You're Never Too Old To Be A Mediocre Athlete. Here Are Tips To Help You Become One
On the day I celebrated my 84th birthday, I had another reason to revel. I completed eight laps in the small indoor swimming pool of my health club. I did not swallow water.
Others sharing the lanes zoomed from one end to the other. Instead of rising at that target like I do to catch my breath, they dive below, flip, and swim easily to the other side. I admire, but do not envy.
They are all younger than I. By their appearance --broad shoulders, V-shaped torsos, and muscled biceps -- I surmise they've been swimming since they were tossed in a pool as a toddler, or were enrolled in infant classes at their local YMCA's. I didn't learn until age 79. My achievement was hard won. It took me a lifetime to find a coach who could teach me the simple crawl.
I am grateful that I have been able to accomplish my mediocre style that keeps me swimming three mornings at 5 a.m.
I have a ritual. I pack the night before so there is no chance of abandoning my intent, or feeling rushed. I bring swim fins because that extra length allows for better balancing and force. I place goggles on my eyes BEFORE the swim cap. This reversal, which I learned by searching "How to keep water from getting in my eyes," leads to a chlorine-free experience.
If you, like me, have read reports that exercise leads to a longer life and mood booster, perhaps have had an ache to become an athlete, I offer other suggestions; some simple, others challenging:
-Reside near a health club or YMCA. I realize this may be impossible at this late stage, but if you're contemplating a move, or if you are deciding between living on your own, or settling in senior housing, I recommend this alternative. Preferably, you should select lodgings within walking distance of my suggested establishments. Avoiding transportation will ease your ambitions.
If your sights are set on senior housing, seek a facility that includes an indoor lap swimming pool and a gym.
-On the other hand, if you're not a candidate for senior housing, find a center that has younger people as members. I have nothing against my cohort, but when I exit my club at 5:30 am, the rush of youthful athletes coming in transforms me into a coed on a college campus. I am content in my age of 84, but I don't necessarily need to be around my category throughout the day.
-Starting my day at the health club brings a handful of friends who rise early, too. I can feel strips of leftover sleep dissolving, being replaced by delight. "Good morning." "Good to see you." "How was your weekend?" These swift, but pleasant greetings can eliminate the isolation seniors are warned about. Loneliness can be as menacing as a slip and fall, we're told. Younger folks who frequent my club are upbeat. That spirit modifies mine.
-Before you settle on one athletic activity where you can be contently mediocre -- such as swimming for me -- I suggest sampling a few. Here's my list of rejects: tennis, golf, yoga, running, Pilates, and weight training. I never reprimanded myself for being a dropout. Instead, I allowed myself to release, and to move on to something more palatable. Tell yourself it's an experience then attempt a different sport.
-Suit up. Don't borrow a friend's athletic clothing because you're reluctant to shell out shekels for an activity you may abandon. Treat yourself. If the sport sinks in your enthusiasm, find a charity that will recycle the tennis racket, golf clubs, yoga mat, swim fins, or other accessories. This way any incurred guilt for giving up will be tempered by your charity.