Now that we have a definition... a question of Tradition...

[Galloglaigh]

After 11 attempts to register here under different names, we now have enough evidence to confirm that this is again Steven Aikens of Jasper AL. This time using an IP proxy in an attempt to hide his real location.

[kiltedtom]

Historically speaking, we must remember that while the current generation has a life span longer than most of those generations that came before us. But, if you look at portraits and other images, most men who reached an advanced age also packed on more pounds, particularly around the mid-section. Active or not, the older you get, the more difficult it is to remain slim. Usually your body's metabolism slows down and you tend to gain weight. (Of course, in my case, I do not ever remember being slim. LOL) So, to think that prior generations of kilted men were in better shape, at least past late 30's, is probably wishful thinking.

Since we of the modern generation are blessed with a longer expected life span, we can also expect to be blessed with more girth as we mature.

So decide which is better, shorter life and better looks or longer life and whatever comes with it. LOL

Tom

[Galloglaigh]

After 11 attempts to register here under different names, we now have enough evidence to confirm that this is again Steven Aikens of Jasper AL. This time using an IP proxy in an attempt to hide his real location.

[jhockin]

If I' not mistaken, the gentleman of substance, seated in the above, was a MacNaughton. ( so I can blame genetic inheritance for my silhouette ;0)

[Galloglaigh]

After 11 attempts to register here under different names, we now have enough evidence to confirm that this is again Steven Aikens of Jasper AL. This time using an IP proxy in an attempt to hide his real location.

[McRoy]

Hmm, sounds a lot like "Does this dress make me look fat?" Best not to venture one's reply IMHO. ;-)

[GrainReaper]

I, being of a very frugal background, fill my freezer all summer with the fishes I catch all summer, the froglegs and crawfish I harvest are a nice bonus. I keep a garden to supply my summer table, and to put up what I cannot eat for winter... I hunt when permits allow (rabbit stew keeps the garden growing) this also stocks the freezer for the winter and if it's a good season I have meat for the spring and summer. I waste almost nothing, the pelts get sold, as do the carcasses. Sausage, Jerkey, roasts and whatnot.

If I had more yard space I would raise some chickens but since I live in a fairly well-heeled area I think they might irritate the neighbors.

I make my own ale, mead and hard cider.

I am in the minority these days I suppose, but I like living simply, and off what I can grow/harvest/hunt/catch.

This keeps me in decent shape nutrition-wise... Long walks and running in summers and shoveling all winter keep me fit above the physical demands of my job.

Healthy living keeps my kilts fitting nicely and with the cost of these buggers, and I plan on keeping them fitting as such.

[MacLowlife]

There is a fair amount of information about the HEIGHT of men in various places through time, including an interesting article a few years ago that suggested Europeans are getting taller and Americans aren't...http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...the-height-gap

But that doesn't say much about girth.

Granted, there are a couple of husky lads amongst MacLeay's Highlanders, but not many. Have you ever gone looking for a UK military uniform from WWII in a chest size larger than 40?

Americans have been prosperous- think of President Theodore Roosevelt, with his impressive bulk, or William Howard Taft, who got stuck in a bathtub, they say, but I believe highlanders of the last hundred years or so have tended to be lean men, made wiry by plenty of outdoor living and not a lot of excess food. The famous tights-wearing visitor from the South may havebeen fat and he may have been able to dictate fashion, but it wasn't THCD.

Googling Scottish Giants will give you some food for thought:
George Gracie ( a lowlander, but still an occasional kilt wearer ... http://www.thetallestman.com/georgegracie.htm

Angus MacAskill, who moved to Cape Breton Island as a child, was born on the Isle of Berneray... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_MacAskill

Benandonner, who might or might not have beaten Finn MacCool, is sometimes depicted in a kilt of sorts, though his chest seems to be noticeably larger than his middle- Speaking of middles, do you suppose our own modern preoccupation with the middle finger has to do with Benandonner's being magical?

[Galloglaigh]

After 11 attempts to register here under different names, we now have enough evidence to confirm that this is again Steven Aikens of Jasper AL. This time using an IP proxy in an attempt to hide his real location.

[MacGumerait]

Historically speaking, we must remember that while the current generation has a life span longer than most of those generations that came before us. But, if you look at portraits and other images, most men who reached an advanced age also packed on more pounds, particularly around the mid-section. Active or not, the older you get, the more difficult it is to remain slim. Usually your body's metabolism slows down and you tend to gain weight. (Of course, in my case, I do not ever remember being slim. LOL) So, to think that prior generations of kilted men were in better shape, at least past late 30's, is probably wishful thinking.

Since we of the modern generation are blessed with a longer expected life span, we can also expect to be blessed with more girth as we mature.

So decide which is better, shorter life and better looks or longer life and whatever comes with it. LOL

Tom

Tom , you make some good points . Also , greetings my fellow Hoosier !

Although metabolism plays a part , there are exceptions to this rule .

I am a second generation American , great grandfather and grandfather immigrated from Inverness to the US in 1910 .

Great grandfather was 5'8" weighed 140 lbs in his adult life and passed at 97 yrs old . Grandfather was 5'9" weighed around 155 lbs in his adult years and passed at 92 yrs old . Grandfather's brother was 6' weighed about 160 lbs and passed at 102 yrs old .

My father is around 6'1" and weighs about 180 lbs , he's 88 and still alive and kicking . I'm 5'11" and 160 lbs and 57 yrs old .

Also , it goes without saying that we Montgomery men were and are all good looking . ( of course that depends on who you ask ! )

Thus ... we have both looks and longer life .... even in the past generations . Okay ... well maybe just the longer life thing .

Cheers , Mike