What Seniors Can Do is What Seniors Want to Do

” Do not resuscitate!” Some seniors have notified their relatives, friends and doctors and written wills to advise of the wish that they do not want resuscitation efforts made after a major medical event or accident. These are not the seniors to whom this article is addressed. This is for those who want every last effort made to have them survive in as good a condition as possible.

It is now almost impossible for a family to survive on one income. In addition the pace of life has increased. There is less time for social and recreational activities or family holidays. The young were and still are deprived of opportunities to enjoy themselves. It makes sense then that they should want to do so when they have retired. Medical science has increased life expectancy The time lost by the young is now available to seniors as are the funds if good provision has been so made.

Fishing, lawn bowls and golf are traditional outdoor activities for the retiree. Knitting, bingo and puzzles are the usual indoor pursuits for seniors. None of these things will re-capture a lost youth. Stomache churning, blood rushing thrills are not to be found in these recreations. It is not suggested that seniors should attempt to join rugby or football clubs nor try to face the current Lillee or Larwood even in the nets. Contact sports and events where safety relies on fast reaction times are best left to the young.

Aging muscles, stiffening joints, failing eyesight and the like have to be acknowledged. This should not stop the senior looking for new experiences. The last limiting factor should be what others might think. Take a ride on a modern roller coaster at a fun park. If the rapid descent of the big dipper is enjoyable then the sky is the limit. If not acrobatic sky diving then at least parachute jumping is a possibility(Top News). A move to base jumping should perhaps not be attempted but bungee jumping is a certain starter.

White water rafting if only as a “make weight” passenger could be exciting (Rafting for Seniors). Many may even graduate to wielding a paddle. Canoeing as a single or a double may be beyond reach. Swimming is a great chance for seniors to excel particularly in distance events where time is not of the essence. The greater thrill is in taking part in open water events rather than in pools.

Modern athletics disciplines are often a matter of mastering a technique. Age is no barrier in this respect. A sub-four minute mile might not be a possibility but a respectable half or full marathon is certainly attainable. There are now many “masters” or “seniors” events where competition if that is desired is with others of a similar age (World Master Athletics).

Driving a Formula One racing car may not be a good idea but if moving fast is attractive then cycling is for any age group(Bicycling World). A stage win in the Tour de France may not be within reach but it is definitely possible to ride some of the less cruel stages albeit not in the race itself.

With even modest funds and reasonably good health most seniors can do and enjoy whatever they want. They can also often do what in their youth they missed because of the pressures of modern life.

References:

Parachuting : http://www.topnews.in/97yearold-becomes-britains-oldest-parachutist-2147367

Rafting for Seniors : http://www.raftwet.com/rafting-for-seniors.html

World Masters Athletics : http://www.world-masters-athletics.org/

Cycling : http://www.bicyclingworld.com/templates/touring.aspx?rqID=3


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