I recently interviewed two, very fit, former paratroopers, who still train and work hard and enjoy dating younger women and fatherhood. Find out how three 60 year old, former paratroopers, stay strong, overcome injuries, date and even have children. Listen to the attached audio clip and/or read the summary:
AS = Andy Slusarenko
DB= Doug Burgis
DS= Interviewer
GROWING UP
AS- Ate peanut butter sandwiches, hiked, swam and played soccer in the rural areas on Vancouver Island. Age 12, jumped and beaten by six guys. AS trained in judo and other martial arts. Was only “white guy” in judo classes.
DB- Born in small town. Loved freedom of outdoors. Moved to Vancouver and experienced culture shock, such as never seeing a black or gay man before. Lied about his age to join army cadets and enjoyed camping and individual sports.
DS-Born on Airforce base. Enjoyed outdoors and individual sports.
MILITARY
AS- Joined army. Was fittest guy in battalion. Joined CAR.
DB- Joined army, infantry and CAR (Canadian Airborne Regiment). At CAR, you were judged by your physical abilities. You never wanted to fall behind.
DS- After too many beatings, joined army reserves, then regular army and trained in martial arts.
TURNING 60
AS- Gift to self was workout challenge at local gym.
DB- Gave self “Birthday Workout.” Bench press was better than my 20’s. Reverse pullups: 6 sets of 8.
DS- Run up Grouse Mountain, take girlfriend out dancing.
INJURIES
AS- Pain is different as a kid. Had to work around a shoulder injury since I was 13 years old. Still went onto become a paratrooper and aikido black belt.
DB- Always work around the injury. Older means better patience with injuries. Have the wisdom to know I can “work around” the injury and get back in shape. Always keep training. If I cannot run, I skip, etc.
DS- If I injure my knee, I work on flexibility and upper body. The same with other body parts. Always keep moving.
ADVICE TO OTHERS
AS- It is what YOU want out of training. It is NOT what other people think. Take on challenges. You need a reason to get up in the morning. If you get hurt, just suck it up and get it done. During my Airborne reunion, so many guys were unfit and overweight. Take fitness challenges.
DB- You need to do something that boosts adrenaline and testosterone. Life will give you what you need. Look for challenges. Leave some mystery in it. I am going motorcycling in the Baja, Mexico and don’t have my logistics together yet. I’d like to see more guys fitter. Usually, when I train, there are only about four of us over 50 during kettle bell seminars. It should not be that way. There should be more over 50 year olds exercising. During my PPCLI infantry reunion many ex-soldiers looked bad. They should still be fit enough to play soccer.
DS- You have to have some kind of excitement, some kind of risk to give you that boost.
RETIREMENT PLANS
AS- Get a boat and see friends all over the world. Wind is not taxed and water is free.
DB- Finish home renovations. I will do my adventure while retired, while my younger partner keeps working
