and making off piste trails, and bikepacking. Love culture always reading or visiting historical sites along the way. I love the feeling you get in nature sometimes I just walk amongst the trees. I love learning and always reading and listening to music. I am lucky to be grandad grey hair, playmate and fixer of anything to 4 lovely grandchildren. I think knowing yourself and being comfortable in your own skin is critical as it gives you the confidence to live the life you want. Finally I am always planning trips etc but live in day tight compartments, when the day is done I leave it tomorrow is always a fresh adventure and every day I try to find beauty or be grateful for something. We live in an amazing country and we are all more lucky than we realise.
Thx for the encouragement. I agree with your statement about having friends. I also live in a small town in Saskatchewan Canada. I have regular coffee buddies and occasional random coffee row.
I love your aging series. I'm a 58 old woman. I feel like I have not lost much cycling fitness since I was in my 30s. My average on the bike is about the same and I still manage to keep up riding with men my own age or younger. Plus, I can usually pass most of them on the downhill gravel riding. I can tell I am losing muscle mass, but I am lifting weights again. I agree...don't give a F! I am doing what I love period and I will bike, hike and paddle until I can no longer do that.
I’m 81 and live in the middle of the USA and am an active club rider for decades. I ride 30-50 miles a week weather permitting. Winter weather takes me inside on the trainer.
Really enjoyed this series. Im 61, started my first degree course during Covid with the OU, which I'm still doing. Still working, but less stressful than previous job. Cycle loads, off to Cuba in a few weeks, raising money for schools for the visually impaired. Totally agree about friends and making new ones, I'm very bad at this. We live in rural Wales, but fair size town is only 22 miles away, where we visit the theatre 2 or 3 times a year. Thank you. Oh and had a third of right lung removed in 2022, due to large benign tumour. All good now though.
Great series Simon. You definitely have something to add so please keep the videos coming. Your background shines through in the professionalism and sheer "watchability" of your work. Thank You. 👍
Thank you, Simon for your excellent work! I appreciate the research and production values you use to make these videos. I find them not only informative but also highly entertaining. I'm inspired to go for new goals this year (just turned 60), including rebooting my diet and lining up for challenging bike races and events. Glad I found you and your positive life message.
Such a great little film. Lots of this hits home. Living in Leeds suburbs means we do have access to "culture" and I go to see a lot of music. The thing about men and friendships (I'm 60) is so true, and joining 'clubs' - whether it be a cycling club, walking, running - just so you get that social interaction is so important. But you need to work at it. Just signed up for the Leeds Abbey Dash in October which is a 10k run, so that's something to work towards, and I've forked out for cycle events such as the Dirty Reiver, Got to have goals. Yep - I'm one of those weirdo old gits who gets out there and does stuff. Long may it last. And thanks for the encouragement Simon.
I'm a bit younger than you, but struggle to do what you do and suggest here. Your video inspires me! Thank you for making it research-based and high production quality too. So good!
I'm a 78 year-old. A group of us ride our bikes weekly about 15 miles or so out on a trail and eat lunch at a small eatery. Then we ride back. It does keep us young. We are friends and have a great time. I would echo what is stated in this video. Get out and do something physical and combine it with others. Lifting light weights, running (you don't have to be fast), hiking and moving your body is critical to health and well-being, as is making friends.
Great videos and information, Simon. As a clinical exercise physiologist, I'm constantly attempting to get my clients and those in the gym to change behaviors that will help them age gracefully. Unfortunately, here in America, that's a bit of a challenge. My wife and I are daily exercisers and have been for our entire lives- we're looking forward to retiring early so we can combine exercise into travel and spend our remaining time doing what we enjoy doing. Keep up the great work!
Cultivate a patch of soil, growing my mind into this vast network of life,read widely, walking steadily every day a new path, having an almost childlike curiosity ... yes and a few very close friends...these are few of my favorite things. Kind regards from South Africa,, and well done!
Well-done For aging gracefully, I am a lot younger than most, however I can appreciate from looking around those who do give a cluck and invest in themselves & also help others. That is a positive Society.
Great vlog … at 66 I have moved into a hybrid mode - cycling is key to my activities, plus photography and today I had my first guitar lesson (renewing a hobby I had 50 years ago). Reading and spending time with our 2 grand daughters keep me on my toes … Boppin tots today was great fun…
There is a spelling mistake - a typo - on the yellow chapter screens in this video, sorry. I accidentally put it live a week early. I had uploaded it as a work-in-progress for Channel Members of my Adventure Crew to view and give me feedback. However, something in the settings went wrong and it suddenly was available to everyone. I hope the typo doesn't detract too much from the content.
Doesn't detract at all for me. I chuckled...because of course I've never done anything love twat.
I forgive you 😂😂
I came to the comments just to see if anyone had noticed. What’s the outerwear you’re using here?
It absolutely leapt off the screen at me-but I used to proofread technical documentation about 30 years ago.
I was about to mention it, Simon, then saw your comment! That aside, another great video, thank you. Also, who makes the hat you’re wearing under your helmet?? I have one similar by Haglöfs but can I find another one…!?
I'm 74 and had my bladder removed 2 years ago due to cancer. It took me ages to walk again, But over time I have learned again to cycle, windsurf, paddle board and ocean swim each of which feels like a mini-adventure. I feel great now and completely agree that our lives must feel adventurous. A big thank you for your inspirational series.
Now that is inspiring Mike. More power to you.
Well done sir, good for you!
Nice work.cheers
'Adventurous' bingo! Very much agree. Also not learning something new nk matter how small. Not alive
Well done!
Hello from Australia. At 65 I packed my bike in a box, flew to Zurich, and then cycled 1500 kilometres through 6 countries in Europe. I carried all my camping gear and did it solo. It was the greatest experience of my life. I plan to do something similar again this year at 70. I have had a few serious health issues, but thats life. Enjoy all the time you have left. Stay well
You didn’t take me? 😊
All power to you mate. I also went and cycled through Europe and the UK - but that was in 1978 when I was 24!!! Hats off to you. 😊 🦘
Hi Peter, I live in Valla Beach, NSW. If you find yourself here one day, please look me up as I too have done similar adventures at 60 years of age. I'm easy to find, just go to the cafe and ask for The Koala Guy.
