As one grows older there are many things in life that change. As a shooter myself and one that is inherently competitive these changes must be addressed if you want to remain competitive.
The one factor in our favour, is that most shooting organisations have a section for “Seniors” or “Masters” or “Veterans” depending on how PC they want to be. This gives some protection for the aged.
Physical change
As our strength diminishes one becomes weaker, less able to lift the same weight and less able to hold weight up for long periods of time.
What’s more our eyesight fades and we are not able to see as clearly as we did before. The target becomes blurred and the rate at which our eyes are able to refocus slows down.
Being as supple evades us, we can no longer bend, stretch, kneel, and lie down as easily. The knees creak and crack. The back aches and the hamstrings pull tight.
Blood pressure increases and with that the risks associated with stress and strain.
Mental changes
We become less adaptable, more fixed in our ways and less able to concentrate.
Our attitude to competition changes and we are less likely to be as focused on winning.
Financial change
Most older people have retired and are living on a smaller budget as a result. There is less money available to spend on hobbies and sports and every expense must be justified.
What to do about it
To minimise the effects of the physical changes of aging, there are a number of things you can do.
Get fitter. Walk every day, even if it is only around the block or complex. This will improve your flexibility and our breath control required while shooting. Stretch every day, particularly the hamstrings and thigh muscles. This will improve your ability to get down and up again for the various shooting positions.
Weight training. Use only light weights to exercise the arms and shoulders to keep them strong and supple. This will help with lifting and holding your firearm.
Lose weight. The strain on the body can be massively reduced if your body weight is reduced to the correct levels for your height and body type. Control your diet and exercise.
Bi-focal shooting glasses will help your eyes focus on the target and the scope setting close to you eye.
Get a lighter gun. A light gun will make it easier to lift and hold in position and it is also easier to carry on and off the range.
Choose a smaller and cheaper calibre to shoot. This will reduce the cost of reloading and as well as make it easier to get components for your reloading.
Rationalise your equipment. Carry as little as possible when you are on the range. Do not carry a bag with stuff you will not need for the event. Put as much as you can in your pockets so that it is not hanging off your shoulder or around your neck.
Keep cool. Use a cooling cloth around your neck to keep your body temperature as low as possible. This reduces sweating and fogging of your eye protection, improves your general comfort level.
Pick the events to enter. Due to the high cost of travel, pick events that are close to home to enter. This might require you to enter different competitions that you are used to but will allow you shoot more on the same budget.
