Chapter 2 - Part 2 - Other Obstacles to Learninig

A BOOMER’S GUIDE TO WHITEWATER KAYAKING - OBSTACLES TO LEARNING – PART 2
In this chapter I discuss other obstacles to learning whitewater kayaking. This video is really a conversation – no other cool videos – but hopefully it is interesting.
THE LAW OF USE AND DISUSE
Another factor that affects our ability to learn is known as the law of use and disuse. Briefly, this law suggests that the longer we do something one way, the longer it will take to learn how to do it another way. The problem is an attitude of “been there, done that.”
FEAR OF FAILURE
Simply by making it to this point in life you have demonstrated persistence and courage. You have amassed a great deal of life experience and know what is required to succeed in your chosen field. Now, however, you are faced with a new challenge. Worse, you may find yourself on a river with a bunch of younger people who are pretty good whitewater paddlers. You don’t want to look incompetent in their eyes, so you suffer from fear of failure.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Okay. This is the tough one. We are all reluctant to face the fact that our physical abilities are decreasing at a steady rate. We cannot hear as well as we used to, we cannot see as well as we used to and our reflexes are not what they once were.
Studies have shown that we lose both muscle mass and strength as we age. In fact, adults begin losing muscle mass in their mid-30s and by the time they reach 75 years of age have lost on average 50% of their total muscle mass.
Yikes!
LEARN THE RIGHT WAY TO OVERCOME THESE ISSUES
Don’t try for too much too fast. If you think you have reached your limit then stay within it for a while. Once you have gotten comfortable you can then try to advance to a higher level of performance.