My wife died a couple of years ago and for a while I was in real danger of becoming a lonely old man living alone in a shed in the Australian bush. However I met a wonderful lady who is now my partner and with her came an entire new circle of friends and quite a social life. I'm convinced that this alone will give me another 10 years of life or more.
The shed in the Australian bush sounds appealing.
@@goldenretriever6261 Well you could do a lot worse 😁
I'm 63 and still cycle, climb, Mountaineer etc with 0 intention of stopping anytime soon ! I also work for the NHS and can say without a doubt that I see people on a daily basis who are often 10 or even 20 years younger than me who in many cases have just totally given up and embraced OLD CODGERISM . . Mentality is SO IMPORTANT !
Just 76, I became a certified Yoga Instructor a year ago with emphasis on men’s only classes. Bringing men together, celebrating our uniqueness, communing in a common practice. Our numbers are growing, I am learning and friendships are developing. I am a water person, surfing 65 years, rowed, race kayaks, sailing charter captain, swim 3-4x/week, backpacked the Grand Canyon last year. Enjoying you quality channel.
Congratulations on the qualification. I love doing yoga, and have been dabbling with the 5 Tibetan Rites. It's quite the workout😊
Yes but what are you going to do when you grow up?
Terry my wife asked me the same question . Stay healthy!@@terrymcmaster2787
I saw two different doctors at the hospital recently after I broke my wrist. One was very condescending and treated me like an old person. He was shocked and rather upset that I didn't take any medication. He was also shocked that I take part in dog agility. The other doctor was totally different. He said don't give up the agility, it's keeping you going. Keep running with the dog. Amazing. I felt normal again. Please doctors, we don't go stupid and become infirm the minute we hit 70.
Age 68, broke dominant wrist 11/22, went snowshoeing in 5 foot deep powder on Friday. Keep going!
@@marilynsue4273 I hope your wrist recovers well. I had the cast taken off after five weeks. I couldn't stand it any longer. It was fine. It's not true that it takes longer to heal because you're older.
When I was 60, I had to change primary care physicians. The new one met me to do a baseline physical. He asked if I exercised. I told him that I was a lifelong ballet dancer (was still dancing then) and did a fast 30-minute morning walk every day. He replied, incredulously, "Every day?" Yes, I said. He couldn't believe it. Now I'm 71, still do my morning walk, and a year ago took uip a rowing machine, and now do 30 minutes a day on that. I will be joining a masters rowing club this spring, so I'm expanding my social circle. Use it or lose it! Truer words were never spoken.
@@Be_Here_Now rowing exercises everything. I have an 80 year old friend who belongs to a rowing club and he's very fit.
I'm 67, and a lifelong runner. Until my mid-20's I had been a sprinter (100, 200, 400m). As I got older, my body obviously changed, but not in the way I expected it would. Though I now lack the speed I once had, running far has become easier. 18 months ago I ran my first ever 50K run. Not only did I ever think I'd be able to run that far, but I got progressively faster throughout the run. Then this past November I ran another 50K, 25 minutes faster than my first one. Again, it was remarkably easy. This new discovery has given me hope, it's given me a goal. Being only 4 minutes off the Canadian 50K record for my age group (I learned after the fact), I want to give it a shot this spring... But whether one is competitive or not, having a deep love for the sport/activity one does is key. And it should provoke a sense of play. I think this is one reason trail running has become so attractive to older runners: it's fun! It gives you an excuse to play in puddles and mud like you did as a child!
Yes! Playing in puddles like we’re still children is the key
That's incredible, congrats!! I learned about ultras from a race volunteer in his 70s. He started running in his 60s, and now did ultras! I switched to going long at 41, after being frustrated with my lack of speed as the years passed. It's an all new sport, with new skills, gear, techniques to learn, which is great for reigniting new passion in an old hobby. I'll never beat my younger self at a 5k, but I'm enjoying getting better at 50ks (more enjoyable and less injuries!), and think I might just try a 50 miler for my 50th birthday! I'm no longer dreading aging! Best wishes to you on your journey!
I bet you can still ride your wife like a stolen Bycycle!
I'm twenty years younger, but hearing this from you gives me SO much hope I'll still be able to play in twenty years, out on the trails. It's just the BEST! 🌊🏃🏻♀️💨
Faith like a child keeps you young
Love your series! I’m a 63 year old with multiple health issues (entire colon removed after colon cancer, kidney disease, progressive autoimmune liver disease turning my liver into mush, severe arthritis in shoulders, knees and feet, etc.). But I’m still out there pushing it minimum 2hrs/day 6 or 7 days a week. Completed the longest multi-week hikes and cycles of my life in 2022, dialed it up in 2023 and will dial it up again in 2024. Currently working through my bucket list in the order of “hardest first” before my health window closes. Where the mind goes, the body will follow.
Inspiring post! Good luck to you and keep going!
You are giving yourself the best quality of life. Bravo!!
Amazing. You should be proud of yourself. I stop exercising at the smallest ache or pain. I have no excuse. I will think of you next time and push myself. Thank you for sharing.
I love the phrase I read in a strength training book for ageing athletes. In read “society tells you to take it easy as you age, but taking it easy makes you soft, and soft makes you dead!”
So true.
Unfortunately, at 52 I have zero friends and I absolutely love it that way. Real friends are very difficult to come by. I find most people are very fickle.
Dont be the fittest man in the graveyard.
I love this series. I’m 60 and still busy with work but I keep active backpacking and biking. I’m looking forward to spending my retirement years doing even more activities. My wife is my main hiking partner but my friend Rick and I make sure we do 2-3 overnight trips each year. I also try to do a solo trip annually, as I find this helpful for my mental well being. Keep up the good work Simon!
This was a great commentary on getting on without getting old, and your key essentials fit well with our lifestyle. I'm 80, ride a tandem with my spouse of 39 years, make videos, work at building and revising our van for travel and camping, and other woodworking and metalworking projects around the house, and do most of the cooking, always trying new vegetarian recipes. We serve on the board of a retreat for women in the arts, belong to two weaving/fiber arts guilds, and are the longest-serving members of our senior center yoga group, aside from the leader, and even lead the sessions when neither of the regular leaders are available. We have a few friends, mostly women, and one couple with whom we share vacation time. I'm a reluctantly-retired software engineer, and still code and write answers to Linux questions on the Internet. My fitness watch insists I'm only 66, but it takes a lot of work to stay young. It's been hard to get back to "normal," post-pandemic, avoiding public gatherings such as concerts and movies, and rarely dine out. Have enjoyed the other installments in your series that we've come across.
