Old-timers like me....how you get along in your later years.

[deepskyal]

Thought I'd start a frank discussion for some of us old-timers about how we're hunting these days with the health failures we begin to have.

Ok, about me. I'm only, and I do say only 56 years of age. I know quite a few other guys quite a few years older than me that I've had the pleasure of knowing over the years...up into their late 70's and early 80's.

God bless these guys for the good fortune of having relatively good health to continue their hobby into their later years. Personally, I think I'm the genetic cesspool of the family, inheriting what seems to be the chronic ailments of my ancestors on both sides of the family.

I've done hard, physical labor all my life and it has taken it's toll and I'm still trying to work the 48-60 hour weeks we end up with. By the time I'm home, showered, cook myself dinner, I'm wiped out.

As much as I want to, I no longer have any energy left to take a day and go detect. It's spent in a chair recuperating with bodily aches and pains that are difficult to manage. (Beer helps...lol)

I lost most of a lung back in 99 and as much as I like to push myself, hiking up into thoses hills to what may be a sweet spot is now out of the question. I lose breath easily but still push...while I can.
This was a genetic disorder and had nothing to do with my smoking. I had at least 20 good years of detecting before the lungs went.

But I can push through the shortness of breath but it's combined with rapidly advancing arthitis in my knees and shoulders.
In the last year I also was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high colestrol...combine that with being overweight and a smoker....

I was on vacation in the mountains two weeks ago and for the first time in my life I made sure people knew where I was...just in case. Where I was planning my hiking was rough terraine, creeks, rattlesnakes...and worst of all...no cell phone service.
I told them if they didn't hear from me by nightfall...assume the worst.

Face it...we hear all the time of the guy shoveling snow on his sidewalk and keeling over with a heart attack.

That's the one bad thing about me I guess. As wise at it would seem to NOT go on a venture like this alone, giving all my health issues, I still have that treasure bug, the detecting bug...for finding that elusive coin or cache.

Any of you young newbies beware...This is where I'm at after 30 years of detecting. Never found that big one, a massive old, gold brooch was by far my best lifetime find. My ex stole it when we split.

I see me tryin to detect but if the last 2 years are any indication of my future...it looks bleak. Last 2 years I've probably only been out a dozen times each year and that was limited by other bodily issues that put a necessity of being close to a bathroom...

Gettin old this way sucks. I want to be like those guys that are 80 and still kicking up some awesome finds. I want to live to retire.

I know there's more than a few of us beat up guys on here....let's hear what your doin with your bug.

Al

 

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[P.B. and Dylan]

You have 8 years on me and my health is fairly good but just a few ideas for you.

Farm fields are a much easier terrain and as you can see on here they hold some great treasures.

Old railroad lines, I go off to the sides to avoid the heavy iron concentrations near the tracks.

And although it's not detecting I find that estate auctions scratch my treasure hunting itch fairly well. The great thing is that you can sit and if they are more then a few hours long there are usually bathrooms and food available.

I wish you well Al, I'm sure you'll get a lot of great advise on here that will allow to continue treasure hunting as long as you want to.

Paul

 

[Frankn]

I am 74. I have had 3 disc operations. The last one was 25 years ago. I haven't been to a doctor for 10+ years. The way I look at it is when my numbers up, it's time to go.The trick is to not slack off and take it easy. The longer you can keep up your activity, the longer you will live. About 12 years ago I started to have numbness in my left arm. I went to a chiropractor. He took xrays and said I had arthritis in my neck and he wanted me to come in twice a month for treatment.I said no thanks. I started exercising every morning when I got up. I would move my head right and left for a few minutes and then move my left shoulder in a circular motion for a few minutes. In about 30 days the numbness was gone. I only allow myself 2 hours at a time watching TV or at the computer. I still hunt the beaches, I still go after those big caches, I still hit the parks and old home sites. I still find a good one now and then. You only get "old" when you slow down then that number pops up. Frank

 

[bofusmosby]

Al, you have a few years of age on me. I'll be 55 in a couple months. However, I've got you beat on detecting. I started hunting back in 1970. Hmmm, that's 41 years! Over the years, I have slowed down a bit, but still go detecting and sifting when time allows. I am in the process of restoring my old historical house, so right now, that takes up most of my time. As far as physical problems, well, not any problems with my knees, but sometimes with mt ankles. My biggest problem is with my hands. I have 3 "trigger" fingers, and it takes me a while to get them to moving first thing in the morning. I am an electronics tech by profession, so I constantly use my hands all day long. I've got a good friend that I go huntuing with, and he is 89! He is unbelievable. I'll be tickles to death if I am still alive at that age. He detects, screens with a sifter, and digs old bottles when ever he gets the chance. He has slowed down a bit, but he is still able to do it.

