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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: StanM on September 29, 2009, 10:54:00 AM

Title: Is it better at 40?
Post by: StanM on September 29, 2009, 10:54:00 AM
Today is the day, 40.  Used to think I wouldn't make to 40, then I thought I'd live to be 100.  Now, just thankful for each day.  But tell me, you middle aged and up arra-slingers, does it get better from here on out?   :pray:     :D    :D    :D  

Stan
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: acadian archer on September 29, 2009, 11:02:00 AM
NO !!!!!!


Just kidding, it's all how look you at life. My early 40's were some of hte best years of my life.

I'm almost 48 and I can still do everything I did years ago except I have to plan them now.

Be careful shooting and hunting though because you won't heal as quick.

enjoy, shooot till you drop LOL
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Gray Buffalo on September 29, 2009, 11:04:00 AM
No At 40 I was still shooting 75# longbow and at 67 I'm down to 50#. I’m suffering from gravitational pull. My chest is now right above my belt, the hair on my head is gone and is coming out my ears and nose. The answer is No.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: b.glass on September 29, 2009, 11:05:00 AM
I'm soon to be 52! I can't say it's getting better! I take Ibuprofen routinely for the aches that just don't want to stay away, and go out anyway!

Sorry I couldn't give you better news! Atleast that's how it is for me.   ;)  

Good luck! Bona
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Mike Gerardi on September 29, 2009, 11:08:00 AM
Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.

     Oliver Wendell Holmes.

 Good Luck this year....and the next!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: David Lewis on September 29, 2009, 11:11:00 AM
Happy Birthday!!
NO!   :D  
I'll be 46 in a month. Never had shoulder problems until this past summer, could only shoot 40 or 50 arrows then I had to stop from the pain. I see an sports doctor today, hopefully he can fix the problem after hunting season. But that's just me, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who can shoot for a long long time without any injuries.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: reddogge on September 29, 2009, 11:14:00 AM
I forgot, I'll have to ask my 2 kids.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Dick in Seattle on September 29, 2009, 11:18:00 AM
40's  and 50's are pretty great, really.  With care you're still healthy and have strength to do the things you want.  You've acquired some wisdom to know the things you shouldn't do.  You're still in earning years and can afford to do some stuff.  Later's still good, but you have to pace it to your health, strength and finances.  You slow down, but maybe enjoy it more, less intense, more time to appreciate the journey as well as the trip.  Even so, life can still throw you some surprises if you stay open to trying.  I'm 71 and going on my first bow hunt next month, for hogs.  Probably crazy, but I feel like I did when I was 30... just move slower  8^)
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: George D. Stout on September 29, 2009, 11:24:00 AM
Anyone who thinks getting old is bad, is not aware that there is only one alternative.  I think getting old is pretty cool.  I wish my Mom and Dad would have had the opportunity.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: newtradgreenwood on September 29, 2009, 11:38:00 AM
My Grandmother said if someone had a 20s body, 40s brain, and 80s wisdom all at the same time they would be un-stoppable.

I'm 48.  Physically it is starting to get significantly harder in a physical sense & doesn't seem like it is going to start getting any easier.  The part that is better is just enjoying nature more.  Two decades ago a day seeing no deer was a bad day. Couple years ago on a hunt with no deer in sight I saw & heard two pileated woodpeckers doing their own individual species calls and imatating crows, turkies, blue-jays, and other birds in what I would describe as a "sing-off".  One of my best days hunting.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: freefeet on September 29, 2009, 03:02:00 PM
I'm 45 on Friday.  I've never been happier in my life than i am now.

I had a very bad heart as a child due to a breach birth and didn't actually expect to get to 18.  But miraculously my heart got better at 15 and every year's been an absolute bonus for me since then.  I'm still amazed that i'm still alive.

Sure i've got my aches and pains.  And after pulling my rotator cuff fairly badly in February i've now learned that my body isn't as young as it was.  But mentally i'm fitter now than i ever was.