Had a man fly past me last year on a gravel bike like i was standing still, i eventually caught him up a few mile on as he stopped off for a cup of tea at the cafe, we talked bikes and he was on a 60 mile loop, it turned out he was 84 years old had cycled all his life not for fitness it was all he knew and its what kept him happy, its a conversation i will remember all my life with him.
I'm sooo there, 65 years old. I've been cycling since 1988. In the last couple years I've had some health issues that have set me back a little. I'm regrouping and not abiding by the norms for my age group. I’ve become involved in a couple local trails groups finding great purpose and still being in the cycling/outdoors world!
I’m enjoying this series. I just turned 72. I’ve been cycling for the past 45 years. I used to run some too but arthritis in my knees has put a stop to that. Like you, I struggle with the relationship part of this formula. I’m kind of an introvert so mixing with others tends to be stressful and stress is something we’re supposed to avoid. Don’t know what the answer is to this but I will keep working at it. Thanks for putting this series together!
Same. And dropping the "odd" comment here works for me; just don't take any particular reply personally; it's not you, it's them. And keep on cycling 'cause it is a lovely way to get out and about. I've recently purchased an old - very old as it turned out - Brompton. Being smaller and strange - the bike mostly - I get a lot of comments esp. seeing as I'm moving slowly - there really is no rush - and I generally cruise the footpaths because the roads are too dangerous. Being extra extra courteous on the footpath works wonders. Have fun, stay safe.
Im in the same boat. BUT I choose recreation that I can do alone as i am also a social misfit(introvert). I am alone but not lonely. I find the time i spend mountain bike riding,fixing the trails that i ride and boxing helps me decompress from the stresses of day to day ,especially my job. Im 56 and need time to myself to repair the rigours of life that seem to be getting harder as i get older. But i am good at not giving a fu*k.
I too am a social misfit and don’t socialise much as I find it exhausting.
I have a couple of close friends I see regularly but always prefer 1 :2:1 meet ups, not groups.
I’m 68 and race Cyclo cross, mountain bike and Caterham car.
I study horsemanship and have 2 horses.
To keep my mind busy I do sudoku, wordle, simulator driving and reading.
I think we should regularly do things out of our comfort zone.
This year mine is racing the Panceltic bike packing race and racing the Gralloch Gravel .
These are probably a bit tame, but I can always add something scarier (biking through London to Kings + )
Omg! Done it once, never again😱
@@lydiagould3090 wouldn't worry. I think you are on the right path. Independence and activity are key to longevity.
As someone who struggles with social anxiety, I have found relationships formed during an activity one loves leads to bonds without the stress of focusing on just the social part.
Leveraged that to enjoying activities such as walking, hiking, seeing shows, performing, and then noshing with people one is already comfortable with.
As a 66 year old, with a lifetime of outdoor adventuring, self employment, and 3 grown sons and wonderful wife. I have redefined my life focus into 4 categories. F.A.A.S. Friends/ relationships, Athlete/ healthy lifestyle, Artist/ my creative outlets, and Student/ continuing to be curious and continued learning.
From my perspective of culture especially my generation, we are exiting the work force and can see the elderly among us in all their different conditions. Aging and limited remaining time alive are very real challenges where a strong mental attitude and clear focus seems more important than ever to me. My example of how I can live each day seems the greatest gift I can offer others. I am old, I am getting older, I ride my bike year round, I ski as often as possible and I am here to carry on as best I can.
I love this so much. 51.10 year old with husband and three grown sons - self-employed with husband in landscape business. This is how I live my life as well. For creative outlets I love gardening (food and pretty stuff) and papercrafts. As a student, I love anything regarding health, nutrition, gardening, soil science, history, science, and genealogy. Some of my favorite lectures come from the Great Courses (now called Wondrium) and and an assortment of podcasts. I think I’m going to work through a pre-calculus book again and return to Latin.
Excellent channel. I turned 70 last week. Like you, I’m in great shape and do all sorts of vigorous outdoor sports. SO many 60+ are OLD. They have not taken care of themselves and think old. Get out, have fun and don’t say no to working out and getting with friends.
Fantastic video Simon,I’m just about to turn 56 and yesterday I received a brochure asking me should I think about a care home..I’m thinking bloody ell😬.Great content and you explained it perfectly..so after watching your video I have thrown the care home brochure away 🤣🤣..and will take advice from your content 👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻
Greetings from the U.S. - as a 76 year old retiree I can identify with many of the points discussed in this video. I cycle as many days as possible and for me the secret is to view each bicycle ride as a small adventure. Each day I try to accomplish something to give myself a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Each bike ride an adventure. The hardest part for me is bouncing back from an injury or a health issue and/or dwelling on the current political state in our country. So when I feel this way I go into the garage and clean my bike chain! Seriously!
Love the thoughtfulness in your videos. Always a bright spot when I see them pop up on you tube. Love Scotland. Wife’s parents from Paisley.
Roll on Simon. Thank you, Key West Rick
I like the idea of mindfulness in bike cleaning - that's good. Totally agree re-injury or health issues. I've had a cold for 4 weeks and only now getting over it. I've missed 5 of our ParkRuns.
after my last cancer and the PTSD that i have from being an EMT in Detroit for 14 years i find it hard not to self isolate , i spend about 90% of my time alone and rarely train with anyone , i have about 5 close friends that i talk to every so often , the cancer treatments aged me badly and i grew tried of people telling how old i ,look so i walled myself off, after seeing this i guess i will try and do a little better get myself back into the world
Fantastic summary of science that reinforces the feeling I had of just pushing back on accepting "getting older" the biggest one is pushing back others trying to get you to "act your age" and "accept you can't", stuff that for a lark! I also have a feeling that those that love exercise, especially wild outdoors stuff, tend to be happier in their own company, others may brand us "introverted". Really enjoying your series, and love your infectious enthusiasm and encouragement.
