Ageing (dis)gracefully

[a447a]

In the thread "August in Bangkok" steveboy wrote:

 

"Physical functionality declines very, very slowly with age."

 

I was chatting with the German owner of Dreamboys in Soi Twilight and he told me the exact opposite.

 

According to him, he was going fine up until around 68 when suddenly the wheels began to fall off. He's now well into his 70 's but despite what he's says, he looks ok to me. But obviously, he isn't.

 

So how well we age depends on many things. Previous life experiences would play a big part, I'd imagine.

 

So what is everyone doing to keep healthy and active? Giving up smoking and drinking? Exercising regularly? Eating well? Having more sex?

 

And I often wonder just how long I can enjoy sex. Is there an age we reach when sex becomes somehow impossible, even with the aid of Viagra?

[TMax]

For me giving up smoking 28 years ago was a given, a lot of small ailments I used to suffer but not anymore. Still drink but now in moderation, exercise regularly now and try to eat sensibly and staying away from junk food helps out. Having prostate surgery last year has left me with one side effect that I can live with and it hasn't interfered with my functioning except for now backfiring since tge surgery (hey less mess to deal with), will be interesting to see how it stands up to a little punishment in the coming weeks. Lucky for me I don't need viagra or similar type stuff, not that I could use it anyway as I have high blood pressure and would need to be careful when using that stuff.

[vinapu]

So what is everyone doing to keep healthy and active? Giving up smoking and drinking? Exercising regularly? Eating well? Having more sex?

 

And I often wonder just how long I can enjoy sex. Is there an age we reach when sex becomes somehow impossible, even with the aid of Viagra?

When i was younger I used to believe in what you are saying as a receipt for longer youth so to speak.

 

But then my contemporaries  practicing those things and keeping always positive mood started dying in the same pace like those not paying any attention to the lifestyle  and complaining right and left about everything. So now I believe that way we age is more predetermined by genetics and lifestyle can only help that much.

 

German may be right , things may start to deteriorate all of the sudden and fast.

 

As for sex part, even if one can have it in the standard form anymore, pleasure of intimacy may be still there.

 

Those who frequent Tawan may recall that sometimes  somebody is rolling in  wheelchair with very ancient patron who still has visible pleasure caressing bodies of resident hunks there so perhaps this is what keeps his heart still pumping

[steveboy]

I was chatting with the German owner of Dreamboys in Soi Twilight and he told me the exact opposite.

 

According to him, he was going fine up until around 68 when suddenly the wheels began to fall off. He's now well into his 70 's but despite what he's says, he looks ok to me. But obviously, he isn't.

 

 

Do you know the medical history and the present health condition of the German owner of Dreamboys, to take him as an example of the progression of aging?   The wheels can begin to fall off at any age for a variety of health conditions. 

[Alexx]

a447a, I'm sure the German guy appreciates you sharing his health situation with us on a public forum.

 

That said, any insight you hope to get from other members might not be as valuable to you as you hope, as different people age differently and it depends on so many factors. I guess you'll just have to wait and see, and obviously it would be a good idea to enjoy life to the fullest while you can (from your trip reports, I'd say you do!).

[rollingstone]

So now I believe that way we age is more predetermined by genetics and lifestyle can only help that much.

 

 

I hope you are right; as I seldome exercise and don't really pay much attention to life style . Still smoke and drink as much as I want especially when I m out of the country either on business or vacation.

 

My (only) wish is if I die let it be a quick and complete one. Do not be 'half-dead' (like staying in wheelchair and can't recognize family etc); I do not want people to tend to me for years.

[bobsaigon]

 

 

Can’t generalize about this since each of us is different.  Can only provide personal experience:

 

At 63, I had to stop tennis and bowling after the doctor diagnosed COPD, but I still had ten more years of fun in Bangkok and Phnom Penh.     At 75, the wheels definitely began to fall off.  Several months of bronchitis, a couple of hospital stays.    Now I tire very easily and use a nebulizer several times a day, along with occasional oxygen use.  Moral of the story:  stop smoking now if you want to extend your years of fun in SE Asia.

 

So what is everyone doing to keep healthy and active?

·        Giving up smoking:  No alternative.  Damaged lungs cannot be repaired.

·        Drinking?  I stopped that in my early thirties when even one drink gave me a headache.

·        Exercising regularly?  From, 60 to 63, yes.  After that, lungs could not support much exercise.

·        Eating well?  Not really a concern.  Blood tests all show acceptable levels of cholesterol, etc.

