Are you a senior beginner hiker?

 

My friends and I rocking this hiking thing.

I cannot begin to describe the trepidation with which I approached this topic.  I have, for several years, had this resistance towards accepting that being on the wrong side of 40 makes you an older hiker in a way. I used to cringe every time I saw exercises for over 40s and so on. I wondered what made them think that just because a person is over 40, they suddenly become fragile and therefore needing special care or special exercises. Isn’t this age thing just a number as they say? And what happened to ‘you are as young or old as you feel’?

The simple answer here is this age business has a way of creeping in gradually and before you know it, what you used to do with ease suddenly becomes a serious mission. Seemingly out of nowhere, standing up or stretching your legs send your joints on some crackling chorus or firecracker show. I started observing these changes in my 40s. I was never a fast hiker and that's probably because I prefer absorbing nature, smelling each moment. I was so fit that there were trails I referred to as quickies. Anyway, some of those 'quickie' trails are now showing me flames, as they say, and I keep gritting my teeth as younger ones whizz past me (it’s been more than a decade since I was in my forties). And it’s beginning to seem like most people on the trail look younger than me; I don’t know if my eyes are also failing me.

I used to look at ‘older’ hikers, especially on backpacking trips, and say, that would be me in a few years. I still want to hike even beyond the age of 70, God willing, and I look forward to that. With all the firecrackers and many other issues raising their ugly heads, I’m still determined to be that grey-haired older citizen on hiking trails for years to come. I may not be able to carry my multiday backpack due to other issues, but if these legs can carry me, I will still be on those hiking trails. I just need to be extra cautious to avoid breaking anything, knowing that they no longer manufacture spare parts for my model. If you do not want to carry a big backpack, there is an option of slackpacking which you can explore to enjoy multiday hikes.

Maybe age is really just a number!

Before I get carried away, this is about you, as a ‘senior’ person wanting to begin hiking and not being sure whether you’ll make it. If you can still walk, you can start hiking. You need to get used to walking and get information on what you need for hiking to make your journey easier. Even if you never experience a multiday or backpacking hike, you will still reap the benefits of hiking.  Please remember that this will be your journey and yours alone. While you may have to hike with other people, don’t be pressured to take longer or more difficult hikes when you’re not ready. Listen to your body and do this hiking thing your body’s way.

Benefits of hiking for seniors

·       Anyone, seniors included, can benefit from any form of exercise, and hiking is a low-impact exercise, making it more suited for seniors.

·       Ageing comes with the risk of osteoporosis and weight-bearing exercises are recommended for the prevention thereof. Hiking is regarded as a weight-bearing exercise, meaning, you will not only be improving your physical health, but your bones will also thank you.

·       Human beings are social beings and since hiking is a social activity, you will not only get to enjoy nature, but you will meet all kinds of people and what a mood booster that is! 

·       Being in the outdoors means more exposure to vitamin D, which our bodies require.

·       Being active reduces the risks of developing old-age issues such as high blood pressure, heart and circulation diseases among others. However, as a precaution, please check with your doctor, especially if you have chronic diseases.

 

Senior hikers on a break.

Challenges that senior hikers may experience

It would be remiss of me to just paint a rosy picture of hiking as a senior. There will be challenges, with the first one being your fitness level. As indicated above, regular walks can assist you gain the fitness you need to start hiking and to maintain your hiking journey. 

Flexibility

There is nothing like sore and tight muscles to put you off any form of exercise. The elixir for this is regular stretching. Most hikers, regardless of age, seem not to think much of stretching, regardless of the distance they hike. Stretching should be an important part of your life, especially if you exercise. I prefer stretching immediately after a walk or hike and whenever I skimp on that, my muscles and joints become so unhappy. As a senior, you cannot afford not to stretch since you’re dealing with less stretchy ligaments, worn joints such as knees and hips, and possibly your spine too. You can also take yoga and pilates classes to improve your flexibility. You can even stretch when you take breaks on your hike

Balance

As we age, there’s a degree to which our balance can weaken, due to several reasons. Some causes may need medical attention while some may only need exercise. My advice here is to hike with two hiking poles. Not only will these help with balance, they are also a good support for the joints. In addition, they help strengthen your upper body as you walk. Keep your body strong through other forms of exercise too.

And sometimes senior hikers connect with their younger, playful  selves.

Quick tips for seniors

 

·       Aim to walk as much as you can in between your planned hikes.

·       Don’t carry too much weight, especially as a beginner hiker.

·       Stay hydrated to avoid fatigue and cramps.

·       Do a lot of strength exercises, especially for the legs, back and core. If you don’t go to the gym, let YouTube be your ally.

·       Use hiking poles. Using these is not a sign of weakness or ageing. As indicated above, they have many benefits.

·       As youngsters say, stay in your lane. And this means do you! Hike at a pace that’s comfortable for you. This may mean hooking up with hikers who are not into flying through trails if that's not for you. 

 At the end

Nothing should stop you from beginning your hiking journey, age included. Even if you have health issues, your doctor can give you advice on the best way to start your journey. I am slower than I've ever been in hiking and I try to be careful not to break anything since my model doesn't have spares. And I stop often just to smell the moment and absorb the beauty around me. You can do this! One step at a time!

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Td