Thank you Simon for taking the time to film this. It is a huge support. I love my cycling and I do long distance cycling too. I am 62 years old. Last year I watched my father pass away, he was 93 years old. It made me think about my own mortality and up until then never thought about it. This has made me clear my head from my bereavement last year and continue with my cycling no matter what people say of the long distance I do and not to look back but think forward. I am very grateful I have my health and treasure it and look after it so I can get out there and cycle. I love meeting up with my cycling chums too. Again, thank you for this refreshing perspective it will remain with me for ever!
I enjoyed that thanks. All good advice. It's not dissimilar to the quote from NZ PM (1970s), who said: "Basically there are four things that matter to people: they have to have somewhere to live, they have to have food to eat, they have to have clothing to wear, and they have to have something to hope for.” Ian, aged 63 &1/4🤓
A part of Stoicism is in not troubling the mind with things one can't control. Age is certainly one of those things. Other people is an obvious other. I stopped caring what others think (for the most part anyway) a long time ago. So liberating. I agree all good things start with attitude. The other hard thing you must do for a richer life, is to cut toxic relationships out of it. That can be a work colleague, a family member or someone you used to think of as a friend, when really they were just a bad influencer. This is why it's hard having real friends, life does not often throw good people your way that are compatible with you and you them.
Thanks for your inspiring advice. I'm sure people can stay healthy and live longer by thinking positively and doing daily mental and physical exercise. The health wreckers I have seen are anger, alcohol and inactivity, avoiding even walking. Best wishes to everyone here.
Spot on, Simon. 🎯👍🏻 More often than not, younger riders I meet on cycling events self-destruct due to their *ego* and their fatal anxiety to prove a thing or two. I’m certainly no trained psychologist but I’m quite positive that not giving a f*ck is the best cure for that. 😄
I’m 61 in February and have been living an active life since I stopped smoking in 2000. I can definitely say that I am much fitter and stronger now than I was then. I run, cycle and train in the gym and it definitely helps with the aging process. My dad died at just 60, my grandparents were sedentary and very old by they reached my age. I can’t imagine being like them at all.
I have battled cancer, heart disease, and some really nasty stuff. I am a 60 year old male and youtuber like you sir. I do survival, hunting & fishing videos and make my own music. It is this purpose that keeps me going through it all.
Sounds like you have a real purpose there, after all the nasties. That's a great video with your daughter on Crazy Horse Island!
Honest commentary. I give occasional talks to sports people on this subject. Its not just about being active, although that is very important, but its getting out of your comfort zone that keeps you young. As an MTBer for years now, I summited Kilimanjaro a year ago hiking - at the age of 70!
Thank you. At 60 and being a male the connections with people are difficult. I really have to work at this as it is important.
excellent video! Even any 44 I am starting to feel the repercussions of letting friendships stale, being isolated from culture and my community having moved cross country and then to a rural location. Great for rediscovering cycling! Challenging for mental health. It's definitely something I've been neglecting since before COVID and something to focus on in 2024...which could/most certainly will be a very difficult and violent year for us Americans. Thanks for your content, truly inspiring!
I used to work with the elderly running a day centre and always felt there was a definite split in them regards their own attitudes. There was the ones who were very out going and wanted to do their best and then others who just wanted to sit about much of it seemed to depend on class and on personality and life experiences.
Many didn’t realise the things they could do in old age having resigned themselves to old age. The doers were the ones who seemed to get on better physically and mentally.
I think attitudes have really changed and nowadays more older people do carryon doing activities. I do wonder though what will happen with younger generations as many younger folk seem to have lost the resilience of the older generations.
I will say that I’m not sure if I agree with needing to have a bigger social circle etc but then again I was an only child with few relatives and had to move away from any friends I did have and found myself somewhere where I haven’t found any friends but I’m actually quite happy with that and even the fact that the other half shall shuffle off in the not to distant future doesn’t bother me as I’ll have more time and can do as I please as I’ve found it a challenge to have someone in my life. I think my health will actually improve as I’ll can move away to where I want to be and have new purpose.
Perhaps there are the few that are contrary to the majority.
That was one of the most interesting videos I have seen of yours. I agree totally with the thought that we can think ourselves into the grave. My father passed away in his fifties and at the time seemed like an old man too me, I'm 66 years old now and Cycle, Kayak walk etc. most days and I believe it gives me a much higher quality of life. Your an inspiration so keep it up. Also our weather is a little bit more forgiving in Australia but the animals do want to kill us lol.
Australia fauna scares the hell out of me!
I cannot like this video enough. Simon! It deserves more thumbs up than I have thumbs to offer. I think this is a superb series of videos but this one is especially good. Every ageing study that I am aware of from anywhere in the world from any culture shows a stronger link between longevity, a long healthspan and the mental aspects discussed here than it does healthy activities like exercise or not smoking. My own passion and now job is in the field of physical activity and nutrition for healthy ageing because they are both incredibly important but the psychological aspects of ageing are just as important if not more so.
I'm maybe one of the younger followers of this channel at the age of soon-to-be-50 but the last couple of years of my 40s has been a bit of a transformation for me. I was starting to get a bit down about the looming Big Five Oh but then I started thinking about what I have accomplished in the last 30 years of my adult life and realised I should have a good 30 more years to accomplish a lot more. Of course, caveats and limitations may apply but I have had a pretty rocky past and yet I still feel I have done well for myself so I see no reason why that won't continue. So I am now genuinely looking forward to seeing what I can achieve in my 50s rather than dreading the next decade like many of my peers do. That said, we were out with a bunch of friends who are all around the same age and my wife and I were the only ones who were not overweight and I know many are on medication. If you are that unhealthy in your 40s and 50s maybe you don't have much to be positive about...
Attitude is such a big thing. When I met my father in law he was in his late 50s and had taken early retirement. He was never the youngest acting person but sometime around his 65th birthday he suddenly started acting old. It was is if he had become am OAP overnight and was only allowed to walk with a slow shuffle from then on. He lived into his 80s but he was nowhere near as vibrant as my grandfather who only lived a few years longer but didn't begin to slow down until well after his 80th birthday.