·        Having more sex?  Mentally.  OK, now at 77, with reduced lung function, I am afraid to try anymore, with or without Viagra.  I do not want to appear on the front page of a Thai newspaper with post mortem photos taken at Bangkok Massage or Bonny’s.    Not the memory I would care to leave with my sisters.  

 

[steveboy]

But then my contemporaries  practicing those things and keeping always positive mood started dying in the same pace like those not paying any attention to the lifestyle  and complaining right and left about everything. So now I believe that way we age is more predetermined by genetics and lifestyle can only help that much.

 

I kindly wish that you are among your contemporaries who survive.

 

If aging rate is predominantly genetic or environmental is a statistical evaluation, and statistics can be subjective. But one estimation is typical:  those of us who age graciously are proud to attribute it to our lifestyle,  while those who age dis-gracefully like to attribute it to genetics.      

[steveboy]

 

 

Can’t generalize about this since each of us is different.  Can only provide personal experience:

----

·        Having more sex?  Mentally.  OK, now at 77, with reduced lung function, I am afraid to try anymore, with or without Viagra.  I do not want to appear on the front page of a Thai newspaper with post mortem photos taken at Bangkok Massage or Bonny’s.    Not the memory I would care to leave with my sisters.  

 

Have you tried yoga pramayamas as a way to improve lung function?  We practice the "breath of fire" in a martial art to keep steady respiration and improve lung capacity.  I do it every day and feel great benefits from it.

 

Sex with COPD is frightening, but you can still  kiss, hug, perhaps receive oral sex?   Wouldn't go go boys be pleased to have a client they can content without hard sex? 

[a447a]

a447a, I'm sure the German guy appreciates you sharing his health situation with us on a public forum.

Yeah, I did think about that before I posted. But he was totally ok to share that information with me -a total stranger- and it's not the first time he's spoken about his health. I don't think I'm the only one he's spoken to about his health.

 

I didn't go into any of his specific ailments in my post, although having said that, they are nothing unusual for someone of his age. And again, he looks ok for his age.

[bobsaigon]

Steve, I have not tried yoga pramayamas as a way to improve lung function.  If you saw my latest lung function graph, you would know why.   But thanks for the suggestion.  You are obviously in much better shape than I was in a few years ago.  I hope it will continue that way.

[Vessey]

Many has been the time that I have seen the Soi 6 girls rush out to help some elderly gent up the step into their bar (and presumably beyond if the flesh is still willing! haha),  

 

Sadly my days of being able to bounce my barfines around the room are almost past, nowadays I am reduced to just lying there and being their 'bouncy castle' - still fun though. 

 

As time goes on its probably going to be easier for me to be the catcher rather than the pitcher LOL An area I am only slowly venturing into with the aide of my favourite Cambodian lad. 

[Guest]

Cycling seems to work, although whether he is fit enough to have any other action is unclear.  

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/04/105-year-old-man-sets-record-cycling-14-miles-hour-robert-marchand

 

Mind you, spending hours in the saddle interferes with blood flow down there, apparently.   Possibly best to ensure the saddle is tilted down a little at the front.

[vinapu]

 

 But one estimation is typical:  those of us who age graciously are proud to attribute it to our lifestyle,  while those who age dis-gracefully like to attribute it to genetics.      

I can's say i disagree although it sounds a lot like typical propaganda by fitness/ diet / lifestyle change freaks.

 

What aging graciously means? World is full of sprightly 70 and 80 somethings without health problems whatsoever but poisoning lives of those around them.

 

Health is only one part of equation and being healthy has only a bit  to do with not being toxic or boring or both

[steveboy]

I can's say i disagree although it sounds a lot like typical propaganda by fitness/ diet / lifestyle change freaks.

 

What aging graciously means? World is full of sprightly 70 and 80 somethings without health problems whatsoever but poisoning lives of those around them.

 

Health is only one part of equation and being healthy has only a bit  to do with not being toxic or boring or both

 

Oh... I'm so sorry that I am so poisoning and you find me toxic and boring.  Hopefully this does not affect your health, in which case you better put me in "ignore".

 

I honestly wish you the spiritual strength to put up with all kind of seniors in their 70s and 80s.

[steveboy]

Cycling seems to work, although whether he is fit enough to have any other action is unclear.  

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/04/105-year-old-man-sets-record-cycling-14-miles-hour-robert-marchand

 

 

AMAZING!  105 y.o. and cycling at 14 mph for an hour!  

 

The article says that he started his cycling feats at 68 y.o.  This HAS to be genetic!.  That is, at 68 y.o. he must have grown new genes that kept him strong... or not?

 

Another example of beating the genetic fate is that of the Cleveland brothers with diabetes type 1, who lived to 89 and 93 y.o. with the genetic disease.

