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

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.

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!

@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.

@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!

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.

@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.

Those were great comments. Part of my "aging well" is simple denial. Not mindless denial but denial by doing something about it. I fully agree with what you present here. After being pushed out of my job at 63 (28 years running a company that went from $1m the first year to $7B my last year) I decided I had the time to do something about what was happening to my body. I got within 5lbs of my high school weight, did hit my belt size, and improved my muscle mass from back then. I found the best doctors to take care of my cancer and heart issues and have moved on. I know, intellectually, that the body does not last forever. I have experienced the limitations of wear and tear on joints for weightlifting. But I still push where I can. With my heart back I can even do a little jogging now without problem (adding it to my fast walks). Aging happens (or something like that), but it is signal to eat better and move more, pushing back the end -- and more importantly extending the joy of life -- as much as you can. After a heavy snow, I was out this week shoveling out driveways for all of the "old (but younger than me) men" in the neighborhood. I'm 73 now and living better than I have been for decades.