Fading Glory? Or Aging Gracefully?
July 22, 2009 by Noah Van Hochman
Filed under Fitness
- What a difference 25 years can make, in Fitness and Fashion!
Fading Glory? Or Aging Gracefully?
The Summit of Mt. Everest in the Background
Today’s essay is a bit different from anything I have written before. Everything I write in this article has been kicking around the inside of my brain for weeks, months, dare I say a few years, and it’s not getting any better. It is now that I look to you, my faithful blog followers, to please consider the following, feeling free to share similar experiences you may be going through as well.
While it seems strange to write, and even more surreal to hear spoken out loud, I am in my late 40’s, and nearing 50. Yes, 50 years old. Not 50 dollars, not 50 pounds, but I have spent nearly half a century on this Earth. While the number itself does not bother me, as it does some, the transformations my body is going through is quite bothersome both mentally and physically. From an early age, I was always very athletic, playing baseball and football on a both a collegiate and professional level, while taking pride in the shape I was in and the strength, stamina and speed I had. So far this sounds not so unusual, I know; we’ve all had our ‘hey day’ where we were at the top of our game and in the best shape of our lives. While many find that entering into middle age is the best time of their lives; a time to rejuvenate, focus on health and fitness in hopes of extending life expectancy, I find myself in a different category at the present time (but with any luck, you will see a post a few months from now where there has been progress and transformation taking place).
Rock Climbing in Utah
After having suffered various athletic injuries and had a near-death car accident or two, I have now come this far to find myself lacking energy, struggling with chest pains (yes, they’ve been checked out and I was told it was stress) , stomach & digestive maladies, constantly tight, aching muscles, routine headaches…. I think you get the picture. What I don’t ‘get’ is how I got this way. I am someone who, just a decade or so ago was out to conquer the world… I was braving wild rapids, trekking across the globe to make it to Everest, spending much of my time as a dive master off the beautiful coral reefs in the state I call home. I love the water; being out on the open sea with the warm salt water spray leaving a trail behind me as I head to my favorite fishing grounds. I am at total peace in the water. When I’m diving, the problems of the world are left on the surface, with nothing but captivating creatures and awe-inspiring formations in an underwater world where time ceases to exist (well, okay… Keep an eye on the O2 left in the tank, for sure, but you know what I mean).
I
Now that I am dealing with all these injuries and age-related consequences, I find myself depressed. Depressed that I have weight to lose and it’s hard to come off at this age; particularly when I have the legs of a 20 year old but carry all my weight in my stomach. I’m now very hesitant (I sometimes even use the word ‘scared’) to dive and do what I love most, for fear I could have a heart attack. I can’t walk up a flight of stairs without feeling winded!
I know all you fitness buffs out there will say “cut back on your portions, what are you eating, are you drinking lots of water, are you exercising….?” The answer to all of these questions is a resounding “yes!” which is what makes this all so frustrating. I like to walk; I load a book on tape onto the iPod and take walks along my favorite bays or a bike through the Everglades. I bought a Wii Fit, a Wii Active; a recumbent bike for the road that I thought would put the least amount of stress on my injured neck/shoulder. I’ve joined gyms; standard gyms, gyms that offer spinning classes, boxing gyms. I love to turkey hunt and scout the woods prior to opening season, but now even that is something I won’t do alone, for fear I could experience problems in the woods.
A stroll in the Himalayas
My question to everyone out there, and please DO reply to this post, is this: What have you done, or do you currently do to either deal with ‘old sports injuries’ / ‘old age’, or to KEEP yourself healthy and strong as you advance in years? Do you know of anyone that has been an inspiration to you, who has helped you along the way? Please tell us your story, so we can ALL continue to be ‘out there’ doing what we love to do most… Spending time in the Great Outdoors and having a high quality of life.
Not ready to sail into that sunset just yet!
Noah, you still look great. I’ve always struggled with weight but on top of it, age DOES make it harder. my knees are bad–then there is that embarrassing bladder leakage. But I have to work through this. On top of it I have stopped smoking. its only been a few days, but I think I’ll feel better in the long run….thanks for the blog–xoxo Miss Q
One of the best articles I’ve seen explaining how we feel at certain points in our lives. I’m looking forward to some very positive “after” pictures in a few months. If you are ever in Miami, come in for a free month!
