The Chainlink

So I went to the doctor the other day...

It's not as bad as it sounds. I've been cycling almost constantly for 42 years. I've been telling people for years that I feel the same as I did in my thirties. I never really have any health problems so it's been easy to put off going in for routine, let alone detailed check ups. I finally scheduled the full routine, poke, probe show and tell, including blood profiles, PSA, Colonoscopy and whatever else. 
All the numbers are exactly as they were the past 30 years. I have 6% more bodyfat than I care for, but that's below average for a 30 year old and waaaay low on the optimal level for a 62 year old. Just a dirty old man trapped in the body of a thirty year old.
It's not hereditary. I have two cousins who are each within a year or so. When we were younger, we looked enough alike that people thought we were triplets. They are now skinny legged, pot bellied, grey haired old men who sit around talking about their medical problems and treatments. I am not. I am the one who has had totally sedentary office jobs throughout my career and the only lifestyle difference has been cycling (commuting/touring) and weight training. 

Marc

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Permalink Reply by Haddon on November 22, 2014 at 12:30pm

When I go donate blood my BP is usually 70/110 and a bit ago did a lung capacity thing and results were for someone 15 years younger. Though my body fat is more than 6% (though that is going down now that I have eliminated sugar from the diet - something I recommend) cycling does indeed make a huge difference.   Hopefully in a couple decades I'll still be holding together pretty good. 

In semi-related news, you can get a health club membership month to month at the park district for 22$ to make up a bit for the lesser miles covered in winter.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on November 22, 2014 at 1:07pm
Ahh ! Marc, I see a problem. You have a dirty old man trapped inside your 30 year-old body! Better get it removed. ha ha !
Ride on ! Keep on pedaling ! Power to the mature cyclist ! Good health to all, on this holiday of thanks !
Permalink Reply by Marc A. Irwin on November 23, 2014 at 9:14am


I agree.  My target BMI is 15%.  Right now I am at 21.6% which is "technically" low for a 62 year old.  I hope to bring it a lot lower before spring.

Marc
clp said:

Well done Marc!   But take it from an active guy in his 70's, it is the next ten years, as muscles and brain shrink, and your testosterone level inevitably drops, that chronic diseases of old-age begin to show up. 

No one lives forever; eventually SOMETHING will kill you.  That extra 6% body fat, while tolerable in your 50's, can trigger many of the diseases of aging.  Take no solace that many other Americans are fatter than you.  

I too was "heavy," but my doc insisted I get my BMI (Body Mass Index) down from 25 to the low 20's where it is now.  I eventually would like to get it under 20, since for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and many other old-age diseases, body weight is the single biggest factor.

Permalink Reply by Marc A. Irwin on November 23, 2014 at 11:08am

You're right, I misunderstood your post.



clp said:


Hi Marc....not sure we're on the same page regarding BMI.  Did you get your 21.6 BMI reading from the National Institutes of Health link in my post:

Here

I think you're giving out your percent body-fat...which has nothing to do with Body Mass Index.  Great to be very muscular with low body-fat readings.  But ultimately it is your "Body Mass" that determines your lifespan and ability to age without developing a heart condition, bad arteries, cancer susceptibility, or exposure to many other old-age diseases.

A 15 BMI, or anything under 18-19, would be considered Underweight and unhealthy.

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