My BP was a “elevated”, which in today’s cardiology means 120 systolic or below 130. Cholesterol was elevated as well. 
 

Doc says that he should prescribe me meds but won’t bc “I know I’ll see you in 6 mos and your numbers will be fine. Get some more cardio with your strength training” haha

@Scott F I’m with you on the driving bud. I’m 72 and just don’t like the long drives anymore.  I’m fortunate that I live right off the St John’s river and I’m 1 minute from a ramp and 15 minutes from another. I’ll still make the 2 hour trip to Stick Marsh/ Headwaters a few times a year but the drive is tough, especially with having to drive half of it in I-95.

Nowadays I'm usually only good for about 5 hours fishing before the body starts to ache. Then when I get home,it's time for a short nap😂

lets be honest..there are some "young" people not fit  to fish. be it physical or mental..  we all have our own challenges.  

 

 

27 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

lets be honest..there are some "young" people not fit  to fish. be it physical or mental..  we all have our own challenges.  

 

 

 

Well, um, yeah, but naaahhhh. Old people were once young people. Young people have yet to be old people. So, old people know that being old is different. We literally feel it in our bones.  

I'm 80 years old.  2 heart attacks, 1 eye, 2 bad shoulders.  Fished my first tournament in 1975.  Still fishing tournaments.  Fish by myself in a buddy circuit.  Launch and retrieve a 20' Skeeter by myself.  Generally prefish 2 days before a tournament.  I can still go hard in a long days tournament.  Would be lying if I said age wasn't catching me, but I ain't going to let it.  I try to stay off the drugs.

 

I fished 184 days in 2024.  Lakes iced over here this year most of first quarter.  Family issues took another few days away. 130 or so this year.  I'd like to hit 200 in 2026, plus another tournament season.

 

Age will bother you less if you don't let it.  Physically, I'm 80.  Mentally, I'm 45.  I can pretty well handle the physical effort, if I can keep my mind strong.

7 minutes ago, mcipinkie said:

I'm 80 years old.  2 heart attacks, 1 eye, 2 bad shoulders.  Fished my first tournament in 1975.  Still fishing tournaments.  Fish by myself in a buddy circuit.  Launch and retrieve a 20' Skeeter by myself.  Generally prefish 2 days before a tournament.  I can still go hard in a long days tournament.  Would be lying if I said age wasn't catching me, but I ain't going to let it.  I try to stay off the drugs.

 

I fished 184 days in 2024.  Lakes iced over here this year most of first quarter.  Family issues took another few days away. 130 or so this year.  I'd like to hit 200 in 2026, plus another tournament season.

 

Age will bother you less if you don't let it.  Physically, I'm 80.  Mentally, I'm 45.  I can pretty well handle the physical effort, if I can keep my mind strong.

 

A few months away from 80. Pretty healthy but take BP meds. Just decided I ain't dying any time soon so I had my 2005 Nitro 882 recarpeted and detailed and will be heading to Florida mid-January for my 3 month escape from the frozen tundra of New England. This will be the 20th year (thank you baby Jesus).

Clearly, I don't have the same fire in my belly for fishing but I still love to get out. I fish like an old man and usually don't get on the water till 9/10 am and head home for happy hour bout 3/4 pm. Then I wonder why I don't catch fish like I used to, lol. My biggest problem is that my weight makes me not so nimble. Be careful what you pray for. When I was a boy, I grew quickly to 6'6" and was so skinny I could race a snake down a drainpipe. I lifted weights and ate everything in sight to gain weight for years to no avail until I was 35 and God started listening and he has blessed me (?) up to 340 lbs.  I still go to the gym and lift weights so I'm only 52 percent body fat, lol. Just makes it harder to maneuver but I'm gonna go on a diet when I get older.

I've told my family over the years that I'm not afraid of dying, I'm afraid of not living. When I can no longer throw my leg over my motorcycle or climb around inside my boat I want to go to that big weigh-in in the sky.

Have a Happy and Healthy holiday season and New Year.

