Hiking for Seniors

You don't have to be able to rock climb in order to enjoy the out of doors.  There are hiking groups to be found for every fitness level, and don't think that senior hikers are a bunch of sissies either.  I've been put to shame by senior hikers.  A few years ago (before I became a senior myself),  we were trudging along in the wilderness (hot, tired and ready to give up, before getting to those promised alpine lakes). We were passed by a group of senior ladies, wielding mean looking walking sticks. They were on their way back and moving right along.  Well, I gritted my teeth and thought "if they can make it, so can I."  So, we put one foot in front of the other until we reached our destination.    It was beautiful and I am glad that did.  Hiking isn't a race.  Take your time and appreciate nature at its finest.

What do you do differently as a senior?  Pace yourself.  It's okay to stop at every switch back, savor the scenery and conserve your strength.  Start early in the day so that you don't have to rush, wear good non-skid hiking boots with high ankle supports.   Take a light-weight backpack with plenty of nutritious snacks and bottled water (you will be surprised at how hungry and thirsty you will get) . Do not drink water from a stream no matter how pristine it looks.  Take an extra pair of socks and kit yourself out with a walking stick.  Walking sticks are good if you have trouble with your knees, back or balance (some people like using two).  The poles help lessen the impact on your knees.

If a trail forks, I (directionally challenged that I am) will inevitably take the wrong trail, so I recommend a GPS system, a map,  a cell phone or even better a buddy to hike with.  There are hiking groups everywhere, no matter what your age or fitness level.  If you really adventurous you can find travel groups that offer hikes in all sorts of exotic places.

Thumb your noses at your rocking chair and keep on doing fun things!  You can fall down walking to the mail box, so conquer your fears and do something cool.

Comments

[Alex]

More information, including details on compact safety gear, can be found at http://www.seniorhiking.com