Paul gave you some good advice about where to hunt. A place doesn't have to be difficult to get to, to be productive. My only advice is to not stop. I understand about having you physical problems and limitations, but keep on doing at least a little bit as often as you can. When you stop hunting, that's when you will not be able to continue. Another suggestion that Paul gave you is also a good suggestion. Go to yard sales, estate sales, auctions and flea markets. I have found that no matter where I go, the treasure hunting bug is always with me. I like all of these as well. Hang in there, and don't give up! I am positive that you are not the only one with limitations from hard work and age.

 

[wayne_sa]

Al, you have a few years of age on me. I'll be 55 in a couple months. However, I've got you beat on detecting. I started hunting back in 1970. Hmmm, that's 41 years! Over the years, I have slowed down a bit, but still go detecting and sifting when time allows. I am in the process of restoring my old historical house, so right now, that takes up most of my time. As far as physical problems, well, not any problems with my knees, but sometimes with mt ankles. My biggest problem is with my hands. I have 3 "trigger" fingers, and it takes me a while to get them to moving first thing in the morning. I am an electronics tech by profession, so I constantly use my hands all day long. I've got a good friend that I go huntuing with, and he is 89! He is unbelievable. I'll be tickles to death if I am still alive at that age. He detects, screens with a sifter, and digs old bottles when ever he gets the chance. He has slowed down a bit, but he is still able to do it.

Paul gave you some good advice about where to hunt. A place doesn't have to be difficult to get to, to be productive. My only advice is to not stop. I understand about having you physical problems and limitations, but keep on doing at least a little bit as often as you can. When you stop hunting, that's when you will not be able to continue. Another suggestion that Paul gave you is also a good suggestion. Go to yard sales, estate sales, auctions and flea markets. I have found that no matter where I go, the treasure hunting bug is always with me. I like all of these as well. Hang in there, and don't give up! I am positive that you are not the only one with limitations from hard work and age.

trigger finger surgery was the best buy I ever got for my money

 

[bofusmosby]

Wayne, please explain. So, surgery IS needed? I've got 3 of them, and sometimes 4.

 

[Monty]

I am 67, have had one hip replacement and getting the other one fixed Monday. I hunted and dug "treasure" right up until I couldn't get up by myself and then have been off my feet for over a year now. As well as my hip feels that was replaced, I am anxious to do the other one, no dread at all. Then as soon as I can I will be right back out there with the "youngsters" doing my thing! Before I got into the art or sport of metal detecting I was fairliy sedate and had a heart attack, and although mild I found I needed so sort of recreation to do that will give me the exercise and fresh air I needed. I haven't had one flare up with my heart since I started metal detecting 6 years ago, and just passed my annual check up with flying colors. So I am living proof that MDing is good for an old fart. Monty

 

[wayne_sa]

Wayne, please explain. So, surgery IS needed? I've got 3 of them, and sometimes 4.

bofusmosby, they made a 1/2 inch incision in my palm at the big knuckle. It was an outpatient deal; I was home by 1pm or so.
Relief was immediate and I don't remember any pain of note or any healing. 12 years later my other middle finger is catching. Ouch.

Wayne

 

[wayne_sa]

I am 67, have had one hip replacement and getting the other one fixed Monday. I hunted and dug "treasure" right up until I couldn't get up by myself and then have been off my feet for over a year now. As well as my hip feels that was replaced, I am anxious to do the other one, no dread at all. Then as soon as I can I will be right back out there with the "youngsters" doing my thing! Before I got into the art or sport of metal detecting I was fairliy sedate and had a heart attack, and although mild I found I needed so sort of recreation to do that will give me the exercise and fresh air I needed. I haven't had one flare up with my heart since I started metal detecting 6 years ago, and just passed my annual check up with flying colors. So I am living proof that MDing is good for an old fart. Monty

When will you get the other hip Monty? Have you ever detected near Tahlequah? Digging in flint is muy difficult, no?