5 minutes ago, Nitro 882 said:

I'm not afraid of dying, I'm afraid of not living.

 

Amen, brother.

 

6 minutes ago, Nitro 882 said:

When I was a boy, I grew quickly to 6'6" and was so skinny I could race a snake down a drainpipe.

 

Funny!

You've filled out nicely.  Up to a couple of years ago I was in fairly good condition then I got sick.  Hopefully you'll be healthy enough to fish for a long time.  I'm still fishing but not as much and would like to have a partner when I go, but sometimes I'll go alone.  Getting in and out of the boat is a sometimes challenge.

The key to staying balanced is morning stretching exercise not weight lifting other than staying toned. I was a gymnast and very agile until spine surgery, now clumsy can’t feel my feet!

Good luck and be safe.

Tom 

3 hours ago, WRB-2.0 said:

The key to staying balanced is morning stretching exercise not weight lifting other than staying toned. I was a gymnast and very agile until spine surgery, now clumsy can’t feel my feet!

Good luck and be safe.

Tom 

Cannot agree with this one.

Just too much information as well as my own life experience to believe otherwise.

Perhaps search "The Importance of Strength Training as We Age"

At only 66 years old, I am clearly well behind many folks who have responded in this one.

Either way, my years of training have not left me crippled or less capable than if I were sedentary.  

I weigh 160 lbs soaking wet and Monday I was pulling on 450 lbs

https://youtu.be/Pvrl0i1lNdQ?si=T4HgWF2WKoTci-Jl&t=84

Use it or lose it.

A-Jay

At 65 weight lifting doesn’t tear ligaments at 80 it’s another story.

You can lift weights if you take the 20+ minutes to stretch 1st.

At 65 my spine was in 1 piece and could easily lift my own weight. Now 82+ I am happy to tie my own shoes…time takes a toll but better than the alternative.

Tom

I have been thinking about this a lot, especially since we moved my 84 year old Dad to assisted living back in July. His mobility and balance have really gone down hill, and fast.

Stretching won Tom Brady a seventh Super Bowl ring.

50 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

I have been thinking about this a lot, especially since we moved my 84 year old Dad to assisted living back in July. His mobility and balance have really gone down hill, and fast.

Get your dad to walk and go with him for company and reason to get out. Start a short walk and increase it slowly until you get 20 to 30 minutes.

Walking helps more than you think.

Tom

I lived the bodybuilding lifestyle for 35 years;  both training and a super clean diet.  At age 77 I decided it was time to accept and act my age;  with that, I didn't set foot in a gym for the next two years and let my diet slip.  Huge mistake, I developed an old man's body and headed back to the gym but found it impossible to become even a faint replica of what I left behind;  forget muscle memory.  Bone grinds on bone, strength disappeared as well as endurance, and loose skin hangs where muscle once was.  I've been training again now for four years, but results are disappointing although I am much more mobile and visibly in better shape than others my age who I know.  My father, who refused to exercise or eat anything that wasn't greasy, once said to me that all I was doing wouldn't make me live one day longer.  I replied "maybe so, but I would like to remain mobile and self dependent".  He called me a dumb ass for doubting him.  

 

Incidentally, for those of you who commented on stretching before the workout should understand how often injuries are caused by stretching a cold muscle;  always warm up first.

38 minutes ago, Swamp Girl said:

Stretching won Tom Brady a seventh Super Bowl ring.

A strong offensive line, and a number 1 defense won Tom Brady a seventh Super Bowl ring.  He got his fifth Super Bowl  ring because Pete Carole wasn't smart enough to hand the ball of to the Beast.  Bill Belichick got him the rest of his Super Bowl rings, so  as far as I'm concerned he can go stretch himself into the Hall of fame, but I'm just glad he doesn't bass fish.

