How Old Are We?

[svHyLyte]

The recent thread questioning "Too Old to Sail?" has received many responses, largely by more "mature" sailor/forum members. With that, I began to wonder what the age distribution of the forum participants might be. When I first joined the forum, now many years ago, thee were only about 2600 participants IIRC and there seem to be many many more at present. Given the times of postings throughout a day, it seems that many have time to peruse the Forum and respond during what might be considered "working hours" which gives me to suspect that they are retired or gainfully unemployed (and hopefully not goofing off on their employers!) but perhaps not.

N'any case I thought it would be interesting to know the age distribution of our demographic, eh?

[Bob Morane]

Seems like I'm the first 20-30 answering the poll. Closer to 30 than 20 thought.
We are around somehow.

[sailorboy1]

so far the poll results look a lot like the average cruiser anchorage

[toddster8]

Chronologically: going on 60
Physically: going on 40
Emotionally: going on 14

[B23iL23]

Originally Posted by toddster8

Chronologically: going on 60
Physically: going on 40
Emotionally: going on 14

Made me chuckle. My kids say that when it comes to me, Growing old is mandatory, Growing up is optional.

[LoudMusic]

We're clinging onto that second option fiercely, but seems to be slipping away daily ...

When we started traveling together many years ago we found ourselves often on tours or locations with a high ratio of smiling gray-haired folk in matching wind suits. My then 22 year old wife would turn to me and say, "We must be channeling our inner 65 year olds".

[Orion Jim]

78% are between 51 and the pearly gates so far.

[thinwater]

That mirrors demographics posted but the boat manufacture association. Even more concerning, is that it keeps getting old, because the same old guys keep sailing. You can see that in the forum membership.


My case is probably not unique. My daughter like sailing, but I doubt she will ever buy a cruising boat (a dinghy or beach cat is very likely). This generations is less into maintenance and ownership, which is not hard to understand. Owning a boat is pretty dumb. I should know. But I suspect I will die the day after I stop doing something on the water, even a simple human-powered craft, like the Water Rat in The Wind in the Willows.


Chronologically: Sneaking up on 60
Physically: Depends on which part. 30 cardio, 90 knee, 60 most joints.
Emotionally: Depends on the topic. "Don't care" can make you seem either older or younger.

[Dave_S]

It wouldn't look too bad if the 41-50 age group picked up, but that's the money making years, not the spending on bad investment years.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Dave_S

It wouldn't look too bad if the 41-50 age group picked up, but that's the money making years, not the spending on bad investment years.

Had this poll happened last year I could have added to the 41-50 group, but I’ve tipped over into the majority now.

That’s OK. I still feel young at heart, old of joints, and grumpy of spirit .

[sailorboy1]

[QUOTE=Mike OReilly;2819164

That’s OK. I still feel young at heart, old of joints, and grumpy of spirit .[/QUOTE]

Just wait, soon you will wish for the 51 year old pains again (and I’m only 58)

[sailorboy1]

Impressive than pre retirement ages are leading the way

[Tayana42]

You’ve got the age categories wrong. They should be... youth, middle age, and "you're looking wonderful ".

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Impressive than pre retirement ages are leading the way

Hah. I retired at 57. I’m spending it before my kids get it.

[markpierce]

Am 72 and awaiting my first heart-valve replacement. Surgery needed for more energy so to be able to resume boating.