Ageing

[Tim Wong]

I have been wondering. When one gets older, say 40's and 50's, what would effect the person most. Would it be fatique, equalization problems (slower to equalize) or are the 2 connected?

 

[miketsp]

This post is not going to make you very popular.

I'm at the top end of the range you gave and I don't have any of the symptoms you mention.

 

[Tim Wong]

This post is not going to make you very popular.

I'm at the top end of the range you gave and I don't have any of the symptoms you mention.

Mike, it is not the idea of getting popular here. I'm trying to understand the efffects on myself also. That's all. Anyway thanks for your reply.

 

[donacheson]

I have been wondering. When one gets older, say 40's and 50's, what would effect the person most. Would it be fatique, equalization problems (slower to equalize) or are the 2 connected?

Don't worry about it. I'm pushing 70 and still actively diving, but confining myself to warm, clear blue water. As one gains experience diving, it becomes easier and one's confidence improves. However, the gain in confidence is tempered by an acceptance of one's limitations.

You'll learn to go with the flow - literally with the current and figuratively with the other uncontrollable circumstances and forces in one's life.

 

[Tim Wong]

Greybeard, that is great news. Good to know that I will be enjoying diving for many many more years to come. Cheers.

 

[TomvdH]

I personally have found that age is not an issue, regardless of what ailment you may be interested in exploring, if a diver takes care of their health. [I have 30+ years of diving - so far - and am looking forward to another 30]

 

[chrisch]

As you get older it gets harder to do things that you took for granted when you were 20. Diving, if undertaken with care, is not that demanding. I think I am right in saying Tom Mount was deep diving well into his 70s.

In terms of DCS from what I have read previous injury can be a factor, so I guess statistically injuries increase with age.

I've just done my trimix course with the wife. 45 and 36 respectivley...

Chris

 

[redacted]

As I get real close to 60, I think the biggest change is the loss of flexibility as joints age. I do a fair amount of cardio and weight exercise so endurance and strength are not a problem. Back pains occasionally show up, but is manageable. But the reduction in flexibility demands a bit more time and effort in donning and doffing gear as well as entering and exiting the water. In water is OK except those old hips make you use various kicking techniques, none very pretty.

 

[scubapro50]

The problem I have had is the "younger" divers who think my equipment is old and dated or that I'm not up on the latest diving issues because I havent taken a referesher course. They fail to realize that i make 10 to 20 dives a year and have been doing it for over 30 years ................ I'll still take my old Scubapro MK10 over any of the "newer" regulators out there and I can still figure out a repetive dive with out the use of a computer (love it when those "newbie" divers get out to a dive sight and find their batteries are low and panic).

 

[montyb]

I turned 60 last june, have been diving since I was 16 in 1960. My shoulders are trashed and have no cart. (bone on bone) on Knees...Doc. says I'm too young to have my knees fixed. But once I get in the water those things don't bother me. Still dive 53 degree water in San Diego and Big Island of Hawaii once a year. Like many said - you can still do it, it just might take a little longer to get suited up, get back on the boat. But the skills are still there.
montyb