Health

[voodoobassist]

Double bypass, carotid stent, COPD, a semi botched right wrist surgery 3 years ago, 3 bone spurs in my neck, and the rest of the joys of getting ready to turn 69 in a couple of months. Best advice I can give is,.... keep your body in motion. I take tylenol daily pretty much, not great for your body, but it helps keep the edge off things and helps to make the "keep moving" thing doable. Doesn't matter what it is that you're doing,......"doing" is the key, to me at least.

I run a 5 piece casino band and occasionally a trio with two much younger guys. The younger trio has been very good for my outlook. Their energy seems to boost my own. I can easily keep up with them musically, physically, not so much. But their energy is good for me, keeps me pushing.

I'd suggest finding things to keep busy with that are within your limits. I garden, go fishing, and have just started taking a more serious interest in guitar and keys. There's lots us old geezers can still do, maybe not as easily as when we were young. But the act of doing something, no matter what it is, helps keep the fire burning. Best of luck to you my friend.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Best advice I can give is,.... keep your body in motion.

Came here to say this. Good luck and take care, OP. Movement and light exercise help alleviate some shoulder pain I had for years. It’s been gone for a while. Re: Yoga - yoga has never helped me. In fact, the last time I did it I was in pain for days. My recommendation instead of yoga would be to look into a STRETCHING regime. Yoga may be too high impact, if you will. Stretching has helped me way more than yoga could.

 

[RoaDan]

I'm 67 yrs old, not too old but certainly not young. I'm being sidelined by my health.
I retired and have suffered the worst last 2 years. Triple sinus surgeries, COVID, a heart stent, shoulder rotator cuff and now arthritis in my spine.
In short, most everything hurts and I can't, at this point, continue on stage.
It's taking the life out of me. I've backed out of my last two gigs due to health. I'm trying to put it in perspective but it's emotionally painful.
Is there hope for a musical future or do I resign myself to being shelved by ill health?
Anyone else going through this? Any advice??

I can, somewhat, relate to your situation. I am also 67, have arthritis in both hands (had cortisone shots for a temporary fix) and deal with lower back pain on occasion. I have played in the same band for almost 13 years and still continue to do so but that is because a few years ago I decided that I did not want to become a victim of the ravages of time. I can only suggest getting serious about losing any excess weight, working out on a regular basis and try something you never considered that would keep your body moving. My choice was to start doing jujitsu. Something like that will help with flexibility. Certain health situations are unavoidable but from the sound of what you are going through a few life-style changes could bring about the results you seek. Best of luck. But remember, luck comes to those who do... or some weird Yoda wisdom like that...

 

[RoaDan]

I'm 67 yrs old, not too old but certainly not young. I'm being sidelined by my health.
I retired and have suffered the worst last 2 years. Triple sinus surgeries, COVID, a heart stent, shoulder rotator cuff and now arthritis in my spine.
In short, most everything hurts and I can't, at this point, continue on stage.
It's taking the life out of me. I've backed out of my last two gigs due to health. I'm trying to put it in perspective but it's emotionally painful.
Is there hope for a musical future or do I resign myself to being shelved by ill health?
Anyone else going through this? Any advice??

I can, somewhat, relate to your situation. I am also 67, have arthritis in both hands (had cortisone shots for a temporary fix) and deal with lower back pain on occasion. I have played in the same band for almost 13 years and still continue to do so but that is because a few years ago I decided that I did not want to become a victim of the ravages of time. I can only suggest getting serious about losing any excess weight, working out on a regular basis and try something you never considered that would keep your body moving. My choice was to start doing jujitsu. Something like that will help with flexibility. Certain health situations are unavoidable but from the sound of what you are going through a few life-style changes could bring about the results you seek. Best of luck. But remember, luck comes to those who do... or some weird Yoda wisdom like that...

 

[Zooberwerx]

Worst case scenario: just turned 64 and came to stark realization that I’m invisible to younger women.

Riis

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Thanks, Al. I'm considering yoga. I've been so sedentary since the heart issue and I really need to step it up. Thanks for the tip in Dr. Fuhrman. I'll check that out.

Yoga and gentle walks are a start.

Plus one on Dr Fuhrman, here is his website Beginner's Guide to the Nutritarian Diet
I read his book ‘Eat to Live’ years ago and it is a life saver.

I was very active until I had a huge bicycle racing accident at age 60. I was running one marathon every year, and racing 25 year olds on my road bike, in organized crit races. The bike accident stopped everything and I gained 40 pounds.

