Diving after 55 - split from: Tavernier fatality - Florida Keys

[tridacna]

I wish that there was an icon that you could include in a post to indicate that a thread has outlived its useful life and has just become a vehicle for endless repeated boring non-contributory non-useful posts. Would be nice.

Remember that the OP posted in the Medicine forum, not the pub.

Wait...there is such a button. "UNWATCH THIS THREAD". My bad. Sorry.

 

[Kharon]

I'm now 70 and just dove Bonaire. Don't plan on quitting anytime soon.

 

[mdb]

I'm now 70 and just dove Bonaire. Don't plan on quitting anytime soon.

70 is the new 50 from what my PCP Doc has told me.

Of course I want to believe the good Doc since I turned 70 in October.

Stay fit and well and enjoy.

No need for the couch.

I'll keep getting in the ocean. Nice place to be, way better than the freeway.

 

[mdb]

I wish that there was an icon that you could include in a post to indicate that a thread has outlived its useful life and has just become a vehicle for endless repeated boring non-contributory non-useful posts. Would be nice.

Remember that the OP posted in the Medicine forum, not the pub.

Wait...there is such a button. "UNWATCH THIS THREAD". My bad. Sorry.

Good bye.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Seems like after 55, diving is like a Russian roulette. After reading yearly DAN reports, it is the age when body often is not up to the physical task for many of that age. Though, I am sure, many do keep themselves in shape.

There may be an argument for more careful screening of divers over a certain age, but what should they be screened for, and at what age? 50? 55, as you mentioned? 60? One explanation for the DAN data is that age-related cardiac issues can be aggravated by immersion coupled with physical activity, especially in divers who are not otherwise physically active. Incidence of cardiovascular disease is almost linear with age:

https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_319574.pdf

Many older divers have posted here that they're happily diving at 60, 70 or older but is this a representative sample of older divers, and should conclusions be drawn about the safety of diving as one grows older simply by reading this thread? Posters here (a) are still alive, (b) are members of Scubaboard, (c) read this thread and (d) are interested enough in the topic to post, so arguably not.

Yours is a valid question that comes up frequently here in one form or another. Unfortunately there's no clear-cut answer. Perhaps the best solution is, as a diver, do everything you can to reduce your risk of adverse cardiac events, and as a buddy, be prepared to perform rescue including CPR. Many here can bear personal witness to the fact that CPR saves lives.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[kimbalabala]

I'm happy to see this thread - and encouraged. I'm 56 and my husband (DB) is almost 63. One takeaway from this thread - for me - is the reminder to be even more invested in my husband's health! An incident at depth doesn't just affect me - or him - it's both of us.

Yes, I knew this already ... but it was a good reminder to spend more time at the gym!

 

[Texasguy]

Nope - Just the briefings we had before and after each dive as well as the knowledge reviews and written exams. Do you need more stroking

Yes. Way more. That is why one would want to get you as an instructor, because of your huge experience. Any instructor can and does teach from a book, what is not in the book is that separates the instructors. I would not mind more stroking...

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

OK dude -- give me a call

 

[Bubblesong]

Threads can live for a long time, but there are a lot of people who would appreciate inspiration to get in shape and get checked out for general health and safe diving. I hope I keep getting reminders/encouragement to keep up the exercise.

 

[sealark]

Russian roulette hell I'm 73 been Diving since 10 years old. Went this week made at least 10 dives. I now keep it to less than 100 ft 32% nitrox air tables walk a mile or two every day. dropped from 220 to 170 6 years ago. Done it all Commercial, Military, spear fishing is all I do now. Going again this morning, Weather permitting.