Wayne

 

[bofusmosby]

Wayne, please explain. So, surgery IS needed? I've got 3 of them, and sometimes 4.

bofusmosby, they made a 1/2 inch incision in my palm at the big knuckle. It was an outpatient deal; I was home by 1pm or so.
Relief was immediate and I don't remember any pain of note or any healing. 12 years later my other middle finger is catching. Ouch.

Wayne

Thank you Wayne. Well, without health insurance, I guess I'm going to have to live with them like this for a bit. It could be worse,,, it could be raining!

 

[sandtrout]

Thank you Wayne. Well, without health insurance, I guess I'm going to have to live with them like this for a bit. It could be worse,,, it could be raining!
[/quote]

I'm 61 and retired from the Post Office. I have type 2 diabetes, atrial Fib., and high blood pressure and take daily shot of Arixtra ($60/day without insurance!) for a deterrent against blood clots. Currently I still have health insurance but new upcoming legislation may end it and once you're our of the loop there won't be anyone who will insure me....sucks... and will be too old to do anything about it. ("But other than that, Mrs. Lincold....how did you like the play?")

I still detect with an ACE 250 and a Vaquero but do a lot of cherry picking instead of deep digging!

 

[Theakiki]

I'm 48.
I have type II follicular non hodgkins lymphoma. It's incurable. The Drs. told me not to look at it on the internet, but recently, I did anyway. The median life expectancy is 7 years. I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago.

I bought a cemetery plot this week.

Have a nice day.

 

[TerryC]

Al, I have back problems, etc,etc. I take a small, three-legged stool with me. It collapses to a bundle that has a strap to put around a shoulder. I need a break, I sit down. Then continue when ready. TTC

 

[Rockin Chairs Gold]

I'm 65 years old with 43 years in this hobby. I have two bulging disc's in my back, my right leg is numb from the knee down, I had open heart surgery two years ago, and live with A-Fib (irregular heart beat) with blood thinners daily, and high blood pressure.
I use a plastic stool to get up and down and to rest on, I guess people stare at me dragging that around but it's that or stay home and I am not ready to call it quits yet.

Someone mentioned going to auctions. Recently my wife and I was looking at buying a Sleep Number Bed to help me sleep better at night with my back. After pricing them I told my wife unless we could find one at a auction we would not be getting one. The wife said that wasn't going to happen, finding one at a auction. I was checking the local paper the next night and what do I find a Estate Auction with a two year old Sleep Number Bed for the next Saturday. We went and bought that bed for less then half what a new bed costs, and yes I do sleep better and get up the next morning with a lot less pain. Rick

 

[bofusmosby]

Theakiki

I guess reading your post makes all of our problems seem like nothing, and the truth is, they ARE nothing compared to yours. Ours pale in comparison to what you are going through. I am very sorry to hear this. I know that I do not know you, but you and I, along with everyone else here on this site share the same passion. All I can say to you is to keep the faith! The big guy upstairs ALWAYS make the final decisions, so I hope and pray that he spares you of this, and allows you to stay among us for a while yet.

Jim

 

[wayne_sa]

Wayne, please explain. So, surgery IS needed? I've got 3 of them, and sometimes 4.

bofus, I had my newest trigger finger looked at today by a hand surgeon specialist. I expected him to glance at my hand and schedule a surgery. Instead, he said, "I'm gonna give you two shots." And he did. One large novacaine in the palm and then a steroid injection. As soon as he finished he wanted me to work my finger; make it "catch" then open it up to get the steroid into the tendon sheath. "Do that a lot," he said.
Then he gave me some free samples of naproxen and told me to take two a day.
He said that the catching should stop in 5 to 7 days and that I should could expect to be ymptom free in 6 weeks.
He said that if symptoms had been present for 4 months or less, then this treatment is successful for 85% of people.
If it is not successful then he could do the injection/naproxen one more time only. If necessary, then surgery would be necessary.
If you'd like I will keep you posted on how this works for me. It will be waaaay cheaper than surgery.
There are no work restrictions w/ this treatment.