Moderation is starting to slow and increase as you warm up. Remember you are not 22 anymore! I start by laying on my back with arm spread out and knees bent. With Knesset bent I rotate the knees to one side then the other about 10 cycles. I have a strap with loops on each end that I put one foot into like a stirrup and straighten to leg and slowly pull it up and do a  10 leg bends and straighten against the strap. Repeat the other leg. Next I bend the leg at the knee to make a figure 4 and slowly pull my foot a few inches and repeat with the other leg. Stretching is done. Now walk for an hour.

Tom

I realize this is a tangent from the OP.

Some will write this off as BS.

I do not.

At this point, it has to be said.

Continuing resistance training your entire life is a powerful investment in longevity and quality of life, combating age-related muscle/bone loss, boosting metabolism, improving heart/brain health, and preserving independence, with benefits seen even when starting late; it's about long-term physical and mental vitality, not just aesthetics, preventing chronic disease, and ensuring you can handle daily tasks. 

Key Benefits Across Lifespans

Combats Muscle & Bone Loss (Sarcopenia/Osteoporosis): Prevents frailty, reduces fracture risk, and maintains metabolism as you age.

Cardiovascular Health: Lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and strengthens the heart.

Metabolic Health: Enhances insulin sensitivity, crucial for preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

Mental Well-Being: Releases endorphins, reduces stress/anxiety, improves mood, and sharpens cognitive function (memory, focus).

Longevity & Independence: Stronger muscles help with everyday activities (getting up, lifting), allowing you to live independently longer. 

 

It's Never Too Late to Start

Research shows significant muscle recovery and strength gains even in people starting after 70, proving you can build muscle into your 80s and beyond.

While starting young offers long-term advantages, starting later provides substantial improvements in strength and function. 

 

How to Make it a Lifelong Habit

Start Simple: Bodyweight exercises or light bands are great entry points.

Progress Gradually: As you get stronger, increase weight or resistance to keep challenging your muscles (progressive overload).

Aim for Consistency: Two or more sessions per week hitting major muscle groups can yield significant benefits.

Seek Guidance: A trainer can help with proper form and safe progression, especially when starting. 

A-Jay

 

When I was young I lifted weights, ran, put 3 all you can eat buffets out of business, and never got over 185 pounds.  At 6'1" I was naturaly tall and thin, but could bench press 335 lbs, and run like the wind.

 

When I was 25 I moved to Alaska, and wasn't able to lift weights because nothing was ever flown out to a camp in an airplane that wasn't an absolute necessity.  My boss used to say anyone that wanted exercise could work harder.

 

Working in a hunting and fishing camp in Alaska there was never a lack of heavy work to do.  Packing heavy loads up mountains, chopping wood, or rowing boats, staying in shape was a part of life.  One time I had a hunter who looked like a professional football player.  He lifted weights every day, and was strong as a horse.  He was in good shape so I let him shoot a brown bear further away from a place to land a cub than a normally would have.  It was a big bear, and I was going to have to pack a wet 100 pound bear hide across a swamp and up a steep mountain.  My hunter looked at me and said there is no way a tall skinny guy like you can hike that hide up that mountain where we had a spike camp, and a landing strip.  I asked if he was volunteering to do the job, and he said he would.  He made it a quarter of the way up, and said it was impossible.  I told him to give me the pack with the hide.  He would have to carry all our gear, and try and keep up, I wanted to get back to camp in time to fly the hide to main camp.   He made it to the spike camp an hour after me, exhausted and in disbelief.  He just couldn't believe I could haul that hide across a swamp and up a mountain.  The outdoor life was the best physical trainer I could have ever had.

 

For many years, I abused my body, thinking I was indestructible.  Later in life I would travel in the off season.  One winter I was in Santa Barbara hangliding.  A few of us pilots were getting ready to drive up to the launch in the mountains.  One of the pilots told me he was the one that had pioneered the launch.  He was a small skinny man that was 80 years old.  I looked at him and said you are my hero.  I want to be just like you when I'm 80 what's your secret.  He said don't ever let up.  That was exactly what I thought, so I was convinced anyone who gets broken down when they are old didn't keep active enough.  The more pain the more gain, push it to the limit and then a little further.