Well you still have ten years on me, but you still made an excellent first baseman in my kickball book. I am still in that stage where I am pushing myself to have all the adventures I can, while I still can. Figure if I keep active and keep my mind alert, that is the best strategy that I can come up with. I eat alot healthier then I used to, I gave up sugary sodas, and have almost entirely quit smoking cigarettes, hopefully that will give me a little bit extra time.
My good friend the other day sat me down breathed a bit of life and motivation back into me. We all know the first step takes place in the mind and we all can get over the humps as long as we want to and have a good support system.
Noah, well put. I have known you since the early 80′s and what you have been going through…I too share. That has all changed now as you have found out. All I can say is get ready to do your best. In the end you will have a lot to share with people.
Hey Brother Noah! Well, you know the issues I’ve had with osteoarthritis in my knees, and the excess weight. So, no, I would not use the word “graceful” to describe my aging process.
Around the middle of June, shortly after I had turned 49, I decided to take charge of the situation. I’ve been fitness walking on my lunch breaks, and alternating between cycling (which I really have grown to enjoy), light weight training, and good ol’ calisthenics. The practical upshot is, I’ve lost 6 pounds since I started, and I just generally feel a lot less crappy.
Jim
My dear brother-in-law: you and I have so much in common, having been utterly ADORABLE in our 20s!! I sort of sadly chuckled through your article because, well, I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! Migrianes, stomach problems, lack of energy, etc. – I too wonder where my youth, health and vitality went.
Perhaps we should take a lesson from my mom. She will turn 87 years old in August. She suffers from a heart condition, hearing loss, macular degeneration, emphysema and terrible arthrtiis. But every morning she wakes up, walks 2 miles, swims, does yoga, and involves herself in healthy and life-sustaining activities. I guess it’s all mind over matter (and our mind does matter since our bodies are going to hell in a handbasket…!)
Wishing you a very happy upcoming bday and hoping that the best years are ahead of you, bringing you renewed strength, a positive outlook, and everything your (aging) heart desires!!!!
“When a defining moment comes along you define the moment-or the moment defines you”
This is THE time..YOUR time..THE moment…you know what to do..its not a lack of knowledge, it’s always a lack of consistent execution. Find what you love to do, as I have found boxing, kickboxing, doing kettlebells and bodyforging at my gym, my dream place to work out . You are always welcome to work out with us, love having you there. Want to make the next part of the journey the best part.
“Experience is not what happens to a man, it’s what a man does with what happens to him”
Be part of this experience
I believe we all go through simular moments when the mental and physical balance are not on the same plain. My Dr. has told me I have high cholesterol and they are checking to see if I may be dieabetic. Yet when I look in the mirror I see a very high energenic, full of life, playful woman, not the getting older, watch what you eat, need to change your diet person that my Dr. does. Point being, the physical side is growing older before my mental side is. So, if need be, just move a little slower but don’t stop!
Mr. Noah, you’re my oldest friend (Not age!) You have to be a little like “Saint” Paula. Mom is either at the gym or walking everyday. Never sits still, and takes care of all our kids. She runs circles around me. Stay active physically but also mentally. I’m trying not to dwell on the negative. Remind yourself “It could always be worse” It’s the mantra of one of my favorite foreign flicks “My life As a Dog”
Don’t let your fears take over & prevent you from experiencing the many things you enjoyed.
I thoroughly enjoyed your article & I can definitely relate. Ciao For Now……
Noah, this was an amazing piece. I am only 21, and am not going to lie in pretty good shape
lol but i doubt it will always be this easy. I actually lost a little weight in the last year, and you would never think it but im pretty sure its due to the decrease in alcohol. The freshman 15 really does apply, so if you drink id say veer away from that! And also just have a positive and cleansed mind, maybe if you refrain from thinking about your weight it wont be as much of an issue and you can overcome your fear of having a heart attack… dont let a few bumps in the road keep you away from nature!
Dr. Noah,
As several people have already pointed out, the MIND is the most important part! You can swim, run, jump, climb, dodge, and bicycle till your body falls apart at the seams, but if your mind isn’t in the right spot, you’re just setting yourself up for failure.
