How old is too old?

[Gallix23]

Hey everyone,

I'm 18 and in the process of getting PADI certified (have my two confined dives coming up next week! ). However, my mother, who is in her mid 40s, is also getting certified with me. It was our idea to do it, but my father seems to think that she's "too old" to do it and thinks that it's a dangerous idea for her.

Is this true? She's in pretty decent shape; she always freshwater snorkels with me when we get the chance, and her only medical condition is high blood pressure (which her primary care physician already approved on the medical form). So is there really that much more risk for someone who is older rather than younger?

Thanks!

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

The local dive shop owner / instructor is in his mid-60's, and dives several times a week with classes and leading tours.

I'm 51, my wife is "forty-something" and we plan to dive until, well, we can't anymore. Hopefully that wont be for many years.

Your mom should be able to dive until you are in your "mid 40's" She'll be able to dive with your kids as long as she keeps fit and active.

Best wishes.

 

[mselenaous]

Well I've certified new open water students from as young as ages 11 to age 69. You are as old as you feel. Your Mom can be an active diver for as long as her health & fitness levels allow for safe diving. It a great family activity. Just remember to dive within your limits. Have a long and fun dive life ahead of you. Dive Safe!

 

[Gallix23]

Thanks for the responses guys! I'll be sure to pass the information along

 

[mselenaous]

PS: I'm now 47 and got into diving on a professional level at 41. More power to her!
Have your Mom check out the Scuba Chix forum. Sounds like Dad should be checking out the Grumpy Old Divers Forum.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

One of my dive buddies is 79 and still dives at least once a month. A man got certified in my OW Instructor's previous class at 76.

 

[FlyinV]

I seem like a youngster at 41 -- most of the people I dive with seem a tad older then me.
I would bet I am almost right in the middle age wise in my circle of dive buddies.
Some of the best diver I have dove with are hitting 60 and have only been diving 10-15 years.

So your mom in her mid 40's won't have a problem at all.

 

[Walter]

Your dad is mistaken.

 

[Sas]

No your mother is not even close to being too old to dive.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

Your dad is mistaken.

So far this year I know that I have certified at least a dozen people over the age of 40 and a few in their 50's. I'm 53 and started diving 30 years ago. Barring any unforseen medical problems I plan on diving another 30 years.

Granted I might have to give up diving HP 120 doubles and doing long deco dives. Maybe I'll switch to a small set of steel 72's but that's just a small scarifice I'm willing to make. Ha-Ha.

Under the water you are weightless and remember the slower you dive the more you will see and the less air you will use.