A discussion for people over 60: Let's focus on what we can do

How old is too old to ride a semi racing bike or a mountain bike?
I am 74, have not ridden a bike in over a decade, will have 2 new knees by next year, and had 2 hips replaced a few years ago. I walk a lot, 3-5 miles, 2-3.times per week plus gym 2 days per week for muscle strengthening. Maybe I should stick with safer walking, rather than risk injury on a new mountain bike??

I am very sorry for you. It's not a good place that you are in. Now I have several women friends that live alone and I can't tell you the joy they get from their cats. I don't mean to slap an easy solution on what is a heart breaking problem but it has worked for my friends and I just wanted to share it with you...God Bless.

@1died2x
I love to read posts like yours. I am 81 and have been walking 7 days a week for about 2 miles for the past 4 years or so. I also attend senior active gym classes 3 times a week since I retired in 2013. We are lucky to have our class taught by a 82 year old core trainer and former athlete who focuses on what happens to us as we age and how to prevent falls.
It would be great if you could find a class like that in your area. I believe regular classes (which are also very social) are a big motivator. I applaud your use of weights and suggest you slowly increase the weight. If you are too comfortable with them, rather than maintaining that weight, you should strive to go further. I use 7 lbs in class and 8 lbs at home…started out with 4 lbs. Please include daily stretching in your routine…throughout the day…and balance exercises.
While I never had anything organically wrong with me aside from osteoporosis, I consider my exercise routine ( home and gym) and good diet my medicine for life.
Honestly, it shows and people generally don’t think I am anywhere near my age.

The key is doing the right things and doing them consistently…every single day. It doesn’t take too long to change the way you feel and improve overall health.
Do what you can can and then then more…just like you did. It will be such a habit that you will become addicted to it.

FL Mary

Thank you. We had a dog when our boys were young. Of course Mom took care of it. He was a beautiful German Shepherd. When I took him for walks, people would stop and admire him. I have never had an affinity for cats. At this time I don't think I am quite able to walk a dog. I would want a good-sized dog. I see the surgeon January 25th and he will let me know how I am doing. Again, thank you for caring.

Right now there is no fun in my life. After we finally had my husband's commitment on October 31st, I was finished with physical therapy and I feel empty. I am in therapy. No results so far. I have no physical problems but plenty of mental problems. It is my belief that I have just started to mourn for my husband - a year late. There are times when the pain of his loss is so great that I just scream and scream. I do not want to do anything or go anywhere. I am just locked in my grief. All say time is the great healer. But at 88 how much time is there?

So Marilyn , I get it, and I KNOW losing your partner when your age is past 85, is VERY difficult. (General Consensus of Opinion). I am so sorry! I can make suggestions, but the old "we are so different" always comes into play. I used to be a Volunteer in many different ways with different circumstances and Organizations. Right now, there are still a few Millennials that ask advice, but no more door to door. Church is not an option for me, but perhaps it would make a HUGE difference in your life? Better still. even volunteering to make phone calls to other widows or widowers can make a you know you are not alone in your grief. Check out some Organization in you area...or outside in a larger city? You are NOT alone. Best to you!

How old is too old to ride a semi racing bike or a mountain bike?
I am 74, have not ridden a bike in over a decade, will have 2 new knees by next year, and had 2 hips replaced a few years ago. I walk a lot, 3-5 miles, 2-3.times per week plus gym 2 days per week for muscle strengthening. Maybe I should stick with safer walking, rather than risk injury on a new mountain bike??

Thank you for your good wishes. I get a lot of those on this platform and they always cheer me up. Church is not an option for me either. A really big reason for my despair is that shortly after my husband's death I had to have a full hip replacement. Because there was no one to look after me I had to go to a skilled nursing facility. What an oxymoron that is. How I survived 3 weeks there I will never know. We just had my husband's commitment a few weeks ago. When I left him at the cemetery I felt that I had come to an end also. What I also feel is that I am just now starting to mourn him. As my hip heals my heart gets worse. I am just not ready to go out yet.

You have been "Through the Mill", as they say. A hip replacement with no family care is NOT something anyone would like. Three weeks? Awful, I would say. Just a few times for me in ER with understaffing (everywhere) was enough to bring me to " I can't take it anymore". ( Lots of interpretations for that one). I was almost disoriented when my husband passed, and I was only 76. He was 4 years younger and only ill for less than four month. I agree, going out is the hardest. Sometimes writing how you feel helps in a private $1.00 Steno pad. Don't forget the phone. Take a survey...be creative. ( I might get in trouble for that one) My Best to you!