Members of my dad's family would always do black balloons for a 50th birthday.
For what it's worth, I'm right around the corner (I turn 48 in Sept) and feel very much the same way: aging is a reality, and you can adjust to it. There's no "graceful" about it, but there can be a "prepared" and "accepting", and that can really improve your quality of life.
I do jiu jitsu several times a week, training with people 25 years younger than me, while they try to catch me in submissions. My style has continued to evolve and adapt into more lazy, more effective, less risky movements. I do the jiu jitsu today that I want to do when I'm 70, so that by the time I'm 70, I'm good at it.
I think jiu jitsu is a LOT more amenable to older folks doing it than any other martial art, except stuff like Tai Chi, where the "aliveness" has been removed.
This footage is overused and somewhat problematic, but useful in illustrating this, wherein Helio (the old dude) is about 80 at the time of filming:
Go Helio!! For me it's going to be old age tennis, which has been my lifelong thing, but that only works in reality if I keep playing and I'm many years lapsed...
I have found that supplementing my normal athletic activities (now a much lower level than 10 years go), with daily walks has been incredibly beneficial.
Not to mention: I get a lot of ideas for articles during walks.
Love the article and the reference to one of the best SNL characters Sally, Happy 50! As I approach the big 50 myself in 5 months this article jives with me and my ever multiplying grays, keep moving and continue to kick…. Stretch…….. and Kick….50!
No suggestions for names but it does have a River Styx quality, but that means it transports, has a fluid quality, can go back and forth, travel into dark places and then travel out.
Members of my dad's family would always do black balloons for a 50th birthday.
For what it's worth, I'm right around the corner (I turn 48 in Sept) and feel very much the same way: aging is a reality, and you can adjust to it. There's no "graceful" about it, but there can be a "prepared" and "accepting", and that can really improve your quality of life.
I do jiu jitsu several times a week, training with people 25 years younger than me, while they try to catch me in submissions. My style has continued to evolve and adapt into more lazy, more effective, less risky movements. I do the jiu jitsu today that I want to do when I'm 70, so that by the time I'm 70, I'm good at it.
Who knew you could play the long game in jiu jitsu, that's cool. I also like the black balloon idea!
I think jiu jitsu is a LOT more amenable to older folks doing it than any other martial art, except stuff like Tai Chi, where the "aliveness" has been removed.
This footage is overused and somewhat problematic, but useful in illustrating this, wherein Helio (the old dude) is about 80 at the time of filming:
https://youtu.be/UxjWhMrn_ic
Go Helio!! For me it's going to be old age tennis, which has been my lifelong thing, but that only works in reality if I keep playing and I'm many years lapsed...
I have found that supplementing my normal athletic activities (now a much lower level than 10 years go), with daily walks has been incredibly beneficial.
Not to mention: I get a lot of ideas for articles during walks.
oh me too, love the walks, so important. And showers for deep thoughts. I live along the Hudson so visiting the river is like my church.
The James runs through Richmond, and I visit a little tributary just about every day for a few minutes.
Love the article and the reference to one of the best SNL characters Sally, Happy 50! As I approach the big 50 myself in 5 months this article jives with me and my ever multiplying grays, keep moving and continue to kick…. Stretch…….. and Kick….50!
Embrace the gray! I can't believe we've come so far. Miles to go!
Amazing writing. Happy Belated Birthday 🎂. We'll live forever. There is no mid-life 🥰
I tend to agree! and thank you!
Sally is a good role model. And that cool black folding kayak sounds like a great (somehow resonant) birthday present.
I love the kayak and need to name her if you have any ideas. I'm told it's coffin-like. Not the best metaphor like that...
No suggestions for names but it does have a River Styx quality, but that means it transports, has a fluid quality, can go back and forth, travel into dark places and then travel out.
Oooh I like that, but since we're working with a calm lake here, maybe it's the Lake Styx.
There you go!