How old is too old?

[diversteve]

Ask your grandmother if she wants to join you both...lol

I recently read about a woman who wanted to dive all her life but never did. Until they retired, moved to Hawaii and she was certified - at 73...

 

[Gallix23]

Wow, thanks for all the reassurring replies everyone. Even I was starting to worry a bit about whether she should be doing it, but now that fear is totally gone. The only other thing is the "good shape" thing. Like what is considered good diving shape? My mom is active, is a nurse so she's on her feet all day at work, but she doesn't really exercise regularly or anything. Is this something she should start doing?

 

[SHARRON SUSSMAN]

Those steel 72s may be geezertanks, but they sure can keep you out of trouble! My husband & I are both 66 and met on a dive boat 15 years ago. No plans to stop diving either our local cold water or exotic warmer places anytime soon.

sharron

 

[thanksforallthefish]

Wow, thanks for all the reassurring replies everyone. Even I was starting to worry a bit about whether she should be doing it, but now that fear is totally gone. The only other thing is the "good shape" thing. Like what is considered good diving shape? My mom is active, is a nurse so she's on her feet all day at work, but she doesn't really exercise regularly or anything. Is this something she should start doing?

You are never too old to dive!

My instructor always told us the best exercise for diving was diving itself.

As long as you are in good health I see no reason to have any special exercise regime to dive, just dive within your limitations. A lot of people here would probably consider me unfit to dive (overweight0, but i have been diving for 20 years and never had any problems.

Just remember diving is for the vast majority relaxation and fun, no need to race around and cover a lot of ground, just a nice leisurely swim and you will see lots more than those that race around.

 

[CamG]

Greetings Gallix23 and I think you are asking a great question that has a very simple answer. If you can pass the physical, swim tests, academics, and perform the 18 basic skills you are good to go! I have personally assisted training divers over the 50-60 years old range and they have done awesome.
Diving encourages a healthy life style that not only helps people feel better it helps them live active lives. This alone can and will change the direction of lives for a positive direction. I think that the demographics of diving are moving in the direction of older divers being active longer thus leading more active health conscious lives. I personally am loving that fact because I am 41 and hoping for a long diving career.
I would encourage your father as well to give it a shot, try a Discover class to see if he would be interested. As far as your mother is concerned she is good to go as long as she meets the criteria for certification.
As for you, diving is holding a incredible limitless future of adventure. Never stop learning and continue to move forward to achieve your diving goals. The new directions that diving will take in your lifetime are absolutely endless. I have hope for this brave new future and your involvement in it is critical. Only through continued interest in diving is the science and innovations pushed to another level.
Keep at it and good luck!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[rongoodman]

I'm nearly 63 and looking forward to cave and trimix.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

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!

She's not too old.

I started my OW class on my 49th birthday. Since then I've done about 2400 dives.

Tell her to relax and enjoy diving with you ... she's got lots of great years and experiences ahead of her.

I have a buddy who's 81 and still dives ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[diver 85]

She's a young chick to many ie anyone over 47.......IMO, tell her to 'git wit it'....

 

[Jeff Toorish]

Your dad is wrong, we had student who was certified at 67, that was about two and a half years ago and he has done more than 700 dives since certification.

Do the math.

Jeff

 

[dhuskins]

Tell you mom that my wife and I became certified in our "late" forties. We have been loving it ever since.