Wayne

 

[Keppy]

Well i will say that i am 71 and have no real health problems.....A steel plate in my hip ....... It is harder for me to get moveing in the morning than it was 2 or 3 years ago........... But once i get out there with my detector and hunting & digging i can go at it all day......... When out there i don't feel my age at all...... I guess i should consider myself lucky.............

 

[U.K. Brian]

I'm over sixty and have a round of recurring elbow, back and wrist problems.

Stopping detecting is not an option though as the less exercise the worse the problems affect me. The one problem with detecting full time is that I'm up and out and on the beach at five in the morning in the summer and having done that for years can't have a lie in even in the dead of winter. I'm supposed to be dealing with e-mails now and when it starts to get light I'll be on my way.

Big British plus is medicine and treatment is all free. You have paid your National Insurance stamp and your covered....no insurance company saying you have been ill so we are not going to cover that condition any more.

 

[tomisha]

Al, I had an old dog and brought in a pup. She added years to the o'l gal's life. Just by making her get up and bat the kid away. It kept her active.
I am your age, and have a few more miles down a few more bad roads than most.
Broken Neck, Back, Cancer, failed marriage etc. I don't need to go into it all here.
But there came a time when I had to stop licking my wounds.
I hurts when I get up in the morning, but I get up every morning. I work a ten hour day because I have to.
I'm a good man and I help anyone I can. I hope this helps you.
I am a Treasure Hunter.
The time I spend at the computer, the library, the local senior center with the ancient ones, gathering clues is brain exercise.
The history learned, to re-live days of yore through the pages of time is fantastic. To wish I lived a hundred years ago is on going.
But I found a partner. A younger kid. He's 30 something. He doesn't have the patience to do the research I do, or the money to buy the equipment I do but he has the drive to get my ragged Butt it the truck and drive 250 miles to spend a weekend in the Arizona desert, looking for the Millions we may never find. That is physical exercise. Sometimes it's hotter than Hell, and sometimes it's colder than a well digger's behind, but it is always a reward. I did something today. I took a step forward.... and I didn't look back at my shortcomings.
And yeah, the beer helps.

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Theakiki,

I am truly sorry to hear about your health. I'm sure you have already heard the whole party line - though, I will say, "median" is nothing but a word. There are several - amazing, I might add, trials going on at present - AND - the word median is not the same as "average" - my aunt died from non-hodgkins lymphoma - her "median" was 21 years after diagnosis. (and that was before we made so much progress).

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search/results?protocolsearchid=9822367&vers=1


Other than that - I hope you don't mind if I say this - and this is a purely personal outlook - some people live a lifetime in a short period, some people survive this world a long time and never live.

For me, I have already reached the age where the average person wouldn't say "oh, she was so young", if I died, but, as I've told my kids - if you find out I'm dead, somewhere in the Superstition Mountains (or on some other "treasure hunt"), make sure everyone knows I died doing what I enjoyed doing.

I had a stroke December 26, 2004 - that's the day I decided that, we never know, and we are never promised - tomorrow, or next week, or 5 minutes from now. I had no signs, no forewarning, and no clue. It just happened. (the same day as the tsunami and my hubby's birthday).
Who cares if a doctor gives you 7 years for one thing when something else could "get" you, or nothing could get you?

My father-in-law, except for high blood pressure, worked 3 jobs - sometimes 4, to raise a family and make sure that there was plenty of money for his retirement. 2 months before he retired, some drunk jerk ran him off the road into the river. Him & my hubby were planning on an extended trip out camping and fishing in May. He died in March.

I had a bad accident when I was 14, broke my back, and they didn't think I would walk again, and burned half my face - well, I walk, and I am in pain every day of my life, but I figure it beats the alternative. (I've had lots of "accidents" since I was a teen, my mother's face always turned white and she cringed, when I said "mom, I hurt myself).

Take every day as you get it. Live the hell out of it. If we do that, we will have lived a full life, no matter what the years on a calendar say.

Good luck,

Beth