What is poker dong for my well-being?

[lambethwalk]

I am 74 years old, mentally alert and very slightly disabled. I love playing holdem and spend at least 4 hours a day doing so. I am a pretty good player, playing low limit tournaments and I do not gamble. I have played poker all my life with a gap of 20 years between the age of 40 to 60.
My family are not in the least bit interested in the game and maintain that I am wasting my time. According to them, I am obsessed and could best be using my time by birdwatching or doing charitable work.
What can I say to them that will help them understand what it is that I am doing and why I'm doing it? In fact I would like to understand the why's and wherefor's of what I am doing.
Apart from any advice anyone can give me, perhaps I can be referred to a book or two that would help.
There is a certain degree of desperation in this plea for help.

[krazyace5]

Mentally stimulating your brain which will help ward off alzheimers and senility.

Your 74, tell them to mind their own damn business.

[Poker Plan]

I think only you can answer "Why" you're doing it? I would imagine
- The enjoyment
- Keeping one's mind active (that one of the reasons I play- I'm 37 and I need it!)
- The social aspect
- The challenge?
- Culture (ie you always been surrounded by poker- the people you've socialised with all play)
- etc
- etc.

Much respect to you for playing at your age. This is one of the main things I love about poker, you don't have to give it up as you get older- thus making all the time and effort invested, worthwhile.

All the best.

Ian

[ihaveAdream]

Ask your family if they don't want you to be happy...

[edfurlong]

[ QUOTE ]
Ask your family why they don't want you to be happy...

[/ QUOTE ]

[John Penny]

Hay man.
All i can say keep playing. Enjoy what U R having,your mind is sharp, U have people to talk to about Poker (2+2 forrum).
And U R my inspiration at the moment after having bead hand i been thinking of giving up (being 53 old and see young kids winning and playing), but not now. Would love to get to play Poker when i am you age if i can.
Bottom line.
Enjoy and play.

Regards

John - Grasshopper of Poker Holdem

[edfurlong]

What?

[Webster]

WHAT? - there is somebody OLDER then me playing online? Congrats man!!!

Look at it from their side. To them what you are doing is exactly like playing a video game.

If you are winning you must share the wealth, treat them to something and make sure you say it is from poker winnings.

Personally I took my wife to the Virgin Islands and it was all on poker Winnings. This sort of won her over! you don't have to go THAT far but they must see results of your "play time".

It's called a family tax.

What you are doing stimulates the brain cells, keeps the brain active and THAT is very important.

[cardcounter0]

Tell them when they are older than you then they can tell you what to do.

Bird watching??? Pleeeeeeze.

[Mister Z]

My poker dong is bigger than yours.