The amazing thing about what Dr Fuhrman teaches with nutrition is, without exercise, you lose weight and get off blood pressure and cholesterol pills. Yes, exercise will strengthen your core, thus helping to prevent back aches and such but it is not mandatory for better health.

I am amazed every doctor out there does not prescribe what Fuhrman does.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I'm 67 yrs old, not too old but certainly not young. I'm being sidelined by my health.
I retired and have suffered the worst last 2 years. Triple sinus surgeries, COVID, a heart stent, shoulder rotator cuff and now arthritis in my spine.
In short, most everything hurts and I can't, at this point, continue on stage.
It's taking the life out of me. I've backed out of my last two gigs due to health. I'm trying to put it in perspective but it's emotionally painful.
Is there hope for a musical future or do I resign myself to being shelved by ill health?
Anyone else going through this? Any advice??

I sorry to hear about the pain you are going though. For the most part I’ve been spared from it, but have similar maladies. Multiple stents, Covid, sinus issues, and two rotator cuff tears in my right shoulder (‘from a mishap taking my gear out to my car after a gig). I also need have issues with both of my thumbs that need surgery.

‘I just finished reading the medical reports from my cath procedure from a couple of weeks ago last night, and at age 70, my gigging days are coming to a close. I’m hoping I can continue to record, as that can be done at home with minimal equipment, but eventually, that will come to an end as well.

It’s really weird thinking about not performing. I’m mean I’ve been in front of people singing and playing instruments since I was in preschool. That said, I’ve played enough notes, and enough of them well enough to give me a good deal of satisfaction for a job well done.

Best wishes, and hope you can get some relief from your discomfort.

 

[two fingers]

Find a FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE doctor. Traditional Western medicine doesn't even look for the root causes of symptoms. It just treats the symptoms with more drugs and knives.

Functional Medicine focuses on the root causes of those symptoms.

Here's the hard part. Many of those root causes are diet and lifestyle based. Want to feel better? Once you get tested by a functional doctor, there will be some adjustments. The may find that your sleep routine is awful. So if you're used to falling asleep at midnight watching Gunsmoke reruns, you'll have to ditch that. Certain foods might have to go. And an exercise routine (that will SUCK for the first couple of weeks) may need to be established.

But those things will change the way you feel.

Between starting weight training in February, and switching over to a functional med doc shortly after, I'm in the best shape of my life and feel great at 51.

 

[baileyboy]

I see you have a list of health issues that cause you constant pain. As a lifelong athlete, the best advice I can impart is to find an aerobic activity that does not cause you pain, or at least does not aggravate pain you already have- swimming, spinning, fast walking, running, elliptical, biking, whatever... and do it at least 5x weekly for at least a half hour. If you can't physically do 5x a week/half hour, build up to it. If you can find an exercise you actually enjoy, even better, because it won't be seen as burdensome.

The better health you're in, the better you'll feel, and will be more likely to be able to enjoy other pursuits, like playing bass. If you let your pain own you, atrophy will set in, and you'll find yourself on the sidelines of life. Best to you.

 

[mikewalker]

I would just echo what baileyboy and two fingers just said above: make lifestyle changes as neccessary, and KEEP MOVING. Sixty-seven is not too old to reboot the healing processes... thanks to continuous cell replacement, you grow almost an entirely new body every seven years. The trick is keeping it steered into the best blueprint! My Mom is 93 and despite having been born without kneecaps and having numerous surgeries on all kinds of other stuff, has only finally taken to a wheelchair this year. She was actually pretty much 100% functional (even driving still) right up to age 90

 

[groooooove]

sorry to hear that..

i'd make a conscious effort to explore solo music you can enjoy on your own.

when covid hit, all my gigs got canceled. luckily i have a job teaching music so it was not the end of the world financially, just part of life i suppose.

I started going deeper and deeper into stuff i can just do on my own here in my home studio. I've fallen in love with it.

a lot easier for me since i've always played 6 strings. but still... music does not all need to happen with a live audience, especially if you physically have problems being able to do so.

don't get me wrong. I miss the feeling of a band killing in front of an audience. but, i can scratch enough of the performing itch by recording my fun little arrangements. it's fine with me. perhaps you can do the same?

good luck, OP.

 

[Steve Dallman]

After 15 years in my current 3 piece, at 69, I finally called it. I LOVE playing, but I have to reluctantly admit, it's become too hard on my body. I have advanced, degenerative arthritis, two knee replacements, no discs left in my neck, scoliosis (caused by uneven leg lengths following the knee replacements) and other issues. I can do our 4 plus hour gigs, but with setup and teardown, and singing all night, it is taking me days to recover.

