Why Creaky Backs, Gammy Knees, or Ticking off Years on the Calendar Don’t Have to Put an End to Your Enjoyment on the Water Adapted from an Article By Tux Turkel for BoatU.S. Magazine February/March 2015 — Original Article Contributed by Bobbi Breslow By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates one in five Americans will be 65 or older. The baby boomers driving this trend are well-known for their determination to sail off into the setting sun, figuratively and literally, but there are some hurdles – physical and mental – to be overcome. People 60 or older typically need more than twice as much light to see under dim conditions as a 20-year-old. Past age 50, high-frequency sounds can drop, and more time is needed to react to stimuli. These shortcomings are widely recognized behind the wheel of a car; on a boat, we can toss balance into the mix. Add the need for body strength when tugging a line with a snagged anchor, and it’s clear that the effects of aging at the helm of a boat are not without challenge. Thankfully there are solutions, such as those offered by Banana River Sail and Power Squadron in Satellite Beach, Florida. “I have a firm belief,” says Earl Gillespie, the squadron’s commander, “that we have a lot of boaters leaving boating because they may have tripped or had a near-accident. They don’t need to quit. They need to compensate and do things a little differently.” Last winter, the Banana River squadron hosted what it believes to be Florida’s first safe-boating class for seniors. Expectations were modest. A small article in a local newspaper and online promotion attracted 15 people. Some had owned larger vessels in their younger years, and all but one couple came from powerboating rather than sailing. Their reasons for attending varied, but no one said they had come specifically because of a mishap. “My suspicion is that people don’t often think that way,” says Bill Veit, the squadron’s education officer. “We think we’re fine.” Making sure your boat has wide side decks and strong side rails makes boating more carefree and safer as we age. So does using a marina with ADA-compliant docks with rugged rails for more stable footing. First off, if you recognize you’re experiencing a high-risk trait or condition, such as forgetfulness, vision impairment, slowed reaction times, unsteadiness, etc. share that info with a spouse or boating buddy. Understand the severity of the condition, possibly through a medical check-up, and carry out specific changes needed to compensate. These might include new boating habits, altering the boat, or repositioning gear. Along with your spouse or friends, plan to monitor your condition to watch for any progression or increased risk. 6
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Why Creaky Backs, Gammy Knees, or 6 Ticking off Years on ...hudsoncove.com/images/2015-10_Late_Winter_Yardarm_Pgs._6-9.pdfLast winter, the Banana River squadron hosted what it believes
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Why Creaky Backs, Gammy Knees, or Ticking off Years on the Calendar Don’t Have to Put
an End to Your Enjoyment on the Water Adapted from an Article By Tux Turkel for BoatU.S. Magazine February/March 2015
— Original Article Contributed by Bobbi Breslow
By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates one in five Americans will be 65 or older.
The baby boomers driving this trend are well-known for their determination to sail off
into the setting sun, figuratively and literally, but there are some hurdles – physical and
mental – to be overcome. People 60 or older typically need more than twice as much light
to see under dim conditions as a 20-year-old. Past age 50, high-frequency sounds can drop,
and more time is needed to react to stimuli. These shortcomings are widely recognized
behind the wheel of a car; on a boat, we can toss balance into the mix. Add the need for
body strength when tugging a line with a snagged anchor, and it’s clear that the effects of
aging at the helm of a boat are not without challenge.
Thankfully there are solutions, such as those offered by Banana River Sail and Power
Squadron in Satellite Beach, Florida. “I have a firm belief,” says Earl Gillespie, the
squadron’s commander, “that we have a lot of boaters leaving boating because they may
have tripped or had a near-accident. They don’t need to quit. They need to compensate
and do things a little differently.” Last winter, the Banana River squadron hosted what it
believes to be Florida’s first safe-boating class for seniors. Expectations were modest. A
small article in a local newspaper and online promotion attracted 15 people. Some had
owned larger vessels in their younger years, and all but one couple came from powerboating
rather than sailing. Their reasons for attending varied, but no one said they had come
specifically because of a mishap. “My suspicion is that people don’t often think that way,”
says Bill Veit, the squadron’s education officer. “We think we’re fine.”
Making sure your boat has wide side decks and strong side rails makes boating more carefree and safer as we age. So does using a marina with ADA-compliant docks
with rugged rails for more stable footing. First off, if you recognize you’re experiencing a high-risk trait or condition, such as