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Avoid the ‘slippery slope’ and instead age well, even improve and grow

Posted by randywhite @randywhite, Dec 28, 2025

Recently, I have observed a loved one becoming victim to the ‘slippery slope’. So I decided to search on ‘slippery slope’. What I found was both insightful and resonating with my observations of others and myself.
This may be helpful for folks that are seeking to age well and optimize their life experience.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

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nycmusic | @nycmusic | Dec 30, 2025
In reply to @windy1948 "The slippery slope is real, for sure. Neurogenic claudication and fibromyalgia are preventing me from walking..." + (show)
Profile picture for windy1948 @windy1948

The slippery slope is real, for sure. Neurogenic claudication and fibromyalgia are preventing me from walking more than 250 steps without significant muscle pain. 6 years ago I walked 2 miles for fitness several times a week. Long story short, I was sliding down that slope, but I bought a good quality recumbent bike and now I pedal for 40 minutes 5 days a week without pain. I am stronger, healthier and hopeful instead of depressed. It has not helped to walk distances, but I’ve gained so much good from it.

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@windy1948 love those bikes !

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naturelyn | @naturelyn | Dec 30, 2025
In reply to @kathyholmes "This is great info! I had slid way down the slippery slope. After Cancer treatment, I..." + (show)
Profile picture for kathyholmes @kathyholmes

This is great info! I had slid way down the slippery slope. After Cancer treatment, I began to prioritize my mental health, spiritual, and physical health. I eat healthy and go to the Y for workouts several times a week, and walk, as well as challenging myself mentally and fostering connections. Silver Sneakers and Chair Yoga has worked wonders! I have not fallen in years and I am able to do so many things I had not been able to do in years, and do them more easily than I could back when I was “sliding”. Thanks for sharing!

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@kathyholmes
Good for you! You show it can be done!
I need to ask: what kept you motivated?
I suffer from arthritis pain and fatigue and it’s SO easy to skip exercising.

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kathyholmes | @kathyholmes | Dec 30, 2025
In reply to @naturelyn "@kathyholmes Good for you! You show it can be done! I need to ask: what kept..." + (show)
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@kathyholmes
Good for you! You show it can be done!
I need to ask: what kept you motivated?
I suffer from arthritis pain and fatigue and it’s SO easy to skip exercising.

Jump to this post

@naturelyn
I understand totally! I could not stick with any exercise on my own. It took me until I was 63 to find out I thrive in a class-setting! It’s the combo of the exercise, the people, and the music. And I just try to remind myself my health is important enough to prioritize and make time for. I know it can be so hard when you are hurting! I’m hoping you can find some activity that you love that help you stay active!

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lou1130 | @lou1130 | Dec 30, 2025

Recently developed torn miniscus of my left knee . I’m very active and work out despite my advanced age . Don’t know what I did to have this occur bu I find I’m not able to walk my usual 2 miles a day but can do 5 miles on the bicycle . At first I thought the bicycle was helping but I now am feeling pain .any suggestions ?

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naturelyn | @naturelyn | Dec 30, 2025
In reply to @kathyholmes "@naturelyn I understand totally! I could not stick with any exercise on my own. It took..." + (show)
Profile picture for kathyholmes @kathyholmes

@naturelyn
I understand totally! I could not stick with any exercise on my own. It took me until I was 63 to find out I thrive in a class-setting! It’s the combo of the exercise, the people, and the music. And I just try to remind myself my health is important enough to prioritize and make time for. I know it can be so hard when you are hurting! I’m hoping you can find some activity that you love that help you stay active!

Jump to this post

@kathyholmes
Thank you for your kind words! Very helpful advice.

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babbsjoy | @babbsjoy | Dec 31, 2025
In reply to @windy1948 "The slippery slope is real, for sure. Neurogenic claudication and fibromyalgia are preventing me from walking..." + (show)
Profile picture for windy1948 @windy1948

The slippery slope is real, for sure. Neurogenic claudication and fibromyalgia are preventing me from walking more than 250 steps without significant muscle pain. 6 years ago I walked 2 miles for fitness several times a week. Long story short, I was sliding down that slope, but I bought a good quality recumbent bike and now I pedal for 40 minutes 5 days a week without pain. I am stronger, healthier and hopeful instead of depressed. It has not helped to walk distances, but I’ve gained so much good from it.

Jump to this post

@windy1948
WOW! May I just say, WOW! How very inspiring and positive. Thank you. What a blessing to hear how you have DONE something positive in the face of pain and challenge, and experienced improvement. You surely will bring hope and motivation to many here, including me. Thank you!

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capnjack | @capnjack | Dec 31, 2025

I hope I'm quoting him accurately, but Clint Eastwood's advice on this issue is: "Don't let the old man in."

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windy1948 | @windy1948 | 6 days ago
In reply to @naturelyn "@kathyholmes Good for you! You show it can be done! I need to ask: what kept..." + (show)
Profile picture for naturelyn @naturelyn

@kathyholmes
Good for you! You show it can be done!
I need to ask: what kept you motivated?
I suffer from arthritis pain and fatigue and it’s SO easy to skip exercising.

Jump to this post

@naturelyn
My motivations are two:

I know I will die earlier than I want if I don’t move my body.
I selfishly enjoy 40 minutes watching TikTok or Utube on my IPad while I pedal.

Best wishes,
Windy1948

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