Rude awakening: 70 is not the new 50. It is the old 70.

[DFW]

Yesterday, for the first time in 19 years, we went into very deep water. I refused a flotation aid, as I hadn't ever needed one.

Oops.

In the 19 years, my condition has weakened somewhat, and I was out of breath trying to keep afloat. I felt my heart pounding, as struggled to get to shore. I barely made it. One of the crew, who had a flotation device with him, saw I was having difficulty, gave it to me, and I was fine after that. But for a few seconds, I felt some true panic. In some things, 70 is not the new 50, no matter how good the slogan feels.

[qazplm135]

1. 70 is the new 50

if that 50 is really really old.

[vanlassie]

2. Remember you can always roll over on to your back.

[DFW]

16. I know, but I still had to get somewhere secure

I didn't want to leave it until the last second.

[elleng]

3. Glad assistance was available.

I do complain (in my mind) that whenever I'm @ grocery parking lot, someone (always a different someone!) asks if I need assistance. (My gait isn't what it used to be, and neither is my hair!)

[agingdem]

4. if 70 is the new 50 then is 90 the new dead??

just love it when a 30 something tells me age is nothing more than a state of mind..so I suppose cataracts, protruding veins, gnarled fingers, stooped shoulders, and gray hair are just a figment of my imagination...good to know...

[llashram]

5. true, old age is

challenging...take it from a 74-year-old...

[MOMFUDSKI]

6. I admit I am starting to feel my 74 years.

It is just little things but they add up to "what the hell happened?". Just the other day my gal friend commented on all the pretty colors our skin has turned. We laughed.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

7. 74 here too, have a staff for walking around the property,

and a cane for walking around when in town. I'm thinking of moving up to a walker. One with brakes.

[Elessar Zappa]

8. Yikes!

Glad you’re ok!

[DFW]

17. That makes two of us! n/t

[gab13by13]

9. I hear ya, 74 here,

I say 70 is the new 50 in golf. With the new equipment and souped up golf balls, I still play from the back tees.

Forget swimming, I sink like a rock even in the ocean. I truly believe that I drowned in a former life.

I wouldn't worry DFW, it may just be a case of using different muscles that haven't been used in a while.

[DFW]

18. I'm sure that was part of it

We are the ocean a lot off Cape Cod every summer, but usually boogie board surfing, not fish gazing.

[marie999]

10. When I go to my doctors, they say I am in great shape for my age.

I tell them I don't want to be in great shape for my age, I want to be in great shape period.

[beaglelover]

11. I'm a bit younger than you and had a close call with drowning in St. Croix about 10 years ago.

Since then I never go far into the ocean where I can't easily touch the bottom. I'm just not as strong a swimmer as I used to be and I work out regularly. Oh well.

[DFW]

19. That's probably it.

That, and too long between the times I tried it.

Plus, I just don't have the time to work out regularly. My work days usually have me up by 5, and not done until 11 PM or later. I do walk a lot while working, at least, and cities like Brussels and Zürich are full of hills.

[mnhtnbb]

12. I was very careful today

getting in/out of the water to snorkel today (on Bonaire). My balance is not what it was even two years ago. The resort where I am has a fabulous beach where you can walk in adjacent to a dock. I did. And I needed to hold on to the dock walking out.

No problem for me with deep water: it's the getting in/ out where the tide is challenging my balance that's the problem. Age 71.

[lostnfound]

13. I enjoy your posts so much, DFW. Please stay safe..

You would be sorely missed.

[DFW]

20. Thanks!

I'd miss the board, too!

[tirebiter]

14. I'm the youngster in my surf crowd

Im a bodyboarders at 681/2. There are guys in their mid 70’s out in the water. I did just have back surgery for sciatica and my blood pressures up. Plan to go out at least once more but im not gonna buy any more wet suits, probably

[highplainsdem]

15. Thank God you're all right! And 70 CAN be the new 50, but only if you take really, really

good care of yourself.

This book is a good place to start:

https://www.youngernextyear.com/

[DFW]

21. I'm sure I'll never have the time to do what any such book recommends

But I'll take it under advisement, thanks!