I have a belief that by the time we're 40 life has taught us everything we need to know to get through the rest of our years.  So embrace your 40's and just get on with life knowing that you've done the hardest part, all the mistakes of youth, you've learned all the lessons you needed to learn and now it's time to enjoy life to the full.

Happy Birthday!

Stan

   :clapper:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: BobW on September 29, 2009, 03:06:00 PM
I describe it as "different than I ever expected", but considering the alternatives (so plainly put by George), I'll take it.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: mscampbell75 on September 29, 2009, 03:06:00 PM
Man you are oooooold!!  :wavey:  Happy bithday!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: bluegill on September 29, 2009, 03:24:00 PM
Hey Stan,

Good to see you posting again.

Well being forty has been just like being twenty, with the addition of a bigger waist, smaller hairline and nifty bifocals. Whatever you do don't break any bones.

Welcome to the club, hey you could do a lot worse.

Sean
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: John3 on September 29, 2009, 03:25:00 PM
I will say YES it is better... I will turn 42 in November.

I am a much BETTER bowhunter today than I was at 20 years old.  I pay attention to the small details, think and PLAN better and am PATIENT!!

Alot of it has to do with experience.  

Eat right, stay in good enough shape.  Something Too Short wrote in a thread years ago still haunts me today. He said that the thought of getting too old to draw a hunting bow scared him the most.  I had honestly never thought about it until that day.  

Stay in shape.  I hope to have 30+ more years to live the "life" of a bowhunter.

John III
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Ted Fry on September 29, 2009, 03:34:00 PM
Wait till you hit 50 Stan, I turned 50 in March and have to say I wouldnt trade it. I am in better physical condition as well as mental than when I was 40, mainly started to take better care of both. Happy Birthday
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: jimmerc on September 29, 2009, 03:50:00 PM
Happy birthday Bro, I'm soon to turn 51, my 40s were the best years of my life< embrase them, take what you have learned and apply them now, but never stop learning for tomorrow! take better care of your health, stock up on ibuprofen and you'll be all set for the 50s! yes, you may slow down abit but that is a good thing when your out hunting!! The aches and pains are just a reminder of things we have learned the hard way to get this far!!  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: blind one on September 29, 2009, 03:52:00 PM
Happy birthday...Yesterday was my 43rd b-day and I still feel the same as I did 2 days ago at 42   :D   .....Roy
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: StanM on September 29, 2009, 04:49:00 PM
Thanks to each of you   :thumbsup:   Truth be told, I've got my health, my family and a job that I enjoy.  No complaints here.  Looking forward to another 40 years in the woods!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: woodchucker on September 29, 2009, 04:53:00 PM
At 49 I can honestly say that the 40's haven't been bad at all!!!!!  :archer:

Can't say what the 50's will bring..... guess I'll have to wait till next year.....   ;)
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: ron w on September 29, 2009, 05:02:00 PM
At 57 I can say the golden years are not what they were cracked up to be ,but make the best of each day ,take care of yourself and enjoy, you never know when things can change, and not for the better.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Wannabe1 on September 29, 2009, 05:03:00 PM
1st, Happy B-Day!

Stan, I turned 41 in July and I'm still playing as hard as I did when I was twenty. 'Course, being full time Military helps but, I hunt just as hard, ride my Harley just as hard and love my family even harder! Good luck to you in your future endeavors and may you find peace and satisfaction at the end of each days trail.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: todd smith on September 29, 2009, 05:07:00 PM
Happy Birthday Stan,

Like Ted, I turned 50 this year and I'm looking forward to a much better next ten years than my last.  As some have said, take care of the important things.

Stick close to God, family and friends, and take care of your health.  Oh, and make sure you get out and do the things you've always dreamed of.

No one I know of looks back and regrets the things they did, only those they didn't...

