Turning 60
I didn’t think much about turning 60, thinking, oh it’s just another day. But it turned out not to be. I didn’t want a party, because I sure wasn’t having any speeches and besides I’d had one when I turned 50.
So I didn’t tell a whole lot of people that it was my birthday and that I was turning 60. So they forgot. Miserable day really. I’d organised for a couple of friends to come over for the afternoon and one of them was sick.
Then on the next night my partner had organised for a dinner out with my family. That was fun.
The following night, my son and his girlfriend came and cooked dinner and gave me an hour’s massage on a proper massage table. That was fun too. Although massages tend to allow a few feelings to surface. My feelings were for all those people I had loved and now missed because they had died.
And the next day some other family came over with presents.
Tonight, I decided that I was going to a gym for the first time in my life. So I did. I just paid a casual rate and a very nice woman who felt sorry for me, just charged me $6 for me to go into the gym and I could have had a swim too if I’d had my bathers.
Well, I got onto the walking and running machine and set it really low and then higher and higher. I walked a kilometre. That was the easiest walk I’ve ever done. There’s no dog pulling you on the lead, no bad weather and it is much easier on the feet.
Then I tried the step machine. I couldn’t get it going properly. I was right down the bottom before I realised that you let the steps up and push them down from the top. I don’t know how many steps I did but it showed how many calories I’d burned.
I was starting to worry that my heart beat might be getting too high because I didn’t know what it should be for my age. In fact for 60, it is 160, but you should only do 85% of that consistently. That is 136. In fact I was nowhere near that, so next time I can go a bit harder. I know my heart beat is much higher just doing housework.
I tried the bike next. Once again I did that to the point I thought my heart beat was going strong enough for a first go. I could see how many calories I’d burned too.
Guess what! I loved it. I can see why people get addicted to it.
There is a program for over 50′s which is cheaper but still expensive to join the gym. But with this I can attend exercise classes and gym classes and swim as often as I want to plus there is a social walking group.
I think I’ll join. It really isn’t hard. You can watch everyone else and listen to music on an ipod if you want. I didn’t feel inadequate. Everyone was concentrating on their own programs. I didn’t think anyone was perving at me. I felt very comfortable. I really recommend it.
So that’s my new after 60 life style change.
May 20th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Happy birthday Jenny!
I didn’t know it was your birthday!! 
Turning 60 isn’t that bad when you still can do everything on your own like you do!;)
Now is time to enjoy life…
So you liked the gym? Well, some times ago I went to a gym too, but I didn’t like it as much as you do! :p Ever since I have never go to the gym again..
I’ll do exercises at home…(once in a while actually :p )
May 20th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
You might not like the gym, but as an elder
I can advise that doing some form of exercise will benefit you in the long term. I swam today, every stroke except butterfly. I’m quite a good swimmer and haven’t been for ages, so I enjoyed that too. I’ve got a sore back however.
May 20th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Yes I know.. I’ll do more exercises when my internship is over and that is at the end of this week.. I have to do something about my weight. My BMI is about 30. :p
In the summer I’ll go and swim often! That’s a good way to lose weight!
Yes I know.. I’ll take your advise! 
I’ll do more exercises when my internship is over and that is at the end of this week.. Then I have some more time.. and I know that I have to do something about my weight. My BMI is about 26, which means that I’m a bit heavy.
I like swimming too. In the summer I’ll swim often. That’s a good way to lose weight!
Be careful with your back if it’s hurts..
May 20th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Your BMI changed rapidly within this post
You don’t look like you BMI is 30, but if it is, get MOVING!
May 20th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Ouch.. Stupid me!
While I was typing the comment I wanted to be accurate checked my current BMI and while I though it would be 30 (last time I checked it) it turned out that my BMI is not 30 but 26.. :s
That explains the difference…
Anyway, I may not look like my BMI is 26 but as matter of fact it is.. :p You can’t see it on my face, but only on my big belly!
May 20th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
26 is better.
Now, after my swimming I’m very tired, so I’m going to bed. Earliest I’ve been to bed for years.
I have to get a doctor’s okay to join the over 50 group in which I may meet some people. There’s so much one can do with a membership.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
26 is much better yes!
Yep.. Swimming cost a lot of energy, so no wonder that you were tired.
Hmm.. why do you need a doctor’s okay? Can’t you join on your own?
May 20th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Because I’m joining an over 50 membership group which will mean personal trainers and everything. They don’t want you having a heart attack or stroke on their equipment I guess.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:39 am
Hmm.. with a personal trainer? Cool.. I would like to have my own personal trainer! :p
And I see why they need a doctor’s okay!
May 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Congratulations on your birthday Jenny!
Sounds like you’re doing very well to me; I only hope I’m as active when I reach that milestone.
This blog is fantastic; very impressive! I know many people much younger than you are who are completely technophobic (despite an understanding of technology being a job requirement!).
All the best and well done, Liam
May 24th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Gosh! Thanks Liam. You have made my day.