Dive planning for older divers 70+

[Ukmc]

There are very specific changes that occur with physiology of aging that effect cardiovascular and respiratory system even in fit persons. I suspect, that is the reason for age being an independent risk factor for DCS.

 

[ofg-1]

It probably doesn't affect nitrogen loading per se, but there's evidence to suggest that DCS risk increases with age:

In general, doesn't the risk of anything from sudden cardiac death to a bad case of the sharts increase with age?

 

[boulderjohn]

In general, doesn't the risk of anything from sudden cardiac death to a bad case of the sharts increase with age?

Yes, and that sort of thing can explain the undeniable fact that the older people are more likely to die on a dive than younger people. The question raised in this thread that is more problematic is the question of whether DCS is more likely to occur in older people.

DCS is a cause of death in only a very small percentage of fatalities.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

In general, doesn't the risk of anything from sudden cardiac death to a bad case of the sharts increase with age?

Yeah, but the title of the thread isn't sharts

 

[scrane]

I am an older diver, and have never had any indication of systemic DCS, but regularly fall victim to "skin bends". I suspect I have PFO.
I do not get skin bends when diving nitrox with an "air" profile.
Please don't tell me I'm going to die. At 76 that's becoming generally apparent.

 

[drewh1]

Please don't tell me I'm going to die. At 76 that's becoming generally apparent.

Yes, as the OP, death is not a concern. I am not even concerned about getting bent as I won't be doing the whole 5 dives a day thing anymore. I was really more curious about the physiology. Thanks to those of you who provided thoughtful responses with some useful information.

 

[dmaziuk]

Yes, as the OP, death is not a concern. I am not even concerned about getting bent as I won't be doing the whole 5 dives a day thing anymore. I was really more curious about the physiology. Thanks to those of you who provided thoughtful responses with some useful information.

Cells generally get worse at "bouncing back"as we age so one would expect the symptoms to be worse and last longer if one gets bent. The model itself does not care, but the M-values are statistical. So you have to wonder what the average age of the sample was: the farther you're from it, the less representative of you the statistics is.

 

[jadairiii]

As an older diver myself, I think a relationship between age and DCS would be related to circulation issues that can arise as we age. The flow of blood through the tissues is a key factor in both on-gassing and off-gassing.

I would agree on the "blood flow" issue, and I for one, have a LOT more scar tissue at 64 than I had at 24. Most of it is located in joints!

 

[Macfod]

I am an older diver, and have never had any indication of systemic DCS, but regularly fall victim to "skin bends". I suspect I have PFO.
I do not get skin bends when diving nitrox with an "air" profile.
Please don't tell me I'm going to die. At 76 that's becoming generally apparent.

I had my first skin bend incident 7 years ago after 15 years deep tufty diving for 15 years previous.Got checked and yes pfo.
I now dive air profile on nitrox and max 2 dives a day and no deep dives etc.
Occasionally with shorter dive interval a rash so know to be carefull.
And the biggy is after dives be careful and relax and always take off gear in water.
Stupid boy yday I did a short dive and exited with gear up hill..
Bang..,skin bend but went after few hours.
So a reminder to me.. dont push it..at 67 and carrying more weight its always been on abdomen.
Happy to let my wife do the extra dives whilst I watch.

 

[Maolli]

In general, doesn't the risk of anything from sudden cardiac death to a bad case of the sharts increase with age?

In my own personal experience, there is no "risk" of sharts with advanced age. It's more a matter of waking up and wondering if it's going to happen today or tomorrow and where I'll be when it happens.