Frustrated at "middle age" fitness!!

[##Wardy##]

I am 34 years old and take reasonably good care of myself. From my own records I am as fit now as I was when I was 18. I am probably about 2 stones heavier, but my CV rates and recovery times have not changed. My stamina, I feel, has not haltered and if anything I am probably physically stronger (possibly due to extra weight).

My point is, do any males get annoyed at the seemingly early retirement of sports stars. Fair enough, maybe professional football and rugby after years of training may take its toll. But at 34 (like me) I would be considered an old timer. But cricket??? The recent retirements of key aussie stars annoys me when they say age is the factor. Take Warne, for example, I could bowl spinners all day (not as good as Warney, but physically the same!!).

Likewise, footballers who do not rely on speed (i,e goalkeepers and centre backs) and rugby props, all make a point of mentioning how old they are if around 34-36 years etc.

I hope I have made my point clear. Do other males approaching middle age or have gone past it notice any real difference? Because I sure as hell do not!!!

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, my only answer is that just cos you feel you are as fit as always, doesnt physically mean you are. These sports guys work constantly, even though speed isnt the issue. there is a mental stamina and the time working, which takes its toll also.
The differences i have noticed with myself are, that i seem to be getting a bit of a beer belly and i was out of breath when i ran up the stairs the other day. I play football and work out slightly and considered myself to be in good shape. I havent had sex for a while, so when (if) i do i will let you know if i am still in shape...

[B00]

I honestly don't think age has anything to do with our sports "stars" retiring at such an early age. I think it's more to do with they've made their money and now they are bu88ering to go off and enjoy their earnings whilst still young enough to enjoy 'em- and why not???

[noxlumos]

If you take F1 which physically is, believe it or not, one of the most demanding sports then good and successful drivers tend to retire slightly later than most other sports.
I myself at 46, now have a 34 in waist rather than a 30 in waist but my BMI is still only 24 and I am as fit and strong as ever I was 20 years ago. However I found the amount of excercise required to prevent more weight gain and dietry modifications have increased as I got older to maintain the same level of fitness, but yeah wardy I agree, standing in a goal mouth some men could do well at 50.
We live in a youth worshipping age though where anyone over 25 is considered obsolete, so I think perception is a lot to do with it rather necessarily than reality.
There was a very indignant 20 something who lost with ultimate bad grace to me at squash and I'm sure he'd have lost to a younger man far more gracefully.
The problem is all in perception and as we live longer as a society we will begin to see two distinct groups emerge I think, of younger people who feel threatened by older fit capable people.

[chicklin]

I thought most males approaching their 40's were past it! = )

[johnlambert]

I have more stamina and am stronger than when I was a young soldier, but that's true of most active males, however, like you, im not quite as fast as i used to be. I still run/jog around 7-10 miles per day, weather/studies permitting. No i dont get annoyed with athletes retiring early, they worked hard and feel the need to enjoy the huge sums of cash they have saved, good luck to them.