Wise words to contemplate

Wise words to contemplate

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nigelpugh7

Original Poster:

6,397 posts

204 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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Credit to zenmotorcyclemaintenance on instagram

As we age, the more adventures we need to take to keep our minds sharp and our spirits high.

Motorcycle road trips, often thought of as pure fun, offer impressive mental and physical benefits, especially for older adults.

Riding a motorcycle requires keen focus, decision-making, and quick reflexes, which engage the brain's prefrontal cortex. This level of mental stimulation has been linked to cognitive health and dementia prevention, as shown in studies like Kawashima's research at Tohoku University.

The thrill of the ride also boosts dopamine levels, with research in the Journal of Positive Psychology suggesting that new, exciting activities help lift mood and counter depression or anxiety, common issues for many in later years.

Physically, motorcycling strengthens core muscles, balance, and coordination, contributing to long-term physical fitness.

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that moderate physical activities can help reduce disability risks in older adults, which makes motorcycling an unexpected ally in healthy aging.

Furthermore, the act of riding induces a meditative 'flow' state that reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels, as reported in the journal Mindfulness.

Add in the social bonds built along the way-interactions with fellow riders or locals on the road-and you have an adventure that supports mental, physical, and social well-being, a formula for a happier, healthier life.

trickywoo

12,903 posts

244 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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Should be on prescription or at least subsidised.

Neal H

417 posts

208 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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Now I’m over 60, can I get a new bike on the NHS?

nigelpugh7

Original Poster:

6,397 posts

204 months

Monday 4th November 2024
quotequote all
trickywoo said:
Should be on prescription or at least subsidised.
Now that’s a good idea,

Perhaps we should all lobby Sir Keir Starmer !

nigelpugh7

Original Poster:

6,397 posts

204 months

Monday 4th November 2024
quotequote all
Neal H said:
Now I’m over 60, can I get a new bike on the NHS?
Yes me too, pretty please ?

STe_rsv4

911 posts

112 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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As a counter argument, I sometimes come back from riding being freezing cold, unable to bend my neck or back, frustrated at being unable to open the taps and depressed from knowing the ride is over and I have to go back to reality wink

bogie

16,749 posts

286 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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thumbup

spoodler

2,227 posts

169 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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STe_rsv4 said:
As a counter argument, I sometimes come back from riding being freezing cold, unable to bend my neck or back, frustrated at being unable to open the taps and depressed from knowing the ride is over and I have to go back to reality wink
I was going to post something similar... but, apparently, it's all good character building stuff.

Fullook

854 posts

87 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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STe_rsv4 said:
As a counter argument, I sometimes come back from riding being freezing cold, unable to bend my neck or back, frustrated at being unable to open the taps and depressed from knowing the ride is over and I have to go back to reality wink
I've got some chips over here for you to piss on, if you like smile

nigelpugh7

Original Poster:

6,397 posts

204 months

Monday 4th November 2024
quotequote all
STe_rsv4 said:
As a counter argument, I sometimes come back from riding being freezing cold, unable to bend my neck or back, frustrated at being unable to open the taps and depressed from knowing the ride is over and I have to go back to reality wink
Or equally getting frustrated sitting looking at your bike going nowhere in the garage, because it’s blowing a gale and there’s been that much rain that all the roads are flooded again! wink

rodericb

7,879 posts

140 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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Just don't think too much about it, like Robert M. Pirsig did.

nigelpugh7

Original Poster:

6,397 posts

204 months

Monday 4th November 2024
quotequote all
rodericb said:
Just don't think too much about it, like Robert M. Pirsig did.
Yes quite!

And for those that did not realise the text is from Robert M Pirsigs book, “ Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”


nigelpugh7

Original Poster:

6,397 posts

204 months

Monday 4th November 2024
quotequote all
nigelpugh7 said:
Yes quite!

And for those that did not realise the text is from Robert M Pirsigs book, “ Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”
Many programs have been created to discuss the book and its meaning over the years.


SteveKTMer

1,197 posts

45 months

Monday 4th November 2024
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Whoever wrote that has never ridden in the SE of England on a Saturday morning !

moanthebairns

18,424 posts

212 months

Tuesday 5th November 2024
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SteveKTMer said:
Whoever wrote that has never ridden in the SE of England on a Saturday morning !
Or went head first into the 'Welcome to Blair Drummond Safari Park' sign post, or used their face as a brake at Craner curves. If anything motorcycling has accelerated my risk of Dementia.

Biker9090

1,489 posts

51 months

Tuesday 5th November 2024
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I got as bored reading this as I did the actual book.

carinaman

23,082 posts

186 months

Wednesday 13th November 2024
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Biker9090 said:
I got as bored reading this as I did the actual book.
I gave up between half way and two thirds though. Perhaps I'll finish it one day.


Some 'news' piece on Radio 4 was talking about adult toys as in toys bought for adults, like Lego. The spokesperson said that it allowed adults to escape the everyday before having to return to being a grown up again. They said that the toys were 'palate cleansers for the minds.' That's what motorcycles are.

carinaman

23,082 posts

186 months

Wednesday 13th November 2024
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I thought that had some nice imagery and music and in it. Is the motorcycle and journey just a prop, a MacGuffin to make a nice video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3qFXArFIl4

Marquezs Stabilisers

1,909 posts

75 months

Thursday 14th November 2024
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moanthebairns said:
Or went head first into the 'Welcome to Blair Drummond Safari Park' sign post, or used their face as a brake at Craner curves. If anything motorcycling has accelerated my risk of Dementia.
The first needs a bit more explanation, how did you manage that?