Several years ago I encountered a gentleman by the name of Charles Eugster (check RUclips for many of his videos and blog.ted.com/this-93-year-old-has-a-message-for-us-a-beach-body-at-90-is-no-longer-a-dream/) and that helped reframe my vision of getting older. One of the points he makes is that being unemployed is known to be bad for your health and being retired can be much the same as being unemployed so get a job when you retire! Not necessarily paid employment but have something to do that has a purpose, just as you say, Simon. That said, my mum did exactly that and it didn't help her recover from her stressful career so I was very glad when she stopped volunteering and started living it up a little. She moved from a slightly less remote village in the Highlands to Stirling in order to be nearer the cultural hotspots that Scotland has to offer. She will be 79 this year and is on no medication: she walks, cycles and lifts weights, sings in a choir, is learning Gaelic and volunteers at a nature reserve by clearing paths. Go mum!
That’s great to hear - Go Mum!!
This is a very timely video. I too have neglected some of your four key points. Well done, thank you! I am closing in on 76 years of age (yes that is a recent pic of me). I have had to give up distance running but I hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and still cycle, both road and gravel, about 5000km a year. Your videos are inspirational and informative, and Simon, my father who like you and me had a similar hair "style" often said; "an intelligent head does not tolerate much hair". Cheers!
Hi. I'm 65, run 20-30 miles a week. Been running for 40 years. Helps with afib. Had a tumor in bladder removed 6 months ago, non aggressive thank God ! Really enjoy watching the videos and your thoughts.
Nice work. I am 72 and a cyclist. Still ride as much as a can. Every ride is special for me. I survived throat cancer 18 years ago. I refuse to give in to my age. lol!!😎
Thank you for this. I’m a 44 year old anesthesiologist in America. I feel that after 13 years of formal education, training, and building my career that I gave up my young adult life. I love cycling, but hated the “race” aspect of it. I became obsessed about watts, speed, distance, and it ruined it for me. After a bad crash my bike was ruined. I gave it up for years. I am now so excited to see gravel bike riding is an alternative that connects me with nature. My mental health is suffering and the only break I get from my demons as I call them is while I’m away from the hospital and in solitude pushing my body in endurance sport. However, my body is ageing. I’m learning it’s okay not to shoot for 60+ mile rides while fasting and I don’t have to be in zone 5 the entire time. I’m learnign to not give a F@%&. Gravel cycling is going to help save my life. You’ve inspired me to just start again. I don’t track watts, speed, mileage, and set out with entention for a specific time (say 2 hours duration) in zone 3. My times suck, but I feel so much better than bonking and punishing my body and hating it for not being able to do what it used to be able to do. Again, thank you for this. You’ve also inspired me to wipe the dust off my GoPro. I love seeing that you do your own filming. Perhaps, you’ve already made a video on how you capture yourself. I look at it as a video journal. I don’t expect to share it with anyone. It helps me get out of my mind and into the present. I suffer more in imagination and when I’m idle. I have no specific goal in writing this other than to thank you. You contribute to my life's parallel journey. It also reminds me that people need each other. I’m on introvert. America seems to have lost touch with human connection. People sit at home on social media and feel as though they are connected. It’s artificial. I’m going to push out of my conmfort zone and would love to have a cup of coffee after a ride and surround myself with a few key mates that are similar in mindset. I feel like we are all out there suffering in our parallell journey. Those that do best have moments of connection with others on their own journey. Even if it’s after a bike ride. I’m rambling, but wanted to thank you for what you do. It’s helped me in my journey. All the best from an American stranger. All the best to you and those that watch and feel the same yearning for something more meaningful. It’s not found in a bigger house, more money, fancier cars, or another watch. It’s found in simplicity, being in the present moment, and combined with the outdoors and physical activity ideally with a few close friends here and there make for a more tranquil life. Thank you for showing me that I’m not too old or that my “best years” arent behind me. The rest of my life can be the best of my life.
It's genuinely good to hear from you Jonathan, thank you for writing. I hope it might even have helped a little to set the words down.
This should take you to a playlist of videos I made a little while ago about how I shoot videos. tinyurl.com/HowIShoot They won't necessarily be what you want to do, but there might be some tips, or they might spark some ideas. I find the whole shooting and editing thing very fulfilling, and although I share them, I really make them for myself - for self-purpose, and to keep my mind working.
No-one around here rides bikes and my nearest club is an hour and ferry away, so I ride alone mostly. I've got used to that, but enjoy touring places where I meet people. Being solo helps those encounters.
My most recent friendships and local and within my community, usually by saying "Yes" to things I might not otherwise do. When I shake this damn cough, I'll join our singing group (unless the boot me out when they hear me!). I started our little running group so I could exercise with friends. And I've just agreed to half someone shoot some dog-training videos because they seem nice people. That's all about me, but the point I eventually realised is that not everything has to be bike related.
Finally, I have a cardiologist coming on next Sunday. He's a climber and we try to answer the question about 'how hard is too hard' for the older athlete. Given it's medically focused, it might be of interest and hopefully won't awaken any demons.
Thanks again for commenting. All the best. S
Great advice Simon and as usual brilliant video. As a very nearly 70 year old, I decided to take up cycling again in 2017 after 30 year “rest”. Started with 426 miles in first year, now regularly doing 5000 miles! A lot of the inspiration has come from your videos, you are a star and hope I will meet you in Strontian one day!
Totally agree re men and nurturing relationships. I’m 51 (nearly 52) and realise how I simply need to make regular, proactive effort to keep those relationships I do value a part of my life.
79 urban exploration. Just had my colon removed..cancer. But 6 weeks on am back out exploration, ruins, mines industrial site's. I love it and still fit, slim and going strong
Never tried that but it sounds good. (Urban exploration not colon removal!!😳)
I just came across your video and it was a breath of fresh air. Thank you for taking the time and I'm looking forward to watching the series. I'm 62 and definitely don't feel my age. Mountain biking is my outlet and one of my passions and purpose, but one thing I think that helps me feel younger is hanging out with younger friends. Most of my riding partners are at least 10 years younger than I am. Just yesterday I rode one of the toughest double black diamond trails in Arizona with 3 others who are likely in their 30's. One of the best days of my year so far.
LOVE this video (and the redt in the series). I'm alot older than my profile picture might suggest (!) but still riding and adventuring. Attitude is everything and appreciating what you do have, even if it's not the same as in your youth. Thanks for the great videos!!
