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Getting Old Sucks - Trying To Roll With The Punches

Old HiFi Guy

Old HiFi Guy

Well-Known Member
I enjoy my stereo equipment but I am getting older (72next week). I am nowhere I was even was 5 years ago as far as the ability to lift heavy items and carry them. Mainly my heavy power amps give me the most trouble. I have started to buy some 60-75 watt amps by Sonance, Alesis and Audosource. I already have a pair of Dayton APA-150's that I bought a few years back when they were about 1\2 the price they are today, I know some of you don't like the brands I mentioned but they work for me. Today I bought 2 Sonance Sonamp 260x3 amps for $30.00 for both of them. They work and look good so a score for me. They will be replacing 2 Radio Shack 100 watt amps that weigh about twice as much as the Sonances. Life goes on and I will be replacing a few more but also keeping a few my forever amps and receivers. Anyone else changing the game plans because of age or disabilities?
 
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When I set up my current stereo I placed everything up at waist level.

I used to sit on the floor with record albums scattered on the floor around me. The dials were all right there in my face. All the equipment was about coffee table height. Maybe I was being pro-active anticipating the altered state that usually ensued. Not so far to fall if you're already on the floor.

Today, getting down on the floor has to be well planned with nearby things to help pull myself up.
 
I'm 62 in September, but after recently seeing my parents and wife's parents go through the aging process slowly to the end, I decided I need to plan for a future seniors home system. Especially after I struggled to carry my 80 lbs McIntosh MC2205 from the main floor into the basement. To that end, I've put together a bedroom system that will come with us if that time ever happens. The speakers are my Kef 103.2 thrift store find from about 6 years ago.

Personally, I would prefer to pass in my own home.
 
Gents, the more you do, the more you can do. Eat right, go to the gym. Ban any form of sugar from your diet. I am tired of hearing about people my age being debilitated or ill. I, have yet, to take a prescription drug. Get your health under control. It's been said that your health is everything. Turns out, the alternative I have heard, really sucks.
 
turnitdown said:
Gents, the more you do, the more you can do. Eat right, go to the gym. Ban any form of sugar from your diet. I am tired of hearing about people my age being debilitated or ill. I, have yet, to take a prescription drug. Get your health under control. It's been said that your health is everything. Turns out, the alternative I have heard, really sucks.
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This is good advice…..except that you can still do all that and not be as capable at 65 as the 80 year old down the street that still runs marathons.

Being healthy either by dint or stint is great.

Listening to those people expound that it’s all controlled by choice gets tiresome.
 
You have two choices...accept you're heading for the dirt ditch, or take control. We never know when the end comes, but we have more control than we know. If you're tired of "it's being controlled by choice" you already gave up.
 
Some of it is hereditary. I inherited high BP and cholesterol from my folks. I work out 3-4x a week for 2 hrs per session, weights and cardio. Can't get my HDL much past 40. My wife who is alergic to exercise is in the mid 50s HDL. My BP is controlled but I take meds for it as well. Will be 65 this summer and can get around good and my strength is good. A new knee helped with that.
 
Bill S said:
Some of it is hereditary. I inherited high BP and cholesterol from my folks. I work out 3-4x a week for 2 hrs per session, weights and cardio. Can't get my HDL much past 40. My wife who is alergic to exercise is in the mid 50s HDL. My BP is controlled but I take meds for it as well. Will be 65 this summer and can get around good and my strength is good. A new knee helped with that.
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There is heredity, it's true. If so, without self awareness, I should be dead. All that you mentioned is remediated by lifestyle. Choose your own path. I live to fight it.
 
I am a firm believer in the mantra Never Stop Moving.

That said, multiple injuries, multiple surgeries, and beating the **** out of myself (and having others do it) and yeah, I don’t carry as much for as long or move as fast as I did in my 30’s.

OP was lamenting that getting old sucks. It’s true. It does. Should everyone have an exercise program and eat healthy. Yes. Doesn’t mean you’re still going to be able to walk properly at 60 though.
 
turnitdown said:
There is heredity, it's true. If so, without self awareness, I should be dead. All that you mentioned is remediated by lifestyle. Choose your own path. I live to fight it.
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That's my point, its not always remedied with lifestyle. Some people get lucky and don't ever need meds. To you I say, it's really going to suck lying in a hospital one day dying from nothing.
 
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Bill S said:
That's my point, its not always remedied with lifestyle. Some people get lucky and don't ever need meds. To you I say, it's really going to suck lying in a hospital one day dying from nothing.
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Not sure where to go with that. It just makes me sad that people near my age, and younger, are falling to disease...some of which could be evaded by choice. I'm not naive in thinking that others don't suffer and fall early. Again, it just makes me sad.
 
Getting old may, indeed, "suck," but it sure beats the alternative. I'm grateful for every day, every ache I've earned, and the ability and desire to stay active. Try telling people with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's (like several my close friends) that it's all a choice. Live well, absolutely. Put down others for struggling with the challenges of aging.... Nope.

It's about choices... Until it isn't, and we never know when that time is.
 
turnitdown said:
Not sure where to go with that. It just makes me sad that people near my age, and younger, are falling to disease...some of which could be evaded by choice. I'm not naive in thinking that others don't suffer and fall early. Again, it just makes me sad.
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Yes, we have an obesity problem in this country. But to assume folks who need meds to regulate their metabolism aren't trying or aren't mentally tough is incorrect. We've all got our issues. Some are just more easily seen.
 
Bill S said:
Yes, we have an obesity problem in this country. But to assume folks who need meds to regulate their metabolism aren't trying or aren't mentally tough is incorrect. We've all got our issues. Some are just more easily seen.
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I am not indicting anyone of anything. Just sad to see my generation decay and go...regardless of the reason.
 
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I think growing old should be considered a luxury, if not in too terrible a situation with finances, health, and happiness.

After all, not everyone gets the chance.

And in all the recorded (and unrecorded history) the average life has only (until recently) been on an upward turn. Translation - we're all lucky to live at this very moment, where 70 or so is average, and with a bit of luck, hard work, and decent genetics, one can be productive as long as they reasonably want.
 
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