Memories Live for Ever--and so do skiers

The recent death of my mother, just as ski season was beginning in the northeast, made me an orphan.  I’ve heard that’s a common status for someone approaching retirement age.  But still, my parents put me on skis when I was two years old and mom and I had managed to ski together, downhill or Nordic, every season since then until last year.  I will forever miss her on the slopes and in the winter forests.

Jeanne Schofield, c 1970

Just for fun, or maybe because I wondered what my own expiration date might be, I looked up “life expectancy of skiers.”  Results were sorted by relevance with the first one reporting on how long ski boots should be expected to last, then skis, next bindings, and then ski equipment generally.  Finally, after the articles about clothing, skiing people were cited—or at least, people who live in Colorado and might ski, are mentioned.  The actual context of the article was a study done that examined life expectancy against United State residency and found that people who lived in the ski country of Colorado outlived those in certain rural areas of South Dakota, Mississippi and the Appalachian region by over 20 years, with average life spans of 86 vs 66 years.When the data were parsed, findings confirmed what we all know in our hearts—that “smoking and obesity are the major culprits when Americans die too young.” (who lives longer?...) Skiers are generally fit non-smokers.

When I dig a little more about a connection between skiing and health there is a lot of evidence about the benefits of the sport—everything from improved proprioception, increased cardiovascular endurance and improved flexibility and balance to the strengthening of bones, joints, core and lower body muscles.  Preparing to ski generally brings a renewed consciousness about the power of food and a day on the slopes improves mood and promotes deep sleep.  (Top 10 health benefits of skiing)

More than one article used the phrase “sunnier outlook” as a benefit of the sport.  It’s true that physical activity amidst magnificent natural beauty makes it impossible to sustain a bad mood.  There is evidence that skiers suffer less than non-skiers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  Finally, to the extent that relationships with family and friends promote long life, the bonds that form among people who ski together are lifesaving.  Meeting the challenges of the slopes (and the lifts) then gathering to warm up, reminisce and laugh together about the day’s experience builds a catalog of life long memories.

Al Schofield, 1953

Those memories of skiing with my parents, and then with my children—and often with all of them together—will sustain me long into old age.   Incredibly, the research indicates that just having built those memories will actually boost my chances of living a long life!