mary flegal

Thank you, Larry. Yes, staying active is so important!

Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England

I'm just a youngster (73) compared to most here, but not enjoying life really, can't walk far...back needs (another) op, my knees hurt and I have COPD! I guess this winter is going to be a testing time...Oh and I just remembered, my memory is failing!

Reuss Griffiths Loc: Ravenna, Ohio

Doddy, I'm 80, have COPD and am on supplemental O2 and have aches and pains as well. You can't let what ails you control what you do. I exercise and feel better and breathe better after I exercise. Like you, I can't walk that far because of the COPD. What I do is ride a bike and not a regular bike but an electric, pedal-assist bike that you can control the amount of work the bike does for you. I stopped riding my regular mountain bike about 4 yrs ago because I could only go about 3 miles on flat ground before I was done. Yesterday I rode my electric bike 15 miles, up and down hills and was out for almost an hour and a half. I felt better when I got back than when I left. I took a nap and got on with life. By the way, in the winter time when it's too cold to ride, I bounce on a small trampoline made for exercising. Only about 40" wide and has a bar to hold onto. I bounce for 20 minutes, take a 10 minute break and bounce 20 more. Again I feel better afterwards.

Hope this helps. "Rage, Rage against the dying of the light. Don't go gently into that good night"

Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England

Well Reuss, I too bought an electric bike, thinking like you did, good for my breathing and building up my leg muscles. Unfortunately, Britains roads are not bike friendly...too much traffic on narrow roads. I didnt have it long, when a large lorry overtook me and the backdraught was that strong it made me hit the kerb and off I came! my bike was damaged and I had a very bruised leg...no more bike riding for me! So now I have an exercise bike in the conservatory. Its my back that is the bane of my life. Up to about 5 years ago I could be out all day walking miles with my buddies and my camera at the ready, got many shots published in our local newspaper. Iv'e had one op my back which did work for a while, but unfortunately, the second surgeon (after looking at my MRI scan) said my back was too fragile for another op! I still do short walks every day, because as you know "if you dont use it you lose it" .All the best to you and keep exercising!

Reuss Griffiths Loc: Ravenna, Ohio

Sorry that none of my ideas were able to help you. I do one my thing to strengthen my legs and arms. I have calibrated rubber straps in different strengths that are normally used for rehab. I sit in my chair and use them to push against with my arms and legs. It helps with climbing stairs and just getting up out of chairs.

Hang in there.

Reuss (sounds like Royce)

Stephan G

I just passed my 74th mark. Someone told me that 70 was the point at which the clock starts to run backwards. Not that I am expecting to become a centenarian, I just hope that there is no one adding more grease to the rails. Ire ad tempus!

Stephan G

I attribute my longevity to boarding a bus instead of stepping out in front of it.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

You're young yet. You might want to hang onto that habit.

Stephan G

That is why I have my SO drive while I act as her spotter.

Dave H2

Just turned 85 and going strong. Most of my family lived to the early 90s so unless bad luck, should keep the tradition.
Also a naval aviator from the 60s.
D