 

I was dead wrong.  That old man may have had the secret of life for him, but it wasn't for everyone.  A few years after that I had a heart valve fail, and was barely able to finish a backpack hunt on Kodiak Island.  After open heart surgery, my wings were clipped but I was certain with some training I would soar again.  I did work hard and recovered enough to do my job, but I was never the same.  I finally quite guiding hunters and spent most of my time captaining a boat in Mexico.

 

I was still active, and stayed in good shape.  I surfed, went for long paddles on my paddleboard, and packed a glider up a mountain to fly as often as I could.  I was active at work washing polishing, and what I called boat yoga, which was twisting in to tight places while doing mechanical maintenance.

 

After a few more years I needed surgery on my right shoulder.  I Damaged it partly from bench pressing too much weight for my bodies'' frame when I was young, shooting very heavy weight bows, and finished it off trying to load a large propane tank into an airplane without help.

 

Now I'm 62 in fair physical condition and overweight.  I am young in my mind and heart, and  feel I should still be able to scamper up mountains with heavy loads on my back.  My problem is I have destroyed my skeletal structure.  My back is a wreck, and will have to have it operated on someday.  Light exercise and Ibuprofen get me through the day, but I am never pain free.  Both knees are shot, one has been operated on, and the other one will need a surgery someday.  My right shoulder hurts, but the surgery made it usable.  My left shoulder is in bad shape, but again I'm trying to avoid surgery.  My right elbow hurts, to the point I can't turn wrenches or hammer nails, for more than a short time.  I have arthritis in my hands and hips.

 

When you exercise you strengthen your muscles, but how long your joints last are a combination of genetics, accidents, and abuse. 

 

I no longer glide or surf.  I fish which I will do no matter how much pain I'm in.  This past year I have taken up metal detecting so I do get good walks in on the beach every day while satisfying my hunting instinct.  My hips get sore walking on the beach, and my elbow is in pain from swinging the detector, but finding some treasure keeps me going despite the pain, just like my fishing, priorities.  While walking on the beach,  I watch surfers that are way older than me, and wonder how they do it.

 

I'm lucky I can hire most of the heavy work done at my job, and the young guys are always willing to pull on a big tuna.  I still stay somewhat limber doing mechanical work, or like I call it boat yoga.

 

I have read all the posts about what people do to try and stay young, and I do believe what works for one person does not work for another.  I encourage others to remember that when giving advice on health issues.  You may be fit and strong because of your lifestyle, but that does not mean it will work for others.  That old man I met hang gliding may still be up in the air, but I wouldn't even be able to lift a glider to launch it.

 

My advice is stay as active as you can, and keep fishing.  Sitting on the bank watching a bobber was fun when I was a kid, and I expect it to be fun when I get to the point I can't peddle my kayak anymore.   

1 hour ago, WRB-2.0 said:

Get your dad to walk and go with him for company and reason to get out. Start a short walk and increase it slowly until you get 20 to 30 minutes.

Walking helps more than you think.

Tom

 

Great advice! He's been walking more lately, and seems to be helping. 

 

8 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I realize this is a tangent from the OP.

Some will write this off as BS.

I do not.

At this point, it has to be said.

Continuing resistance training your entire life is a powerful investment in longevity and quality of life, combating age-related muscle/bone loss, boosting metabolism, improving heart/brain health, and preserving independence, with benefits seen even when starting late; it's about long-term physical and mental vitality, not just aesthetics, preventing chronic disease, and ensuring you can handle daily tasks. 

Key Benefits Across Lifespans

Combats Muscle & Bone Loss (Sarcopenia/Osteoporosis): Prevents frailty, reduces fracture risk, and maintains metabolism as you age.

Cardiovascular Health: Lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and strengthens the heart.

Metabolic Health: Enhances insulin sensitivity, crucial for preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

Mental Well-Being: Releases endorphins, reduces stress/anxiety, improves mood, and sharpens cognitive function (memory, focus).

