General fitness deterioration!

I have just finished re decorating the kitchen and utility room. Just one coat ceilings and walls no glossing.

When I last did it six years ago, I could start at 8.30 and go right through to 5pm (9 hours) and still have enough left in my tank to clean the rollers and tray etc.

This time I could only manage about 6 hours each day and I was totally knackered! My wrists and arms ache, my legs ache, and my back!!!

I am "only" 52 and thought I would still be able to do this easilly. I am sure my father managed to be able to decorate right into his 60's before he needed to "get someone in"

Is this the start of a long decline in not being able to do things I always took for granted.

Even a four hour walk leaves me exhausted and shattered.

Re: General fitness deterioration!

I think it depends a lot on how much we use particular muscles.

I know the muscle called 'my brain' let's me down more & more now that I'm retired..

Re: General fitness deterioration!

Mine too Nuttygran. I do think you lose some strength as you get older. It also takes longer to do some physical things, but the secret I think is not to stop doing stuff - keep on as long as you can - just give yourself a bit more time Elbee.

Re: General fitness deterioration!

I was a big strong builder who could and would move mountains, day in, day out. Although I have kept relatively busy since retiring I sometimes feel as weak as a kitten comparatively. But like Aerolor said, all you can do is keep going as long as you can but allow more time, and above all stop beating yourself up about it! Being tired is just nature's way of telling you it's time for another cuppa....

Re: General fitness deterioration!

Yep have to agree, you have to tackle things when you feel like it, bang goes all the Monday washing etc.I seem to spend a lot of time dropping off these days!

Re: General fitness deterioration!

I'm normally quite fit these days, probably a lot fitter than a lot of people my age (62+).
I normally cycle (off road) around 80km a week, walk probably around 10 miles a week, plus we have 3000m2 of orchard, grass etc to look after. Mowing the grass once a week is an all day job.

BUT this week I am knackered, but had 3 very late nights (2am) followed by early mornings, and the weather is so 'heavy' at the moment it's draining.

So early night today and back on the bike tomorrow.

Re: General fitness deterioration!

The point is I am only 52! And I was a big strong builder type too!

I agree, I allow more time to do each thing and as I am not working at the moment I have plenty of time.

I do just wonder if I have something wrong with me though.
A lot of people peg out around 60-65. If you get passed that it should be plain sailing to 80 and beyond!

Re: General fitness deterioration!

Hi Elbee I have found I lack the stamina I used to have but I am 10 years older than you.

maybe have your blood checked to see if you are anemic

Re: General fitness deterioration!

Ten years ago I could wallpaper and paint no problem at all. In April last year, I set to and re-painted my bedroom as it was desperate.

Sadly, my living room/dining area is very desperate but, with the best will in the world, I cannot tackle it any longer, especially the ceilings as I'm only 5ft tall, and I've nobody that can help me so they remain an embarrassment to me as I can't afford to pay to have them done.

I've re-papered this living room about six times whilst I've lived here and, even though the walls are just painted now, I can't even manage that anymore. My bedroom was a challenge and it took me two full weekends to complete, which was worth it in the end; but my get up and go has now got up and went.

Re: General fitness deterioration!

Me too Mollie I used to love decorating and DIY and even built my own kitchen but I have no inclination to do it now and keep putting off decorating my bedroom . It is partly Azz's fault for starting all these forums