Yes, an active and healthy lifestyle is part of the equation, but if you don’t first CONSISTENTLY and PASSIONATELY see yourself living the life that you want to be living, then, well, you’ll never see it.
Dig?
- Aaron
Noah, my friend and confidant, I give you all the support I can, but you also know I’m a subscriber to the “tough love” philosophy, so here’s my recipe for success: Fondly remember your past, enjoy and revel in your present, and accept and embrace changes in your future.
Those salad days of your youth are behind you so put those old photos back where they belong and stop wishing/hoping you can be that person again. Your knees, abs, lungs, heart, and hair will never ever look or function in the same way they did a half a lifetime ago. It was fun while it lasted, but it didn’t last (BTW, it doesn’t for any of us). Reset your brain and your life goals to the present and beyond. Right now you go walking for fitness, hunting for trophies, and working for a paycheck. Imagine how much more satisfying your life could be if you went walking for a fleeting glimpse of the dolphins surfacing in the bay, hunting for the chill up your spine when a barred owl calls from a tree directly overhead, or working in a career that makes you smile at the end of a long, hard day. In all of those examples you can still get where you want to go, but you’ll enjoy the trip so much more.
Be less critical of yourself. You’ve had a lifetime of being a successful over-achiever. That’s a hard mindset from which to throttle back, but imagine how many more goals you can achieve if they’re realistic ones from the start rather than trying to replicate successes of the past. It’s OK to get an A minus every now and then.
And finally, learn to trust yourself. As a center fielder you instinctively turned and ran toward a fly ball before you ever heard the crack of the bat. As a stock broker you followed both your gut and experience to make split second trading decisions. So, what’s my point? (smile) My point is that sometimes you need to put away all the pie chart analysis, the focus group discussions, the election day exit polls, and the blog questionnaires (yeah, I mean this one) and just DO what needs to be done. Sorry to be so Zen, but very often the answer lies within you, Grasshoppah. Please indulge a few one-liners. “Opinions are like assholes – everyone has one and most of them stink!” Go with your gut, make a decision and then execute that decision. Less talk, more walk. In the words of an unnamed very tall mutual friend who lives on a trout infested farm in southwest Wisconsin, “When all is said and done… more is said… than done.” It’s in your power to choose which side of that equation applies to you.
It’s alright to occasionally reminisce about who you were but don’t forget to celebrate who you are. Look forward to things. It’s good to ask questions and seek knowledge, but there comes a time to put that knowledge into action. Believe and know that you are better positioned to make good choices about your life than anyone else from whom you ask advice. And hey, if you end up making really bad choices anyway, the rest of us can always order a few pizzas and invite you over for an intervention.
Noah,
You are blessed with many people around you who care. I’m not going to attempt to give you a lengthy analysis, mostly because others have said it better than I can.
We have known each other for many years, and share many traits (including the “overachiever” stuff).
My advice is this. Learn from what Max is teaching us.
Live and do what makes you happy.
Your friend,
Jim
Noah my friend
I think as we get older our mental image of ourselves tend to fade with age because of what we used to look like . The good thing about it is that we are only as old as we feel and I truly believe that. Try not to get caught up with your age and just take care of your mental toughness and your body the best way you know how. You can help your self age gracefully just by keeping the stress to a minimum. Consider yourself as Aging to Perfection rather than reflecting back to Fading looks . If that makes any sense.
Enjoy Life my friend,
Robbie
“Better to be over the hill than under it”
or “Holy crap I’m gonna be 61 next birthday”
Hey Noah
Your just a kid, lighten up and have some fun. I had aches and pains all last week from trying to out-swim the eighty year olds at the pool at Huntington Lakes. Yes, after climbing three flights of stairs out of the NYC subway I am a little winded but that’s my exercise for the morning. Eating a lot of bran and Crestor keeps my cholesterol at a safe level and yes I eat a dirty water hot dog every once in a while.
My arms do hurt for a few days after reeling in a load of bluefish. Yeah when we were kids we would fish day and night, but that’s back then.
Enjoy every day, because every day is a gift. Have fun, get spiritual ( no you don’t have to go to shul) l, drink in moderation. Lightning could strike at any time, but the odds are still in your favor.
If the doctor say’s your OK, don’t go back for five years.
You will be OK
Heshy