Blessings!  todd
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: joevan125 on September 29, 2009, 05:10:00 PM
Im 42 and when i was younger it was all about the kill, now with all the stress of life i just enjoy being in the woods.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: larryh on September 29, 2009, 05:18:00 PM
i'll be 75 in november. pretty much still do the same things i did when i was fourty with the exception of dexterity with my hands. heal really fast too.
i still change a mile of 40', 3" handlines all summer and can still ride a rank horse and get my cow work done.
someone asked me the other day if i had lived in the ahtanum all my life. i plagerized someone and answered, "not yet!!"
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: joe skipp on September 29, 2009, 05:21:00 PM
Bowhunting and fishing do...not sure about the sex part though...have to ask Ciccone about the last one....  :scared:    :saywhat:    :eek:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Sticks2117 on September 29, 2009, 05:28:00 PM
I'm 48 I do everything I did at 30 just takes me longer and it hurts more. I wont stop I am in physical therapy I see people everyday that quit let me tell you they are in worse shape than I am.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: DennyK on September 29, 2009, 06:19:00 PM
Naw, it really doesn't start getting better til 50.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: mcgroundstalker on September 29, 2009, 06:21:00 PM
The Good Life started for me when I turned 40. Put roots down and married a wonderful woman. Now that I am 53 it seems things get done a bit slower but my health is good. Hunting is a special part of my life although it takes a back seat to things at home.

Someone once said, "Wisdom is the difference between knowing and doing." Keep the home fires burning and go hunting with the well wishes of your partner. Works for me.

... mike ...

PS... Love Ya Skipper!  :p
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: ksbowman on September 29, 2009, 06:33:00 PM
I'm 59 and have underwear thats 40! My biggest concern is doing all the things I want to do while I still can.I'm very fortunate and my health is good. My mind still thinks I'm 30. Hell my oldest adult(some call them kids but mine are too old to be kids) will be 40 soon! Enjoy life while we're young we won't be old for several decades!  Ben
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: centaur on September 29, 2009, 06:55:00 PM
I'm 62; the mountains have gotten a bit steeper than they were in my 40s, but now I'm retired and can hunt or fish whenever I want to. Took the day off today from hunting, went fishing instead. Life is good!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Mike Mecredy on September 29, 2009, 07:04:00 PM
Age all depends on how you maintain your body. Diet and keep active, keep calories under 2000 a day, lots of veggies, lots of fruit, and limit your time on the couch to 2 hours a day.  Alcohol and tobacco; avoid it like the plague and limit dairy products.  If you have a sit-down job, make every excuse you can and get up and move.

 I turned 42 in July, and 2 nights ago I went for a 7.2 mile jog.  I'm wearing the same size I did when I was 25.  So I've not really noticed a difference from how I felt in high school (much less hair though).

-Mike
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: elknutz on September 29, 2009, 07:16:00 PM
40, in a very few years reading glasses come into play.  Now that can be a pain.  Still chasing elk at 58+.  Life is still very good. Don't seem to be much wiser, I hope that comes on fast.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Killdeer on September 29, 2009, 07:17:00 PM
Uhhh...what was the question again?   :saywhat:

Killdeer   :archer:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: elkken on September 29, 2009, 07:28:00 PM
At 40 there was still no mountain too steep or valley too deep ... my 40's where great hunting years. I turned 61 a few weeks ago and went on a hike close to Mt Rainier to celebrate. It's the Norse Peak / Goat Lake trail near Crystal Mt ski area. When I was 40 I could hike the 2.7 miles and 2300 foot evelvation gain in 45 minutes. At 61 it took me an hour and 45 minutes. The good news was I saw 21 Mt Goats ... keep active, take care of your self, and accept your new limits as you age. I now hunt from tree stands more, carry less weight in my pack, shoot a lighter bow, but I'm still lovin it. I enjoy the hunt more and the killing less than I did in my 40's but I still love eating game meat. Tonight it's venison spagettii     :jumper:  

