Discussion: Be happy

We were there and did it. Maybe not the fastest or like days gone by, but saw many old friends, commiserated a lot, and got out there two days in a row. Look forward to many more. Probably slower with each season but so what. See you soon.

At the risk of advancing another unpopular idea...have you guys thought about taking up a different sport? A couple years ago, after doddering around on a Green course at a local event, losing my SI dibber, cutting up my hands taking falls, and bailing out to a simple trail run...I swore 'never again.' Besides I didn't appreciate all the sympathy from younger guys i used to beat, after they saw my DNF.

I still get together with some of my O friends socially....there's some real friendships there. But other sports provide much more satisfaction, and much less frustration than orienteering. And I think it is important to make the shift to them before you get too old.

For instance golf. I took it up seriously 6 years ago, about the time I stopped going to A meets...when I was about your age. Took some lessons, played every week, made some golfing friends....became reasonably competent. And with the competency came enjoyment.

Golf for seniors is kinda like a 'dating game.' If you go out as a single, you'll surely be paired up with three other guys, with whom you'll play for the next four hours or so. Plenty of time to chat, get to know them, and invite for a drink at the 19th hole. And maybe make a date to play together again soon....all in a single afternoon! Have you ever made friends that fast at an O meet?

Other ideas? Sari would like to take up couples dancing. She loves the idea of becoming competent on the dance floor. Her Finn parents for instance, are legendary at the Tango. Or look at this older couple:

https://www.facebook.com/OldtimersPage/videos/4576...

Granted, living in the city is a boon when you're older. Many more options than living remotely. Moving at our age is almost a tangible step in estate planning; less 'stuff' for your heirs to deal with as you pare down to smaller, more convenient accommodations. Good luck.

Well, we all like different things. I gave up golf around the time chitown picked it up, and can’t say that I miss it. I go about once a year just because Zack likes to go about that often, but it’s physically uncomfortable enough and takes so much time that I’m not inclined to do it more. Couples dancing? If I had a list of 100 possible activities it might rank in the high 80s or low 90s. I am still open to migrating to something else from orienteering, but currently even at the pace I am capable of it still provides me a lot of challenge, satisfaction and sense of accomplishment, and I like particularly hanging out with my friends of up to 35years. The main drawback for me is the travel time, and my increasing reluctance to spend a whole weekend of traveling for a couple of hours of pleasurable woods activity.

Like George, I’m just pleased I can still do it at all, happy for when it goes well, and not too wound up about it when I finish up the track.

"Be happy" is the essential advice.The solution is occasionally elusive. Like Charlie, no affinity for golf or dancing but I bet, if tried, the latter could be fun. Used to enjoy running on golf courses in hs & college days, enjoying their green expanse often while barefoot. Last time I tried was maybe 5-6 years ago and was asked to leave (in Napa Valley).

Maybe more kayaking and camping on new lakes. As far as O, I'll try to sort out issues. There's always helping as in vetting, help with course design, meet administration, picking up controls etc. It's a nice activity in an environment that's hard to beat.

I'd vote for couples dancing Salsa, Jitterbug and Lindy Swing in particular - and also contra-dancing. Lots of the latter here in S. New Hampshire. Some parallels to O-ing: Mind and body in action.

Well if you're going to take up dancing, I'd recommend buying a pair of Spectator Shoes, as the guy in the video wore. "For the fashion-conscious man..."