Thanks from the 70-year-old that lives alone. Very inspirational. I live in Leeds so there's no excuse for me not to get out and about. All the best and thanks again for producing and sharing the content
Love this! I’m 63. I’m also an avid cyclist. My husband and I also hike and kayak in the spring, summer, and fall here in Canada. We are semi-retired (having streamlined our lawn care business so we don’t feel like retiring from it anytime soon…maybe in 20 yrs!) but I have my winters off. In the winter we resistance train at our local gym and x-country ski and snowshoe when the weather allows. Over the years I’ve worked at building my level of fitness to the point that I can outperform and outlift most women half my age. I lift heavy for me, always challenging myself to achieve what I describe as new personal world records. I’m also an author, actor, creativity coach, singer/singwriter, and keynote speaker (beginning these endeavours after I turned 50) and enjoy talking about the importance of keeping yourself challenged physically as we age. It’s vital for anyone who wishes to THRIVE to not listen to the prevailing norms that begin to creep in as we age…and everyone is ageing if they think about it. It’s a point of fierce pride for me to be an example of what it means to maintain a challenging level of fitness in our 60s. It’s sad to say but I don’t see a lot of females in my age group challenging themselves in the gym or on the bike, but I’m sure they’re out there! We need to begin now, challenging those societal norms that try to dictate what we can and can’t do…and tell us when we should sit down or back off. I don’t do that very well….HA!
Thanks for the inspiration this fine day!
Very motivational. (and true). Glad I also try to push myself. And will let my body tell me when I can't do stuff. Not someone else, or a number.
I'm 58 and struggling yet I had a friend a semi retired professor at 67 and he is like you. Thanks for the inspiration and poignant tips
Hello from Northern Ontario. Your advice is spot on for me who is soon to hit 78 and outlive both parents and grandparents ( maternal side was all hatched in Cumbria). I've developed intermittant (paroxysmal) afib and was mentally hesitant about doing a snowshoe with friends tomorrow with a morning temp a much balmier -20 C (- 30 C with windchill) than today. You've helped me make up my mind. Thanks for the attitude correction.
Crikey that’s cold. I’ve just been wearing a 7-day ECG to check for suspect Af but I don’t think they’ll find anything. Enjoy the snowshoeing.
So true I am 65 just had the all clear from prostate cancer. Always been fit and healthy ex British Gymnast , then British judo champion. Slowed down in 40’s with family . But 50 started again, now past 60 it’s about enjoyment keeping fit not a chore. Lucky my wife enjoys the same. Mountain bikes for years , now we e-bike puts a smile on our faces and no hill a problem. Switched the sea kayaks for paddle boards as easier to load. However just picking up new inflatable kayak this weekend to try again as long time shop ASWaterspots have said technology now so good worth a try for those days when too much wind on paddle board. Having a van has changed a lot what we do in the outdoors easy to carry everything . Keep on making these videos keeps us all motivated and some of your sayings do stick 😊
We’re on our second van now and it makes winter trips way more comfortable. The switch from kayak to SUP is interesting. Our Nordkapps are gathering moss - but it’s suck a pain to get all the kit together.
I too am enjoying this series. It resonates because I'm in similar age bracket as the host - although my Garmin smartwatch advised last weekend that it thinks my health/body age is 8 years younger. Possibly not the most robust scientific prognosis but I'll take it cos of the positivity. Luckily I do have a positive frame of reference to life, and 15 years ago when I stopped smoking if I didn't already accept the tenet of being honest with oneself I certainly bedded that to the very roots of my being. And then honesty leads me to what of the 4 areas I do need to work upon: purpose, relationships, culture.
64, male, cyclist here. One great thing about not working full-time anymore is that I can do a lot more fun stuff like cycling and hiking. I've always been in fairly good shape, but I've taken it up a notch or two these days.
I don’t know how I had time for a real job Peter!
I road cycled until I was 47 and since then I've ridden Mtb xc and regularly ride the UK trail parks. Now I'm 61!. It keeps me physically and mentally younger. Yes I know I'm a dad style rider compared to the lads flying through the air but don't ever let that stop you, even in your 70's. The younger riders will actually respect the older boys for having a go (and succeeding quite often, just the jumps are much smaller). It's largely a mental thing and yes as Simon says, you can think yourself younger!
All these tips are fantastic. There’s a decent book that addresses the reasons to keep active, “Younger Next Year”. It’s not specifically an exercise OR diet book, but it addresses the need to, and the reasoning behind both issues. There are diet and exercise guidelines in the book, and the “attitude” towards continued healthy activity is very similar to the message in this video. Nice Job!
Thanks I’ll take a look
Thank you Simon. I’m stateside in a similarly bucolic setting. Kids are moving out, my wife is a teacher, and as a work from home guy, I need to actively think about engaging with others to keep my spirits up, especially in the wintertime! Your perspective and the great info provided are much appreciated - friend!
Thanks for putting this series together Simon, I've really enjoyed it, as a 67 year old cyclist just coming out of a tough period of my life its helped me start to refocus.
Glad you enjoyed it Doug
Hi, I'm 65, retired a few years ago, and have just discovered your channel. I'm quite active (home gym, exercise bike, weights) and used to be a very keen cyclist prior to retirement. I must say your channel has inspired me to get the cycle out and get back on the bike, and view my training differently, great vids, keep up the good work 💪
Welcome aboard Vince
@alwaysanotheradventure thanks Simon, are you on Garmin Connect, at all?
I'm 60 and LOVE bicycling Scotland looks awesome
LOVE your channel and your rides
I'm 52 and hold an at-home IT job. I cycle on a trainer between breaks and referee soccer during spring, summer, and fall. I have no health issues but the thought of being old and immobile scares the bejesus out of me. I'm staying ahead of the curve in staying active. Thanks for your inspirational advice.
Wow. What incredible scenery. You are totally blessed to live in that area. Yes I agree that we males often need to make a real effort to make new friends and keep old ones. Thank you for your positive content.
I just celebrated my 69th birthday by passing my PSIA certification as a professional ski instructor. It is the hardest physical work I’ve ever done in my life. It not only gives me a purpose in life, I have to build relationships with students and peers. I am having the time of my life.
Congratulations Steve - great achievement
Hi, I’m 34, but I have an “old soul”. Loved your video and tips. Very informative, fun and pleasant to watch.
Hey Pedro - you’re at the ideal age to think ahead. It’s like a pension plan for your health.
