Retirement Regrets

Ganga

eastcorkram said:

jim8888 said:

I can't understand why people don't exercise and keep fit, especially once you reach your fifties and sixties. Surely it is an absolute no-brainer in this day and age? There seems to be a cohort of retirees at my local gym and I often wonder what proportion of their age group they represent? How many over-sixties are active gym members going three or four times a week and working up a sweat? When you're retired you have so much time on your hands it seems to me there's no excuse for not taking care of your health, and that means that you must - if you physically can - do some serious exercise. From my peer group (now in their sixties), the main excuses for not doing any seems to be a lack of time, a (severe) lack of inclination or the feeling that it's too late to start now. One of the biggest proponents of all these excuses has just recently started going to the gym and it's transformed him - his weight has dropped, his blood pressure has reduced, his attitude and outlook has totally improved. Why this message, about the incredible benefits and necessity of exercise, isn't getting through to the majority of the population (not just the elderly) really puzzles me. 

I wouldn't have the faintest idea what I was supposed to do in a gym. Never set foot in one. 
Is there someone there who shows you what you're supposed to do? What each machine does, and how much of everything you're meant to do??

When i joined my local gym i had to meet up with one of the fitness coaches who showed me around and explained how all the equipment worked and how to use them ,a bit like a work assessment thing but they have several staff in the gym evert day if help is needed .  

barnstar2077

Scott_Chegg_ said:

barnstar2077 said:

jim8888 said:

I can't understand why people don't exercise and keep fit, especially once you reach your fifties and sixties. Surely it is an absolute no-brainer in this day and age? There seems to be a cohort of retirees at my local gym and I often wonder what proportion of their age group they represent? How many over-sixties are active gym members going three or four times a week and working up a sweat? When you're retired you have so much time on your hands it seems to me there's no excuse for not taking care of your health, and that means that you must - if you physically can - do some serious exercise. From my peer group (now in their sixties), the main excuses for not doing any seems to be a lack of time, a (severe) lack of inclination or the feeling that it's too late to start now. One of the biggest proponents of all these excuses has just recently started going to the gym and it's transformed him - his weight has dropped, his blood pressure has reduced, his attitude and outlook has totally improved. Why this message, about the incredible benefits and necessity of exercise, isn't getting through to the majority of the population (not just the elderly) really puzzles me. 

There is a great documentary on Netflix called "Live to 100" where they discuss the importance of exercise (among other topics.)
  Surprisingly the long lived don't seem to go to the gym, they are busy, active people, who happen to exercise above average in their day to day lives.  The implication being that purpose combined with exercise is hard to beat.

There was also the C4 programme with Jon snow about the blue zones or areas with increased longevity. That combined healthy eating, exercise and retaining a purpose in life when getting older.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/23244238.fancy-living-100-jon-snow-might-know-way/

Thank you for this, I have added it to my viewing list!

GSP

I think what you should gleam from all this is that no 2 lives are the same. What seems to be the normal thing to do by one, could be completely at odds with another view.

From all the information at your disposal everywhere, it’s up to you to make that informed choice, and what’s right for you.

enthusiasticsaver

jim8888 said:

I can't understand why people don't exercise and keep fit, especially once you reach your fifties and sixties. Surely it is an absolute no-brainer in this day and age? There seems to be a cohort of retirees at my local gym and I often wonder what proportion of their age group they represent? How many over-sixties are active gym members going three or four times a week and working up a sweat? When you're retired you have so much time on your hands it seems to me there's no excuse for not taking care of your health, and that means that you must - if you physically can - do some serious exercise. From my peer group (now in their sixties), the main excuses for not doing any seems to be a lack of time, a (severe) lack of inclination or the feeling that it's too late to start now. One of the biggest proponents of all these excuses has just recently started going to the gym and it's transformed him - his weight has dropped, his blood pressure has reduced, his attitude and outlook has totally improved. Why this message, about the incredible benefits and necessity of exercise, isn't getting through to the majority of the population (not just the elderly) really puzzles me. 

I would agree with this.  I have always done some form of exercise but I took up coastal walking when I retired early at 58 and now run three different walking groups.  I also  use my country club membership more than I ever did when working doing three to four classes a week, swimming and spa and the gym.  I am early sixties and there are lots the same age up there so the message is getting through. I also took up e cycling with my husband as we live in a very hilly area but I am doubtful that has a massive impact on fitness but it is very enjoyable. Every day I am out and about doing something and hoping the benefits of exercise keeps me fit and well. 

Ciprico

As someone said above exercise is not about living longer but living better.

I would not be happy if in my final years the doctors were whittling off my toes and feet and my eyes failed due to diabetes that could probably have been avoided by being a bit more active. 