Good health to all and be safe ...
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Davo on September 29, 2009, 07:36:00 PM
Getting old is a lot better than getting fatter.  I am fairly successful at both.  I hate when that happens.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Double Tee on September 29, 2009, 07:45:00 PM
I turn 60 soon,wanna trade??? I still git around purty good! Hang in there Stan,take care,stay active.People that just sit around seem to go down first or so it seems?
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Weekend Warrior on September 29, 2009, 07:53:00 PM
I'll turn 49 Wednesday (Tommorow) still love to hunt.  
But the bed feels mighty good on those cold frosty mornings.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: wollelybugger on September 29, 2009, 07:57:00 PM
58 two days ago and am going mighty slow like uncle Joe at the junction, petty coat junction. The slower I go the more I see.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: JWD in VA. on September 29, 2009, 08:05:00 PM
Will turn 57 this winter, working on concrete floors all my working days has taken its toll. Yeah, the mtns are a bit steeper and the haul back a little harder, but, I still feel pretty good given my time on this planet. Never did climb trees and that holds true today, if I fall, it's only gonna be about 9" from my stool. Lookin forward to this season, new bow, 50#, still got my wind and on a good day , they still call me Jerry. Gettin old is not for wimps, but the alternative is not worth mentioning.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: JWD in VA. on September 29, 2009, 08:14:00 PM
Addemdem,  he is still there this year, that 7' black bear that made me poop myself last year at 5:30 in the morning. I'm on a mission to make that ole boar pay for that, that's worth living for all day every day HAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Mike Bolin on September 29, 2009, 08:16:00 PM
Hi Stan, Happy Birthday! I haven't heard from you or seen you post for awhile. I was wondering what happened to you, but I understand now that age is creeping up on you! LOL! I will be turning 54 here next month and have no real complaints. I believe that I enjoy my time in the woods with my bow more now than ever before. I guess I enjoy ALL of my time more now, church, family, friends. Time tends to put everything in perspective. Drop me a pm or an email when you get some time old fellar! Mike
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: xtrema312 on September 29, 2009, 08:20:00 PM
Happy birthday!  I will be 47 in December.  All things considered, so far the 40's have been my best years without question. God has blessed me in many ways and I am truly thankful.  Something always hurts, my eyes don’t work like they used to, and I can’t eat what ever I want anymore, but other than that it has been great.  I still have not figure out when to stop short of over doing yet, but I am working on that.  A few more PT rounds and I will probably know when to back off.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: BCWV on September 29, 2009, 08:45:00 PM
Happy birthday. I'll be 49 in a couple months. My 40s are when it started the other way for me. Up until then I could still do pretty well what I could do in my late teens and 20s. Like others have said, vision, had to start watching what I ate and had my first operation at 40. High blood pressure and all the other things that come with getting older. But, I see things alot different now adays. I too, notice things that I overlooked before. I've learned to take things a little slower and appreciate the little things more. Just try to enjoy the ride!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Tioga on September 29, 2009, 09:17:00 PM
My 40s were my absolute best hunting years. I'm 52 now, and if it wasn't for the shattered hip, bulging discs, fractured vertabrae, and the diabetes, I guess I'd still be feeling like a raging bull.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: red44 on September 29, 2009, 09:20:00 PM
I'm also near 49 like BCWV. IMO not much is better after 40 except my mortgage. LOL
Don't stop doing what you love to do, do what ever you have to, to be able to keep doing it. Keep you diet in sync with the amount of exercise you get. Keep it all in balance if you can. It should help in the long run. I have no plans of slowing down. Keep pedaling that bike!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: michaelschwister on September 29, 2009, 10:09:00 PM
I'm 48 and mentally feel 20, physically I can do what I did at 17 (17 was not great,peak years were 28-38) Wish I started making field notes when I started bow hunting deer in 75.  Take care of yourself, eat well (not too much), take glucosomine/condroitan, stay fit and things are still good. Spent 20 years in the army, 6 jumping from airlplanes some wear but obstacles are all in your mind and most things can be fixed with weight training.  Real PITA is 3 teenage daughters and a job that gets more demanding every year. Getting out and enjoying the hunt is the key. I see active hunters getting out every day in their mid 80s, and others who leave us too soon and for no good reason.  My best friend is 61 and a retired special forces COL. He let his hammer toe and knees go for years and now is a wreck- but still out gutting it out, we joke about just cutting both legs off at the knee and getting one of them new fangled fake ones! Advice: get things fixed when they need it. Every older person who gets a new knee says they should have done it earlier...I am putting it off (don't anything yet)

