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.
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 )
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.
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..
Your BMI changed rapidly within this post
You don’t look like you BMI is 30, but if it is, get MOVING!
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!
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.
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?
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.
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!
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
Gosh! Thanks Liam. You have made my day.