We did two gigs this weekend. Physically, not a lot of problems, but my head is just a mess...fuzzy, trouble focusing, and just damned tired. We played outside, and it was rather cool, so sweating (which really trashes me) wasn't the usual issue.

On top of my issues, my wonderful Wife had a stroke 3 years ago, and can no longer handle crowds, commotion and loud noise. So with both of us in mind, my gig playing days are pretty much over.

Our guitar player also has bad arthritis problems, so he is rather relieved we are ending. It was a good run, and the most fun I've had playing in a band since I started in 1967.

Emotionally, it will be a roller coaster for a while, but the negatives finally outweighed the positives.

 

[RichardW]

I had a dear elderly friend who would refer to those times when she and her contemporaries talked about their health as "the organ recital."

Sorry for your troubles. Health is wealth. I'm a few years behind you but in decent shape. Just some cranky shoulders. I guess I would just say give yourself time, have realistic expectations, and be open to other forms of musical expression. I know this isn't very helpful.

Hang in there and hope you start feeling better.

 

[g-dude]

Starting Strength

I'm 22, but early in college I was sidelined by lower back pain from practicing, and in high school I similarly had rotator cuff issues would would flare up every 5-6 months or so. Since starting weight training and getting stronger, all of these issues have subsided, and I feel great playing. I can't recommend enough to start strength training as soon as possible in your life, especially playing such a physically demanding instrument such as double bass.

So Starting Strength is great, but not age appropriate.

It’s really aimed at people on the young side of 30.

Your body gets different as you get older, and while Starting Strength is great, in conjunction with moving to 5/3/1 or the Texas Method, I would strongly advise against anyone over 40 from using its programming for very long, if at all.

 

[fishdude101101]

I'm 67 yrs old, not too old but certainly not young. I'm being sidelined by my health.
I retired and have suffered the worst last 2 years. Triple sinus surgeries, COVID, a heart stent, shoulder rotator cuff and now arthritis in my spine.
In short, most everything hurts and I can't, at this point, continue on stage.
It's taking the life out of me. I've backed out of my last two gigs due to health. I'm trying to put it in perspective but it's emotionally painful.
Is there hope for a musical future or do I resign myself to being shelved by ill health?
Anyone else going through this? Any advice??

Could you sit down and play your gigs? Or is it beyond that?

 

[Gregory H]

Some thoughts on yoga - @Cave Puppy touched on it a little but I wanted to go a step further.

Yoga can be a lot of different things to different people. I've been to yoga classes where I left feeling relaxed and recharged, and I've been to classes that kicked my ass. It is a wide spectrum.

Look for - Gentle yoga, Regenerative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative yoga, Candlelight Yin, etc.

Avoid - Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga, Corepower, etc.

Yoga can be an incredible strength workout or an incredible relaxation session depending on the type of yoga being practiced. If you choose poorly it can compound your problems, but if you choose wisely it can be a great solution to the same problems.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I'm 53, and right there too. Just too many issues to keep on. I finally gave notice to the guys last month, and regretfully stepped out the band.

Osteoarthritis. Spine collapsed. Fingers slowly went to sleep. And that was the ballgame. Maybe another surgery and I'll get it back. (already had one fusion of C5-C7) Or maybe I'm done. [shrug]

 

[turf3]

Worst case scenario: just turned 64 and came to stark realization that I’m invisible to younger women.

Riis

I get a lot of sweet smiles from young women when I'm out on my walks. I finally realized it's because I remind them of their fathers - or - grandfathers!

 

[Cave Puppy]

Some thoughts on yoga - @Cave Puppy touched on it a little but I wanted to go a step further.

Yoga can be a lot of different things to different people. I've been to yoga classes where I left feeling relaxed and recharged, and I've been to classes that kicked my ass. It is a wide spectrum.

Look for - Gentle yoga, Regenerative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative yoga, Candlelight Yin, etc.

Avoid - Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga, Corepower, etc.

Yoga can be an incredible strength workout or an incredible relaxation session depending on the type of yoga being practiced. If you choose poorly it can compound your problems, but if you choose wisely it can be a great solution to the same problems.

Kundalini Yoga is also low impact. Lots of stretching involved in that practice.

 

[mikewalker]

On the subject of health, I'll thrown in a shoutout to Taoist Tai Chi ... totally low impact (can be done seated, if neccessary!) but builds a real awareness of the entire body's relationship with gravity and seriously improves all the balance issues you never knew you had! Even the short forms will gently engage almost every muscle in your body.
(*note to self: start practicing Tai Chi again...)