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I think it's more REALITY vs ATTITUDE. I'm early 60's and when I read posts from other members 10+ years older than me I get inspired, THANK YOU! However, reality caught up with me this year, I need carpal tunnel syndrome surgery on both hands. The symptoms I've had for a few years wasn't just "getting older". So, hopefully after recovery I'll be good as new.
I just turned 67 three days ago and am glad I made it this far. Like some of you, I can't do what I once could although sometimes my stupidity tells me to try. I've actually been thinking recently about selling my car(s) while the market is up and so my kids won't be burdened with that task. But then I go in the garage and look at them and think "heck, I've worked all my adult life to have what I do (and I KNOW I am very fortunate to have these old cars) and I should enjoy them til the very end"..........................whenever the "end" is we never know, but at least my kids could get some scrap value for them.
This for me also, at age 68. Only difference is my '67 is already committed to go to my grandson - hopefully in another 25 or 30 years....!
I think it's more REALITY vs ATTITUDE. I'm early 60's and when I read posts from other members 10+ years older than me I get inspired, THANK YOU! However, reality caught up with me this year, I need carpal tunnel syndrome surgery on both hands. The symptoms I've had for a few years wasn't just "getting older". So, hopefully after recovery I'll be good as new.
Hope that surgery goes well for you, Robert.
The human body is much like an automobile. As both get older, you have to fix or replace parts if you want to keep going. I have a new knee, new eyes (cataract surgery), and a new shoulder. I have hearing aids coming soon along with another knee replacement (although my mechanic says he can install a Zerk fitting in my knee cap and lube me up <LOL>). And I have plenty of meds to cope with muscle disease, degenerative disk disease, arthritis, and bulging disks in my back and neck. My doc says she doesn't understand how I can continue to get under my car to work but to keep it up. I'm thankful and grateful to still be active and thrilled I don't have any of those health problems that are are so much worse. I feel badly for those folks who can't do anything anymore. I can't imagine having to sit around all day.
I've started working out really hard at the gym, focusing on strengthening my leg muscles. It's made a big difference in being able to get up off the garage floor. I recommend it for those of you who are dealing with that issue. Give it a try. I noticed a difference after only a week. Weight loss didn't hurt either.
You gotta do what you gotta do to keep on going on.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Originally Posted by 6T7L71CPE
I think it's more REALITY vs ATTITUDE. I'm early 60's and when I read posts from other members 10+ years older than me I get inspired, THANK YOU! However, reality caught up with me this year, I need carpal tunnel syndrome surgery on both hands. The symptoms I've had for a few years wasn't just "getting older". So, hopefully after recovery I'll be good as new.
I've had the carpal tunnel surgery. Its no biggie. You'll be "back in the saddle" in no time, and all will be good.
When I pulled my gas tank 15 years ago I wanted to never have to do it again, more because it was a pain in the rear than because of age. Doing it again now has me telling myself I'm almost too old for these kinds of tasks but whenever I farm something out, I'm usually dissatisfied with the result and sometimes have to do it over again anyway.
But there is great satisfaction in knowing some things you absolutely will never have to do again - like carrying sheets of drywall and tile backer board up to a second floor bathroom by myself!
And like a few other members, I'm happy to be healthy enough to do these things at 70 years young.
I might be the oldest wrencher on this post. 76 this September. My car keeps me in shape and interested in a great hobby. Having a car lift and labor saving tools is a must. I'm slower but notice no real difference in getting things done. (and yeah, I've had my share of health issues) A heck of a good time working on that 59. 59 navy
I might be the oldest wrencher on this post. 76 this September. My car keeps me in shape and interested in a great hobby. Having a car lift and labor saving tools is a must. I'm slower but notice no real difference in getting things done. (and yeah, I've had my share of health issues) A heck of a good time working on that 59. 59 navy
Good to hear you're still at it, I'm 70 now and would like to think I can still be doing it in 6 years but if the decline of the last 5-6 years continues, I'll be happy to still be driving it.
when dad and I are working on his cars I always joke do it right and make sure I don't have to fix it again one day when I get the car
I reverse the role, and tell my son not to cut corners because he will be the one that will have to undo any shortcuts and half-a$$ craftsmanship. It works better than my constant reminder to him to put tools away when he is done for the moment.
As my hand strength withers from ALS (well, every muscle withers), I find myself not so much taking shortcuts as much as planning more to help ease the job, and to ease the job of teaching others how to do the job without losing my patience. The worst thing for me is watching someone doing the job wrong, and then watch their frustration build, and then the attempt to muscle it through (rather than think it through) before they fail. It probably bugs me because that was my go-to method of resolution progression for many years, before I learned to tell people (and myself) they need to wait for quality. If they cannot wait, they can go test their luck with someone else (a policy that worked well for my career and hobbies).
I actually hope none of these jobs are the last time I get to participate, either getting my hands dirty or assisting with advice (and I have a long to-do, and do-again, list).
I might be the oldest wrencher on this post. 76 this September. My car keeps me in shape and interested in a great hobby. Having a car lift and labor saving tools is a must. I'm slower but notice no real difference in getting things done. (and yeah, I've had my share of health issues) A heck of a good time working on that 59. 59 navy
I'm 74 and I think the car keeps my mind active. I sold my 66 in November and the wife said to get another one as she said my attitude changed. So I have a new 66 project and this forum is great as it keeps me occupied researching the things I want to change. My skills are limited and no lift but that's OK. I keep some reading glasses in the garage.
My left knee has been replaced but I can still push a clutch. Getting up off the concrete floor is another matter. Aleve is my blue pill of choice
have you seen the average age of the NCRS member???
Hahahaha..............no. I don't hang out there much. My junk doesn't meet their criteria...................but that's OK. I enjoy mine just as much as they do. Hope you're doing well.
Originally Posted by tuxnharley
I thought most of the Board members and team leaders already qualified................
Hahahaha..............no. I don't hang out there much. My junk doesn't meet their criteria...................but that's OK. I enjoy mine just as much as they do. Hope you're doing well.
they did just create a new judging class just for your junk Im sure they would welcome you. all is well with me
05-26-2018, 01:25 PM
Age related "REALITY"
Like some of you, I can't do what I once could although sometimes my stupidity tells me to try.
I've actually been thinking recently about selling my car(s) while the market is up and so my kids won't be burdened with that task. But then I go in the garage and look at them and think "heck, I've worked all my adult life to have what I do (and I KNOW I am very fortunate to have these old cars) and I should enjoy them til the very end"..........................whenever the "end" is we never know, but at least my kids could get some scrap value for them.
This for me also, at age 68. Only difference is my '67 is already committed to go to my grandson - hopefully in another 25 or 30 years....! 
