Since I joined UHH almost 5 years ago, it seems that there has continually been an active discussion based around lightening the photographic load -- dumbing current cameras and lenses in favor of a new system that is lighter or more portable. Despite the fact that I'm now slowly approaching my 72nd birthday, that has not been a question for me yet. I've been thinking that when and if it ever does become an issue, it's going to be a big problem, for at least a couple of reasons. The first is that I really like the equipment I have been using. I've been using either my current cameras or their direct predecessors since switching to digital about 17 years ago, and I really like them a lot. The second is that financially, a switch would probably be an unmanageable hit, since my current equipment is promised to a friend, and I've already begun transferring some of it. The third is that I have tried some of the smaller, lighter equipment and really don't like it. The D90 that I'm using for IR photography is fine for that, but I'd go nuts trying to use it all the time.

A couple of weeks ago, I had my annual wellness visit with my doctor. His specialty is Gerontology, which is treating older patients. We talked about the whole subject of staying healthy and productive as our age advances. We talked about spending days with kids and young people (teachers) at school instead of at the coffee shop with a bunch of old grouchy folks or in a recliner. And we talked about hobbies and photography and giving up cameras that are familiar old friends in favor of cameras that are smaller and lighter. He gave some interesting counsel and some even more interesting reasons.

The first were sort of expected. Smaller and lighter cameras are going to have smaller and lighter controls and smaller labels. Harder to see and read in a time that our eyes may be becoming less effective. Harder to operate and control in a time that our fine movement dexterity may be declining. And just "different" in these situations versus the cameras we have had for years and can operate without being able to see and read.

But then he said something that was very thought-provoking. He said not to do it because it was just giving up. A natural part of aging is loss of muscle mass and strength because older people just decide to quit doing things that require strength and dexterity. And he said that their hands are the first things that they let "go to pot." And he said that doing that actually puts them at physical risk. Loss of hand and wrist strength results in loss of grip strength. Loss of grip strength results in loss of ability to "hold on," and stabilize themselves as they stand and move about. So falls become more likely. Interestingly enough, there were a couple of articles on the internet a couple of days after my doctor visit, although they were much less specific and helpful. By the way...he says exercise can even be a more effective way to deal with arthritis and even some tremors than just quitting.

So what does this mean? I have resolved to do everything I possibly can to avoid having to go to "something smaller and lighter." My camera and lenses have become my exercise equipment. They have a new home on the armrest of the couch when not being used, and I hold them, manipulate them, and move them about while watching TV at night. Some of those movements are the same ones I would use while shooting, some are not.

I am by nature a fairly sedate person, so this is something a little bit new for me. But now that I know, I've resolved not to give up...at least not until the very last moment.