May 2008 we found a Durbeck 46 cutter in Los Angeles that fit our needs and that we could afford. We bought it and made a plan to work for another 4 or 5 years, then to retire onto the boat and go off sailing. Great, a retirement worth waiting for.
Phyllis has had trouble with blood clotting and high blood pressure so took medication for. She was also overweight and had trouble breathing so that she had to rest to catch her breath after walking 300-400 yards. She used to have days and days when she was totally drained of energy. Wasted days lying around unable to do anything. Also she was pre-diabetic.
As for myself I did not take any medications but my blood pressure was up to 140-145 over 90-95. I had a beer belly, love handles, little muscular strength and little energy.
We took September off to work on the boat and cruise around Catalina Island. After 3 weeks we took our blood pressure and found that hers was down 25 points and mine down 15 points. We were feeling better and had more energy. Phyllis looked at me and I at her and said “If we keep working for another 4-5 years one of us is likely to be dead so lets retire now”. It would mean that money would be really tight but we could just do it on our pensions. Suffice to say we drove home, sold most of our 'stuff', rented our condo, filled the suburban to overflowing and moved onto the boat.
Getting the boat stored, repaired and cleaned ready to go was more physical work that either of us had done for years. We left LA in December and worked our leisurely way down the coast to San Diego where we topped up our supplies before heading into Mexico. We are now in La Paz, Baja California having cruised around the beautiful islands and anchorages in the Sea of Cortez.
It is August 2009, I have turned 70 and Phyllis not too far behind. The change in our health is as follows;
Phyllis' blood pressure has come down from 150/95 to 125/82 and mine from 140/85 to 118/75 as it was at age 45.
Phyllis was able to reduce her medications for blood pressure and blood thinners. She has better circulation and less leg pains.
We have both lost significant weight and gained much muscle tone. Phyllis can now walk a mile to the supermarket and back in 90F+ heat with a backpack of groceries. My beer belly and love handles are gone. I have much more physical strength and endurance now.
We both sleep well through the night.
Phyllis used to have trouble breathing but its now much better.
Both of us have more energy, Phyllis especially.
Our sex life has improved considerably.
Finally we are both very relaxed enjoying our lives together.
What are the factors is this improvement in our health and wellbeing?
Much less stress due to;
Elimination of work stress.
Lack of fear stress from mainstream media.
Life aboard is not so complicated.
Less worry about making money.
More exercise.
Boats move. Just standing aboard gives us isometric exercise.
The companionway steps provide exercise as we walk up and down them many times a day.
Boats are built with a shape designed to go through the water which results in compartments and lockers that are odd shapes and sizes. Repairing, maintaining and accessing these spaces requires stretching and reaching that builds muscles and flexibility.
Sailing vessels have sails which must be raised, trimmed and lowered. On most boats the halyards and sheets are brought in with manual winches which build up upper body strength.
Most cruising vessels anchor frequently when possible to provide privacy and to reduce marina costs. Some anchor winches are manually operated. Sometimes boaters will dive on their anchor to ensure the anchor is set properly.
All boats carry a dinghy of one sort or another as a means of going back and forth to shore and to carry needed supplies. Some dinghies are propelled by oars which provides excellent exercise. Even with an outboard motor there is exercise just launching and retrieving the dinghy and attaching the outboard and fuel tank.
Once on shore cruisers must travel to buy supplies and food. Some people have bicycles or mopeds but most walk carrying packsacks. Without cars most walk to do their errands.
Cleaner air to breathe. Most marinas are by the water where there is cleaner air. Cruising away from cities and built up areas leaves one breathing clean sea air. The sea is a great engine for taking contaminants out of the atmosphere.
More healthy diet. While boating people like to catch fish and seafood. There is more time to cook and to eat so the meals are more healthy and are eaten in less of a rush. Local food here in La Paz is more basic made with fresh ingredients. We also use an anti aging supplement called “Vivex”
Less costly to live. One can spend as much when on a boat as on land but most live on much less.
Spiritually refreshing. There seems to be something about being out in nature at its best with the sea, shore and sky to improve the health of the soul.
Any comment?
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