We don't always like to talk about it but getting older affects almost everything we do. But sticking strictly to music, how has your life as a musician changed since you've gotten older, especially if you're, let's say, over 65. I stopped gigging several years ago and age was definitely one of the considerations. I also stopped riding motorcycles and flying small planes (general aviation). I may also give up porn (not immediately) . But seriously, I have noticed the following changes in my musical life that are most likely related to age.

1. I'm much less excited about new gear.
2. I spend much less time in my studio (and more watching football).
3. My stamina, especially playing organ, is greatly diminished.
4. I have much less enthusiasm for rehearsals and find that me and my equally old friends spend more time BS'ing than playing .
5. I find it harder to memorize new songs (and forget them quicker as well).
6. Just the idea of tearing down and setting up makes me nauseous.
7. I buy all my gear now with no consideration for weight or size. That's because I have no plans to move it .
8. AND THE BIGGIE...I am much less creative; ie. I find it harder and harder to come up with good solos...so far, comping is no problem, perhaps because it is so second nature.

I often regret that I did not get better trained when I was younger. When I look at the playing skill of some of the younger players today, I often think 'I could have been that good if only I'd been more dedicated'. As it turned out, college and the military soaked up that development time. I'd like to say "No Regrets", but that would be disingenuous. What about you?

chas

I find at age 72 I am actually playing more and more. I understand the energy level does change with age, but I exercise every day and watch my diet. That goes a long way to keeping fit and feeling as well as you can as age advances. I find musically I am more interested in learning than ever. I have not been, however, a giging musician all my life. I played in my mid twenties at lounges and supper clubs, but stopped in my thirties. At my age now music is something I look forward to doing every day. I think as life goes on you do need something to look forward to when you get up every morning.

I waited much too late in life to ever have an impact on the music world. It doesn't keep me from trying but my vocals drive me insane and all of life's little health issues, arthritis, sciatica, etc.... wear upon my work ethic. I'm probably the oldest "geezer" on this website... but as long as I'm enjoying what I do (write and record my own songs) I'll keep grinding away.
I tell myself, "All it takes is one!"

1. I'm much less excited about new gear. Ditto!

2. I spend much less time in my studio (and more watching football). And sailing, watching the new birds come to my bird feeder and suet block, fixing stuff around the house to make it safer for old codgers (both me and my wife), exploring new restaurants without thinking how much money I just pissed away, taking care of the cat, taking care of the guppies in the aquarium, and lots of other silly stuff.

3. My stamina, especially playing organ, is greatly diminished. Lost the stamina when my lungs went to hell along with my back. I still try to exercise daily, even it's just working out with light weights and doing lots of reps while watching TV.

4. I have much less enthusiasm for rehearsals and find that me and my equally old friends spend more time BS'ing than playing smile. Nearly all my old band buddies have long since passed away, and the only one other than myself that is still alive has never bothered to keep in touch. I still contact him once in a while, though.

5. I find it harder to memorize new songs (and forget them quicker as well). Never had this problem. Started drinking better booze and my mind became sharp as a tack and now the words and chords just seem stuck in my head. Of course, getting them out of my head and to my fingers is a different story.

6. Just the idea of tearing down and setting up makes me nauseous. Nah! Never has been a problem, since I lightened the load to it's present form. Sometimes it takes me longer to get the gear loaded on the Rock And Roller Cart than it takes to set up.

7. I buy all my gear now with no consideration for weight or size. That's because I have no plans to move it smile. Stopped buying gear, though I sold a lot of it during the past two years, and now I'm giving my music duds away to anyone that fits into an XL size format.

8. AND THE BIGGIE...I am much less creative; ie. I find it harder and harder to come up with good solos...so far, comping is no problem, perhaps because it is so second nature. I'm still very creative, though not nearly as talented as I should be since I stopped being a full-time entertainer. I really miss being on stage and enjoying all the fun with my audiences, but alas, I'm 78 years old and some things, sadly, just come to an end.

Great topic, Chas,

Gary

Come On you guys take a few blue pills fire up the keyboards and party hearty baby sheeeeesh....
How depressing...it ain't over till it's over Really..?

Hey Donny, I have a couple packs of those blue pills here - free samples from the gals at the Urology Office - they are a couple years out of date, but I'll be glad to send them your way.

Gary

At 75 I find I'm as enthusiastic as ever. If I go more than three days without a gig I'm antsy.

Yep, the odd twinges are there getting the gear in and out, but then I just think of how it used to be and these days it's a piece of cake, really.

I guess part of it is that I've never been a navel-gazer, I just enjoy life in general and my music in particular. It ain't no more complicated than that for me.

Same age. I have made concessions. I don't have to move things often, and when I do I have help if needed.
I have lowered the keys on a lot of songs by one full step. I think this was more of the heart thing than age though.
I'm actively trying to stay away from even semi-weighted keys because the four hours are getting hard on my fingers.
On the positive side, I appreciate each and every night I get to work, more so that ever before, because I know I'm reaching the end, after 43 years of full-time playing. I'm most likely on the downward half of my career.

Take on about half the gigs I used to do.

I'll say ditto to most of the comments !! a word of warning to you Guys and the blue pills ,,,,,,,please please read the instructions very carefully …….you must swallow the blue pills very quickly ..otherwise all you will get is a stiff neck !!!!………….ha ha ha ..English humour !!