I agree.. we have to be realistic and think of others diving with us. We often arrange dive trips together with others of similar age. We have an understanding of our age related issues and how they relate to our diving safety. We make informed choices about the risks we share.ME TOO!
I have found personally that now I am 49, I can afford to do more recreational diving in nicer locations with nicer equipment. Unfortunately, the body is not keeping up with my salary nor my mental capacity. I still have the mentality of a 20 year old single soldier, but the responsibility of being a husband, father, and professional.
I am still in excellent physical shape, but I do have limitations, and I believe that is the spirit of this post. Ultimately I cannot be a burden to my dive buddies because I physically can no longer do something. Now if I want to go jump out of a plane and not pull my 'chute, that's on me. But with diving, I involve the entire group who will make the effort to rescue me. I promise to always be realistic about my capabilities as a diver. It's not just about me.
In reality I feel safer diving with my 50 and up dive friends. They are experienced, competent and maintain situational awareness with each other. We all take our age and physical limitations int consideration. I don't have to worry about one of them being up half the night partying, diving dehydrated, hungover or going for stupid personal bests.. such as depth etc.
IN short I would rather dive with a sensible old geezer than some hung over Adonis who has no concept of his own mortality yet.