Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,
My husband Alec and I are both extremely fit 73-year-olds. We travel for about six months a year and love to get out bushwalking and birdwatching. It’s a great lifestyle but I am starting to worry that Alec might overdo things. I’m happy to do a 5km or 6km hike but he will do double that in rugged terrain and in hot conditions. He always prepares well when he heads off on his own but I think he is trying to prove he is still young by pushing himself to his limits. I don’t want to be sitting by the van one evening … and he simply doesn’t come back. If I say anything to him about it, he just laughs it off and says he’s not going to be that easy to get rid of. Help!
Joyce
It is difficult as we get older to accept what our new limits are. This is especially true for grey nomads who want to do as much as they can while they can. You might consider buying a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon for Alec so that he will at least be able to summon help in a crisis. As long as he is taking sensible precautions, you should perhaps be grateful he is happy and doing things that he loves. Of course, you will be anxious when he is late getting back, but be grateful he is not sitting in front of a TV back in suburbia getting old and lazy. You are 73 years young and living life to the full. Hooray for you and Alec.
Jaclyn
I gave up trying to talk some commonsense into any of my husbands after only a few weeks of marriage … so I admire you for still thinking you can make a difference. Bottom line. Alec is like all men … stubborn and convinced that he is totally indestructible. You’ve tried talking to him so there’s not much else you can do. Except perhaps make sure you don’t put yourself in harm’s way in a misguided attempt to keep this over-aged Rambo wannabe from collapsing on some remote track. Try not to worry … your septuagenarian action man will probably be ready for cocoa and slippers in a year or two. On second thoughts, best be careful what you wish for, Joyce!
Heidi
