longevity road

Fifty-one ... and beyond

Today is brought to you by the number 51.  A little battered and rusty, maybe in need of some new paint, but still fully functional.  A little bit like me.  Today is my birthday – number 51.  :-0

I think the weather was a birthday gift; simply perfect.  Cool but not cold, blue skies, abundant sunshine and a nice tailwind.  I took some time for a long and peaceful ride up along the ridge and to the river.  Contemplating aging, longevity, fate, the ride ahead.

deep blue skies and the long road ahead

today's "stuff"

The fifties have been a little unsettling to me.  Not so much out of vanity, or even fitness and health … more of a wariness of fate, I guess.  This year, I am on the cusp of having out-lived both my mother and my grandmother.  I think it’s always been in the back of my mind: questioning my destiny, wondering if I would outlive them?  They each died too young; my mother from an unexpected brain aneurysm during her 51st year, and my grandmother died during childbirth, delivering my mom.   She was barely into her twenties.

my mom ... who I still miss every day

my grandmother, Irene

And while I think I lead a reasonably healthy and active lifestyle, I find myself wondering if it will really make a difference in the end or not?  Not that I intend to stop doing what I do – I love to cycle, swim, ski, walk, run, hike … they are simply a part of who I am, what I like to do, and the experience enriches my daily life.  I really rarely give the fitness/health benefit much consideration (probably because I don’t work all that hard at any of it, lol.), but I’m sure it’s better than not doing any of it.

yesterday at the pool

Are we a fitter generation?  I like to think so, but sometimes I am not entirely sure.  Obesity statistics, diabetes and heart disease statistics are alarming.  My mom was reasonably active, very slim and always maintained a very healthy weight.  Although she had been a smoker during her younger years (like many of her generation), she had given it up.  She liked to hike, cross-country ski and play golf.  She was a fabulous cook – and instilled in me an appreciation of healthy food and fine cuisine.

So while I consciously attempt to make lifestyle choices that are forward-thinking in regard to health and wellness, I know that it is no guarantee.  Several years ago, we were all shocked when I was diagnosed with a tumor in my right breast; fortunately it was completely benign – but I will confess that it scared the crap out of me.  I had no family history, no obvious risk factors.  It made me realize that despite the best prevention efforts, there are no guarantees.  You can do everything humanly possible – eat well, maintain a healthy weight, wear a helmet, ride defensively, raise your heart-rate on a regular basis – and ultimately, you just never know … it might be a log truck, it might be genetics.

For now, the road ahead looks likes a long one, a good one.  I will keep riding, wearing my helmet, and eating the good foods.  I will swim, and read, and take pictures and try to keep my brain and heart in the best condition I can manage.  I look forward to the “someday” when I can take a grandchild (no rush on this one, boys) for a ride on the back of my Xtracycle, and put him/her on her first skis up in the snowy mountains.  I am filled with the love of my family and friends – which is as good for the heart and the soul as riding a bike.  My goal, for now,  is to be able to pedal a bicycle on my 90th birthday.  And enjoy a cupcake.  I’m not so sure I’ll still be blogging about it by then – but who knows?  😉

three days ago, #CyclingCapTuesday ... when I was still fifty (oh well)