Any hoo keep at it, can hardly wait til I am old enough to hunt everyday!!!!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: michaelschwister on September 29, 2009, 10:10:00 PM
oh ya, most guys start killing much bigger deer after they turn 40 (no kidding)
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: John Scifres on September 30, 2009, 08:04:00 AM
The one good thing about middle age is that your ONLY half dead.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Tom Leemans on September 30, 2009, 08:37:00 AM
No, it's just more painful in the morning.

My Dad always says you should get to retire at 21, then go back to work at 40 and work til you die.

Sitting around a campfire with Torges one year, He says something like "Now that I'm (I won't say his age) I think it'd be nice for a person to retire at 40. You're still full of enough pi$$ and vinegar to enjoy all the things you wanna do, yet you're wise enough to avoid doing what you shouldn't. After you've had your fun, you can go back to work." Of course I'm paraphrasing here, because at 47, my memory isn't what it used to be.
 :knothead:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Kevin L. on September 30, 2009, 09:06:00 AM
I'm 44 and have to keep telling the wife that I'm in my prime. Old enough to know better and still young enough to ignore that little voice in my head and still have fun. Like BGlass said, Ibuprofen will become your friend    :readit:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Ron LaClair on September 30, 2009, 09:19:00 AM
I'm 73 and moving a lot slower than I was at 40 but the good thing is I'm still moving.

A wise man once said, "Life begins at 40" I totally agree, your 40's and 50's will be the best years of your life. At 40 you're no longer a green kid...your a man who has matured mentally and you're still pretty fit physically.

Young men should hang out with old guys...they can learn a lot from them. Old guys should hang out with young guys...they make you feel younger.

Guys in their 40's can hang with anybody because they are the epitome of manhood. At 40 you've reached the pinnacle of the mountain in life and if you think the climb to that point was tough, the trip down the other side can be a lot rougher...
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 30, 2009, 09:51:00 AM
"I'm 73 and moving a lot slower than I was at 40 but the good thing is I'm still moving."

Heck Ron, I hunt with rifles older than you! ;0)

Anyone who has ever been in camp with Ron will have a hard time believing he is 73. I pray to have the same vigor when I am his age.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Pat B on September 30, 2009, 09:59:00 AM
Some things get better, some worst. I take things as they come and deal with them as needed. Don't sweat the small stuff!
Actually, I have already forgotten what 40 was like!
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: smokin joe on September 30, 2009, 10:18:00 AM
So far in this life I will take getting older over being six feet under any day. I can't do all the things I used to do, but I can still do some of them. And there are some new things I can do because I am older and more experienced.

With what the economy had done to my retirement plan, I will have to work full time until I am 129, so getting older had better be good.
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: StanM on September 30, 2009, 10:52:00 AM
Many, many thanks to all of you, had an absolutely wonderful day.

Weekend Warrior, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mike, I'll PM you when I get a chance later on. Be good to catch up.

Stan
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Ron LaClair on September 30, 2009, 11:20:00 AM
Quote
Heck Ron, I hunt with rifles older than you! ;0)  
Heck Roger, I've got bows older than you.    :readit: .....   :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on October 01, 2009, 04:38:00 PM
:bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Is it better at 40?
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on October 01, 2009, 05:21:00 PM
Beats the other option by a long shot.