 

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/blog/2015/06/diabetes-legends-the-cleveland-brothers/

[vinapu]

Oh... I'm so sorry that I am so poisoning and you find me toxic and boring.  Hopefully this does not affect your health, in which case you better put me in "ignore".

 

I honestly wish you the spiritual strength to put up with all kind of seniors in their 70s and 80s.

Hey, what made you thinking I was talking about you ?

 

My SINCERE apologies if my post came across that way.

 

But I stand by my comment as I see in my environment   quite a few well maintained seniors whose main occupation is to complain about everybody and everything  hence my comment about healthy people with unhealthy outlook on life. I don't see this as aging graciously.

[kokopelli]

 

So what is everyone doing to keep healthy and active? Giving up smoking and drinking? Exercising regularly? Eating well? Having more sex?

 

And I often wonder just how long I can enjoy sex. Is there an age we reach when sex becomes somehow impossible, even with the aid of Viagra?

Yes, exercise, eating well and sex are the secrets. Assuming no prostate or other related problems then 80yo or more.

[zombie]

Interesting thread OP so thanks for posting it.

 

Of course everyone is different and may have their own particular medical concerns.

 

That said, I agree that giving up smoking surely must help; though the irony of becoming non smoking is a persons appetite may increase.

And following on from that one factor that can be beneficial is never over eat and try to usually under eat.

Good protein, fruit and veg + minimal carbs.

Coupled with sufficient sleep, plenty of happiness and having as much sex as possible (use it or risk losing it) then these can all help as the years go by.

[a447a]

Smoking leads to erection problems, as is so graphically illustrated on Thai cigarette packets. I know this is true as I once started smoking heavily during a couple of Thai trips and found that it does indeed have a negative effect on the strength of an erection. So I stopped smoking and everything went back to normal. However, if you have been a life-long smoker, the damage to the blood vessels may already be done and is irreversible. You'll need Viagra.

 

It was also during some trips to Thailand that I started putting on weight, especially around the stomach. I was drinking beer every night but worse still, was heading off to McDonald's every single night before bedtime for a Big Mac!

 

Having been a skinny kid and slim all my life, it was a real shock to look in the mirror. I couldn't help looking at myself in shop windows and hating what I was seeing. So it was back to Diet Coke and no more McDonald's. As someone who never eats fast food, that was easy. And I'm back to normal.

 

I think self-discipline is the key. I loved sitting outside with the guys sharing a smoke and getting to know them better. I met lots of guys in the smoking area by the stairs to the toilets in Hotmale and in the smoking room in Adams Apple in Chiang Mai. If I hadn't been smoking I'd never have had the chance to meet some of the nicest and hottest guys in Thailand. And have sex with them!

 

And I loved getting mildly drunk with the guys. Conversation flowed, hands drifted into nether regions and lack of inhibitions led to fun times and awesome sex.

 

And I really, really loved those Big Macs!!! I had no idea how delicious they were.

 

But I'd gone through life without smoking, without alcohol and without Big Macs and so just reverted to my old self. It was very hard, but the rewards were worth it.

[vinapu]

 

And I really, really loved those Big Macs!!! I had no idea how delicious they were.

 

 

you must be seriously kidding, no ?

[Guest samebb]

 I met lots of guys in the smoking area by the stairs to the toilets in Hotmale

 

Smoking is still allowed in Hotmale is it not? I don't think there is any gogo on Twilight that have yet stopped smoking inside. I could be wrong, correct me if I am. I know Jupiter on Soi 4 do not allow smoking inside, however their wonderful seating area outside make that a non-issue. 

[a447a]

Yes, you can smoke inside the bar but I moved to the stairwell, as a lot of customers understandably do not like smoking.

 

This led to my meeting the gogo boys there, which was an unexpected bonus.

[Guest samebb]

Yes, you can smoke inside the bar but I moved to the stairwell, as a lot of customers understandably do not like smoking.

 

This led to my meeting the gogo boys there, which was an unexpected bonus.

 

And the boys that work at Hotmale 1 & 2 haha. 

[kokopelli]

I hope you are right; as I seldome exercise and don't really pay much attention to life style . Still smoke and drink as much as I want especially when I m out of the country either on business or vacation.

 

My (only) wish is if I die let it be a quick and complete one. Do not be 'half-dead' (like staying in wheelchair and can't recognize family etc); I do not want people to tend to me for years.

Be careful what you wish for rollingstone, it may come true sooner rather than later ! Changes in lifestyle and preventative medicine can add years to your like and not just in a wheelchair.