That's why Mishima topped himself at the age of 45: as a physical-conditioning buff and gay man, he came to a firsthand realization that it was all downhill from there. What you posted is very similar in spirit to the opening of his last novel.

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nradov 14 hours ago | parent | next [-]

For most people, the real physical deterioration doesn't have to kick in until age 65 or so (plus or minus). But you do have to show up every day and hit it hard. In the last triathlon I raced there were men in that age group still finishing with fast times. And they're not genetic freaks either, just consistent.

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emodendroket 12 hours ago | parent [-]

I don't know, I think if you are a body builder or elite athlete there is plenty of difference even at 45.

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nradov 11 hours ago | parent [-]

We're talking about regular middle-aged men here, not elites.

	▲	emodendroket 10 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Well, if you've seen photos of Mishima, he is not really a "regular middle-aged man."

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jandrewrogers 13 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

FWIW, you can remain in pretty extraordinary physical shape through your 50s as a matter of biology. You do have to put in the work though.

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