Love your series. and look forward to watching them. 68 years young. 8000 miles last year. Rock on 🤘
I've been managing volunteers undertaking nature conservation work for 30 years. I have many over 60 who can do a day's hard graft and are inspirational. The one thing they all seem to have in common is they never talk themself old or winge about being old.
I truly believe that if you think old you can make yourself feel decreped and demotivate yourself with an I can't do attitude, think positive you will feel physically better, its a psychological psycsymatic win win situation.
I love this series and what you are trying to do. I am 54 years young and theses videos are so inspiring, keep them coming!
Brilliant. I love your videos Simon. Many thanks.
From a "young" 54 year old. 😊
Idk how many people die shorty after retirement because they lack purpose!
And wow, I thought I was the only guy who had a problem making friends!
Great video.
I'd like to add my faith as something that helps keep me going.
Well done. I run a small NGO, I am the small NGO. I also work 13-15 hours a week to raise savings at easy peasy retail job just to be out there at 71. Never athletic but I ride bikes and will do some bike touring. Hiker for 50 plus years and still going out. Keeping up the social interaction has been my gap but fixable.
Absolutely brilliant!
Just tuned in and love the attitude.... we always need to keep moving, especially here in the US! One of the best aspects I find is the social piece, whether on a run or a cycle, its good camaraderie and competitiveness in the moment with the cafe stop after! Thanks for sharing your info and adventures.
Male 74. Cycle 25 mph 25 miles every day climb 1200 feet per day. I row kayak hike xc ski snowshoe. No alcohol ever never smoked. Mediterranean diet max HR 178 pulse in 50s. Still part time psychologist. Married to active spouse friends are active TY for your well researched foundation of ideas
Dane in Scandinavia chiming in.
I´ll turn sixty this coming summer and I feel fuming, livid, furious and a lot of other things every time I come across the attitude of " Life After Fifty"....
F off!!!
Over the span of the last thirty years I´ve had my spine dislocated three times,- spent a year on a matress on the floor not knowing if I was ever to walk again, been through two years of chemotherapeutic Cancer treatment, two major operations with surgically having a kidney removed,- where one and a half years was spent in the experimental ward from which only a handful of people walk away on a yearly basis.
I´m still here,-
so I don´t give a fu*k about other people´s expectations and statistical presumptions as to who I am and what I can do.
I´ll be the judge of that, thank you very much!
You have to make an active deliberate choice:
Fifty, fat and finished,- or,- fifty, fit and fantastic.
Sixty, sad and sorry,- or,- sixty, super and sexy.
Your choice.
I do recreational Olympic Weightlifting, MMA with my fifteen year old son, swim, bike and play football regularily,- always done various sports and other strenous physical activity such as my own lumberjacking in my garden and at the cottage, and I get as wound up as Colin from Portsmouth whenever I come across that condescending attitude towards mature people,- as if we´re all fragile pieces of china prone to shattering if the wind blows from the wrong direction.
Granted the knees get sore from time to time and I have to do longer warm ups so as not get be too stiff in my joints to actually do the work and injure myself, but I´ve been hard on myself for the last forty-five years so it´s to be expected.
I´m still able to do all the things I´ve always done,- the tempos just not so high anymore,- but I guess that comes with mileage.
I refuse to let myself be looked upon and treated as an old person until I actually AM old,- somewhere around the 85-90 years mark,-.... maybe...
Anyway, thanks for having me on.
Love to the family.
Thank you my friend it's just a shot in the arm I needed this morning as I've been recovering from major back surgery
Although I weight train I've been considering getting a bicycle like yours God bless your efforts!!
With progressing in my profession, which I enjoy, I started to find that at the end of a day/week of work I used to feel ground down and just wanted to hide at the back of the cave. I’ve always been active and wanted to understand what had put a foot on my brakes. As long as I side-stepped the lethargy I knew I’d enjoy myself. It dawned on me that the drag was cultural from my workplace. My role is quite serious and carries hefty responsibility. The cultural-norm or “image” of the person in my role does not sit naturally with someone who wants to bounce off the walls full of zing. The “schizophrenia” was hurting me until I recognised its effects. Now I am Jekyll and Hyde, on my terms. By day I’m a sober professional until the end of the day then I flip into an over energetic freewheeler heading out to play. My inner twelve year old is happy and active again. My colleagues were initially disapproving but have accepted my “eccentricity”. I suffer with aches or bruises from a great trip to the mountains, they take their potions for illnesses of self-neglect.
It is important to hold onto the sense of play. The toys and games may change but ultimately, it’s the joy of movement and adventure that keeps us vital and vibrant. You may not live longer but you will enjoy a fuller life.
I love your videos and it resonates so much with how I feel about aging! I am 67 years old, love to do half marathons at my snail speed😂. I also love being part of the Bombay Hash House Harriers. There are local chapters of the same all over the world and totally chilled.
Great videos as always but I'm pretty sure there is an "N" in adventure. Senior moment?
Whoops!
Fabulous happy accident to stumble upon this uplifting site. So good to witness such honest positivity.
I’m 76yo, and between mountain biking every day, remodeling my house, working on my motorcycles,and occasional side jobs doing tile work, I don’t have time to get old.
I like that - "I don't have time to get old".
That’s great stuff! Some people have referred to my attitude at times as having a “broken give a shitter” keep up the great attitude
I agree with your comments on making an effort and having a purpose. "For the man who does not know to which port he sails , no wind is favourable...Seneca.
Hello from USA, i am 69 yr. Old cyclist ridding my 1973 Holdsworth i bougt new life long joy of cycling. My life greatly improved 12 yrs ago when i came to the mind that i have been blessed and i was to give to others when giving to glorify gods name rather than my glory. My positivity, my marriage, my hope for the future have been lifted higher than i have ever e xpected i thought i might share that as what has helped my life feel fulfilled more than just gladness
Awesome video Simon. I truly believe if you think young you feel young. I'm 64 and I play like I'm 30. My says I act like 4. Keep the great content coming.
Thank You! I use to deliver DME Durable Medical Equipment Wheelchairs, Walkers, Oxygen Concentrators, Oxygen, and so on. I discovered that the people who had interests and stayed Active were far more HAPPIER and well adjusted, than the people who sat around and watched TV. Keep Moving, find something you love and DO IT!