As it is I have been diagnosed with cancer that the doctors have said I have a very high chance of overcoming. They also said if I had not been in good shape my potential outcome and options available would have been a drastically reduced... I am 61.

A better way of looking at fitness is not about how it may make you live longer but rather the effect it has on the quality of the last few years of your life....

Chickereeeee

jim8888 said:

I can't understand why people don't exercise and keep fit, especially once you reach your fifties and sixties. Surely it is an absolute no-brainer in this day and age? There seems to be a cohort of retirees at my local gym and I often wonder what proportion of their age group they represent? How many over-sixties are active gym members going three or four times a week and working up a sweat? When you're retired you have so much time on your hands it seems to me there's no excuse for not taking care of your health, and that means that you must - if you physically can - do some serious exercise. From my peer group (now in their sixties), the main excuses for not doing any seems to be a lack of time, a (severe) lack of inclination or the feeling that it's too late to start now. One of the biggest proponents of all these excuses has just recently started going to the gym and it's transformed him - his weight has dropped, his blood pressure has reduced, his attitude and outlook has totally improved. Why this message, about the incredible benefits and necessity of exercise, isn't getting through to the majority of the population (not just the elderly) really puzzles me. 

I find gym quire boring, and would not want to go 3-4 times per week!
I try to do a session of gym, cycling and running each week, which seem to balance each other nicely.

saucer

Quantifier said:

jim8888 said:

I can't understand why people don't exercise and keep fit, especially once you reach your fifties and sixties. Surely it is an absolute no-brainer in this day and age? There seems to be a cohort of retirees at my local gym and I often wonder what proportion of their age group they represent? How many over-sixties are active gym members going three or four times a week and working up a sweat? When you're retired you have so much time on your hands it seems to me there's no excuse for not taking care of your health, and that means that you must - if you physically can - do some serious exercise. From my peer group (now in their sixties), the main excuses for not doing any seems to be a lack of time, a (severe) lack of inclination or the feeling that it's too late to start now. One of the biggest proponents of all these excuses has just recently started going to the gym and it's transformed him - his weight has dropped, his blood pressure has reduced, his attitude and outlook has totally improved. Why this message, about the incredible benefits and necessity of exercise, isn't getting through to the majority of the population (not just the elderly) really puzzles me. 

Agree with this. My mum is 80 and is an inspiration. She still runs marathons - in about 5.5 hours, one of the fastest in the word for her age and has travelled the world doing them, since she has automatic entry to any she chooses (London marathon again this year). She's also in the top 3 in the UK for park runs doing the 5k in about 28 minutes at 80 years old. My dad is the same age and can't run now due to new knees but the pair of them still go to the gym 5 days a week. He retired at 49 and has never looked back, lucky enough to have amazing government final salary pension. My wife and I plan to retire in 3 years (when I'm 56 and she will be 53) and have lots of plans including doing a ski season or two, cycling up some more mountains (we've done some of the Alps and Ventoux), paddle boarding around European lakes and buying a new house with a well kitted out home gym. Part of our retirement plan is to move to France about when I'm 60 and the kids are both adults. We lived in Paris for 3.5 years in 2008 and have basic French although will need to brush up. We also own a small ski apartment in France, which we will be using very extensively when we retire.

You are in a privileged position. Not many people (anywhere) can afford to have second property, pursue their fitness interest around Europe and retire early. I’m sure you count your blessings. 

Mustbeananswer??

The Gym is a torture chamber in my eyes....Its all on static machines.

If you want to run ...dont go on a treadmill.Put some Trainers on and go to a place of beauty.If you want to row dont go on a a rowing machine...Launch a Boat/Kayak/ Canoe on one of our outstanding rivers.If you want to lift weights...study Bricklaying and build a family member a wall..we all know somebody in the family who wants one.

Truly I am not paying extortionate Gym Fees to stay in the same spot for no reward.Sorry !!!

BikingBud

Just been clearing out the veg plot and adding some compost to put some tates in, so turning the heavy muddy soil and moving compost heaps I can say digging = free phys

thriftytracey

Body

Weekly Pilates
22 miles cycling yesterday (admittedly on an e-bike) plus use my bike whenever I can
Walked 3 miles with the dogs today
Gardening
Reduced wine consumption, one glass three times a week
Cut out UPF where possible and all home cooking
Volunteer at local woods, litter picking and planting trees etc
Vice Chair of village environment group

Mind/Mental Well Being

Piano
Concerts
Current Affairs
Read a book a week
Volunteer at Community Cafe
12 weeks a year in France

I do feel tired at times!