Considering learning Scuba diving at 50 years old am I insane?

[TheRealScubaSanta]

Hi all new to the forum and the world of Scuba, I am a 100% disabled (PTSD) Veteran in Springfield, Mo. who can swim just enough to not drown and takes 3 times the effort of decent swimmers to swim forward LOL I am strongly considering taking scuba lessons for exercise and PTSD/Stress relief is this a good idea? What can I look forward to in learning. I am hoping to learn for under photography, metal detecting and fun. I am a slow learner due to my PTSD but once a concept locks into my mind I tend to remember it (Just takes longer than some folks). How much money am I looking at for gear? above the beginner basic stuff I tend to try to by stuff I can grow/learn into rather than constantly upgrade as I learn. what books, video, magazines, websites ect. should I look at? computer or ipad software that will be useful etc.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

EdwardMH

I started my classes just before my 57th birthday and finished up with my open water dives to get my certification in about 6 weeks. I would have done it a lot quicker, but I had a bad sinus and ear infection that prevented me from being able to equalize my ear pressure. And then it got into my throat and eventually became a full blown respiratory infection. Scuba diving has always been a dream of mine and now I am having a blast.

 

[bowlofpetunias]

My swimming improved a lot with diving. They didn't care how I did the 200M swim as long as I could do it. Funny thing is that the thing that scared me most in my life was learning to dive... now diving is the thing that relaxes me the most I started at 48.. now at 63 I think the only insane thing was that I waited too long to start. Get your physical clearance and give it a try

 

[EdwardMH]

Ok, official status update.....
the VA Doctors here refuse to sign off on the medical release form NOT for medical reasons but LIABILITY. One Dr. Told me the only reason for the medical release form is so the instructor and student do not have to take responsibility if something goes wrong and they can sue the Dr. She told me I should just sign a motorized statement that says I take full responsibility for any mishaps and stop looking for someone else to blame.... I was shocked and worried because that still does not tell me MEDICALLY if I am fit physically or mentally to learn Scuba. And this was just for the Try Scuba class not the full heading to open Water class. Trying to find a local Civilian Doctor that understand PTSD to let go over my medical records for a decision. Oh the same day the VA Dr. Told me that she would not fill out the release form she told me I could stay off my medications so no medications to be an issue now. (Service Dog helps a lot).

 

[diver 85]

I would answer your Q as follows......:"NO"......but----you do need to get busy, you're burning daylite..

 

[EdwardMH]

Oh, I forgot to mention I am taking swimming lessons at DiVentures and getting better (if I learn how to breath right lol) I used fins last class for the first time WOW what a difference, with fins I will have no issues doing the required swim test for Scuba class AND they said I can so next pay day I am buying mySnorkel gear. Still confused on what to get though, DiVentures has several fins that slip onto scuba boots but I read that the slip on shoe type were better and lees likely to slip off....

---------- Post added May 15th, 2014 at 03:49 PM ----------

NO as in I should not try Scuba?

 

[diver 85]

Oh, I forgot to mention I am taking swimming lessons at DiVentures and getting better (if I learn how to breath right lol) I used fins last class for the first time WOW what a difference, with fins I will have no issues doing the required swim test for Scuba class AND they said I can so next pay day I am buying mySnorkel gear. Still confused on what to get though, DiVentures has several fins that slip onto scuba boots but I read that the slip on shoe type were better and lees likely to slip off....

---------- Post added May 15th, 2014 at 03:49 PM ----------

NO as in I should not try Scuba?

If you're 'talking' to me---I was answering your question " am I insane? ".......I got my best friend growing up interested in SCUBA in 2000(I had been certified 15 years before in '85)---we were 48 YO @ the time......He now(@ age 62) knows more---& does 'things'--better than me---UW .......I can remember when he was 'Mr. 50 Questions'---now, I do a lot of the question asking....

 

[Subcooled]

Medically ok but liability is a problem? Ridiculous. Get certified abroad or pick a suitable agency that is more relaxed.

 

[pasley]

First off Edward, thank you for your service to our nation.

.... I am a 100% disabled (PTSD) Veteran in Springfield, Mo. who can swim just enough to not drown....

Ok so far. Divers who are totally paralyzed and can only move their heads get certified to SCUBA dive and have a great time. You don't have to be a great swimmer. You will want to ensure your instructor is Handicapped SCUBA Association (HSA) International certified. I say that because there are things about teaching individuals with a disability that are not readily apparent and if you have not been specifically trained to do it, you don't even know you don't know it.

....taking scuba lessons for exercise and PTSD/Stress relief is this a good idea?

SCUBA is great for PTSD. It has helped many to archive a respite from the flashbacks, and to find a small space of peace. The being bone tired at the end of a day and the solid night sleep doesn't hurt either

....What can I look forward to in learning?

Many things, but most of all how to have a whole lot of fun and to do it safely. Part of the training focuses of the mechanics of diving, buoyancy control, not holding your breath ever, clearing ears, fining technique, clearing mask and regulator, and a whole bunch of it focuses on what to do if something happens (goes wrong) drills. These you will practice until they are simply natural reactions to the emergency stimulus. These include regulator recovery, regulator free flow and the ever popular "I am a dumb ass who doesn't check his/her air gauge and ran out of air drills.

....I am a slow learner due to my PTSD but once a concept locks into my mind I tend to remember it (Just takes longer than some folks).

The PTSD is probably not the culprit here. It is most likely your Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) formerly called a concussion. How many times were you blown up? Each time takes its toll. Any time you work up after an incident you may have gotten a TBI. This means your short term memory is damaged. In about 2 weeks it moves to long term memory and you an access it. So you need to read it 3 times. The first time don't do anything but just read to get the overall picture. Reading 2 weeks ahead of the class will allow you to participate more fully in the class too.

....How much money am I looking at for gear?

A bunch. Oceanic has a grant of mask, fins, and snorkel available to you. Fins are the expensive part $80-300 with $180 being about right for a decent pair of fins.

Enjoy and if I can help you find one of the many non-profits teaching near you let me know in a PM.

 

[sheeper]

I too suffer from PTSD. And though I started diving a very long time ago (yes...I am over 50!), scuba has become a key part of my PTSD "therapy".
Do it....embrace it and go diving. As long as you are otherwise healthy, it will be a great adventure!


and THANK YOU for your service.

 

[emoreira]

Nope, not insane. I started diving at 59. The only issue, the regret that I had not started sooner.

Though I started diving at 46, I also regret not started earlier.