A thought provoking video! I am now 61 and moved to Spain 5 years ago, to work, not to retire!! I have always cycled, done triathlons and kept trim. 18 months ago I had a heart attack at the end of a bike ride and this knocked my confidence. We moved to a Casa Rustica 650m up a long winding road and then I realised that I was not strong enough for the inclines!!! So, I bought an electric bike and I was free again!! Unfortunately whilst cycling next to a river I hit a tree root and was thrown off the bike and suffered a broken humorous proxima. No cycling for four months!! You have to laugh!!!! I am back on the bike now and take it steady!!!! So, lessons for aeging! Laugh it off and be greateful for all the people who look after you at the hosptial and then go out and dont give f*ck
Wow that was quite a sequence of events! They would have been awful when happening but you seem to have found a way through.
I can relate to all the points you make. I’m similar small circle of mates, love riding and making off piste trails, and bikepacking. Love culture always reading or visiting historical sites along the way. I love the feeling you get in nature sometimes I just walk amongst the trees. I love learning and always reading and listening to music. I am lucky to be grandad grey hair, playmate and fixer of anything to 4 lovely grandchildren. I think knowing yourself and being comfortable in your own skin is critical as it gives you the confidence to live the life you want. Finally I am always planning trips etc but live in day tight compartments, when the day is done I leave it tomorrow is always a fresh adventure and every day I try to find beauty or be grateful for something. We live in an amazing country and we are all more lucky than we realise.
Always another adventure - the thought behind it is that the next one is going to be the best.
Thx for the encouragement. I agree with your statement about having friends. I also live in a small town in Saskatchewan Canada. I have regular coffee buddies and occasional random coffee row.
I love your aging series. I'm a 58 old woman. I feel like I have not lost much cycling fitness since I was in my 30s. My average on the bike is about the same and I still manage to keep up riding with men my own age or younger. Plus, I can usually pass most of them on the downhill gravel riding. I can tell I am losing muscle mass, but I am lifting weights again. I agree...don't give a F! I am doing what I love period and I will bike, hike and paddle until I can no longer do that.
Great attitude Jamie!
I’m 81 and live in the middle of the USA and am an active club rider for decades. I ride 30-50 miles a week weather permitting. Winter weather takes me inside on the trainer.
Really enjoyed this series.
Im 61, started my first degree course during Covid with the OU, which I'm still doing. Still working, but less stressful than previous job. Cycle loads, off to Cuba in a few weeks, raising money for schools for the visually impaired.
Totally agree about friends and making new ones, I'm very bad at this. We live in rural Wales, but fair size town is only 22 miles away, where we visit the theatre 2 or 3 times a year.
Thank you.
Oh and had a third of right lung removed in 2022, due to large benign tumour. All good now though.
Wow that’s a lot going on!
Great series Simon. You definitely have something to add so please keep the videos coming. Your background shines through in the professionalism and sheer "watchability" of your work. Thank You. 👍
Thanks, will do
Thank you, Simon for your excellent work! I appreciate the research and production values you use to make these videos. I find them not only informative but also highly entertaining. I'm inspired to go for new goals this year (just turned 60), including rebooting my diet and lining up for challenging bike races and events. Glad I found you and your positive life message.
Such a great little film. Lots of this hits home. Living in Leeds suburbs means we do have access to "culture" and I go to see a lot of music. The thing about men and friendships (I'm 60) is so true, and joining 'clubs' - whether it be a cycling club, walking, running - just so you get that social interaction is so important. But you need to work at it. Just signed up for the Leeds Abbey Dash in October which is a 10k run, so that's something to work towards, and I've forked out for cycle events such as the Dirty Reiver, Got to have goals. Yep - I'm one of those weirdo old gits who gets out there and does stuff. Long may it last. And thanks for the encouragement Simon.
I'm a bit younger than you, but struggle to do what you do and suggest here. Your video inspires me! Thank you for making it research-based and high production quality too. So good!
You are so welcome! Bear in mind I’ve been doing this for a while 😁
I'm a 78 year-old. A group of us ride our bikes weekly about 15 miles or so out on a trail and eat lunch at a small eatery. Then we ride back. It does keep us young. We are friends and have a great time. I would echo what is stated in this video. Get out and do something physical and combine it with others. Lifting light weights, running (you don't have to be fast), hiking and moving your body is critical to health and well-being, as is making friends.
Just turned 50 and hopefully 6 years away from retirement, been watching your channel for a while and absolutely loved this series.
In which country is it possible to retire with 56? Here in Germany the retirement age is 65 years.
@@thewidesight 67 here in Britain but at 56 I will have enough in my pension pot to go early.... hopefully.
That is with 40 years paid in at that stage.
top marks, smart and well shot
Great videos and information, Simon. As a clinical exercise physiologist, I'm constantly attempting to get my clients and those in the gym to change behaviors that will help them age gracefully. Unfortunately, here in America, that's a bit of a challenge. My wife and I are daily exercisers and have been for our entire lives- we're looking forward to retiring early so we can combine exercise into travel and spend our remaining time doing what we enjoy doing. Keep up the great work!
Thanks very much - and it sounds like a great plan too.
Great video. I’m 68 and still bike, run, and swim. I can relate to your insights. Thanks.
Cultivate a patch of soil, growing my mind into this vast network of life,read widely, walking steadily every day a new path, having an almost childlike curiosity ... yes and a few very close friends...these are few of my favorite things. Kind regards from South Africa,, and well done!
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I love the gorgeous scottish scenery in your videos.
I am 71 and I do a lot of walking but would like to incorporate bike rides so you do give me inspiration thx Craig
That's great Craig - I have a whole playlist called Bike Basics (stuff cyclists don't tell you) that I started during lockdown which might be useful.
A positive mental attitude is the key to everything. You can believe yourself young, healthy and happy which makes a huge difference.
It certainly helps - check out the first video in this series which is all about Attitude. tinyurl.com/OlderAthleteVideos
Well-done For aging gracefully, I am a lot younger than most, however I can appreciate from looking around those who do give a cluck and invest in themselves & also help others. That is a positive Society.
Great vlog … at 66 I have moved into a hybrid mode - cycling is key to my activities, plus photography and today I had my first guitar lesson (renewing a hobby I had 50 years ago). Reading and spending time with our 2 grand daughters keep me on my toes … Boppin tots today was great fun…
Superb!