Longevity & Independence: Stronger muscles help with everyday activities (getting up, lifting), allowing you to live independently longer. 

 

It's Never Too Late to Start

Research shows significant muscle recovery and strength gains even in people starting after 70, proving you can build muscle into your 80s and beyond.

While starting young offers long-term advantages, starting later provides substantial improvements in strength and function. 

 

How to Make it a Lifelong Habit

Start Simple: Bodyweight exercises or light bands are great entry points.

Progress Gradually: As you get stronger, increase weight or resistance to keep challenging your muscles (progressive overload).

Aim for Consistency: Two or more sessions per week hitting major muscle groups can yield significant benefits.

Seek Guidance: A trainer can help with proper form and safe progression, especially when starting. 

A-Jay

 

100% A-Jay!  Adding to your advice :  There is no excuse for not exercising or  controlling one's diet;  today's gyms have something for anyone who can walk thru the door, regardless of their impairments.  I see people enter the gym with canes, crutches, oxygen tanks, and whatever those bags are called for containing body waste.  Where there is no gym, it doesn't cost much to gather some weights and other equipment at home;  if one can move their limbs, those limbs can be exercised.  In closing, a home gym like A-Jay's does require a substantial investment.

Wow, what happened here? haha 

A lot to unpack

 

I read, and I don't remember the article or author for that matter, but I really believe that the body was built to move. Pick a routine that you enjoy. You'll have a much better chance at sticking to it....And move

 

I have my exercise and nutrition routine that works for me. 

 

Good luck and happy holidays  

I just have to be selective the days I fish. Very hot or very cold weather is not for me. I am dealing with skin cancer and the old bones just don't like the cold. 

11 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I realize this is a tangent from the OP.

Some will write this off as BS.

I do not.

At this point, it has to be said.

Continuing resistance training your entire life is a powerful investment in longevity and quality of life, combating age-related muscle/bone loss, boosting metabolism, improving heart/brain health, and preserving independence, with benefits seen even when starting late; it's about long-term physical and mental vitality, not just aesthetics, preventing chronic disease, and ensuring you can handle daily tasks. 

Key Benefits Across Lifespans

Combats Muscle & Bone Loss (Sarcopenia/Osteoporosis): Prevents frailty, reduces fracture risk, and maintains metabolism as you age.

Cardiovascular Health: Lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and strengthens the heart.

Metabolic Health: Enhances insulin sensitivity, crucial for preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

Mental Well-Being: Releases endorphins, reduces stress/anxiety, improves mood, and sharpens cognitive function (memory, focus).

Longevity & Independence: Stronger muscles help with everyday activities (getting up, lifting), allowing you to live independently longer. 

 

It's Never Too Late to Start

Research shows significant muscle recovery and strength gains even in people starting after 70, proving you can build muscle into your 80s and beyond.

While starting young offers long-term advantages, starting later provides substantial improvements in strength and function. 

 

How to Make it a Lifelong Habit

Start Simple: Bodyweight exercises or light bands are great entry points.

Progress Gradually: As you get stronger, increase weight or resistance to keep challenging your muscles (progressive overload).

Aim for Consistency: Two or more sessions per week hitting major muscle groups can yield significant benefits.

Seek Guidance: A trainer can help with proper form and safe progression, especially when starting. 

A-Jay

 

I fully agree with A-Jay here. I was diagnosed as pre diabetic two years ago. I'm 68. I started a workout program at home, with a small barbell set, and also doing  pushups, sit ups, and leg lifts. I exercise three evenings per week. It's made a huge difference for me. I've lost 16 pounds and feel lighter on my feet, and am moving quicker when I'm walking. I also don't tire out as easily. In A- Jays post, he says it's never too late to start, and this is very true.           My goal is to lose another five pounds, and improve my overall body strength. I know I can reach this goal, and keep continuing to improve my health. It takes much determination, and a no quit attitude. A- Jay, your post have inspired me to do this. Thank you sir.