On my morning walks I try and get in as much grass as possible. After being way overweight and

[brewens]

a hip surgery, I started walking every morning. The first winter, as soon as I could go farther, I went across a nearby athletic field. Having not walked on anything but hard level surfaces for a few years, I really noticed it was all bumps and divots, rises and dips, and I had to concentrate to keep my balance. You never even think of that when younger, in shape and used to it. I realized I really should make sure and keep doing that.

I kept losing weight and it kept getting easier until now I forget all about it. I'm just strolling through the grass and trees at the park now. I'm 60 and in better shape than I've been in years. I'm convinced that keeping this up will avoid my having balance problems and maybe falls as I get older.

[Phoenix61]

1. Practice walking heel-toe.

A lot of times when older people fall it’s when they are forced into a narrow stance. Like when running into the corner of the kitchen counter or a coffee table. It’s much harder to balance in a narrow stance than a wider one.

[NBachers]

2. You keep moving, you keep living.

[wnylib]

6. My 90 year old uncle told me that

a few years ago when he was in his 80s. I had called his cell but his wife answered it and said he was on a ladder doing some painting. When he got to the phone and I asked why he was up on a ladder instead of letting his nearby son do it, he said, "You keep moving, you keep living. It's how I know I'm still alive "'

[BobTheSubgenius]

3. Good for you. Keep at it!

A friend of mine had a terrible problem with his lower back, and his neurosurgeon...or the PT he sent him to....recommended walking on sidehills. That is, not uphill, nor downhill, but across the hill, and back. It works your back muscles differently than level ground, uphill or downhill, and my friend says his back hasn't felt this good in years.

[IbogaProject]

4. Keep going

Look for a book called The Egoscue Method by Pete Egoscue, a set of exercises, more stretches, to avoid or reverse back pain, knee & hip damage.

And stay hydrated as being dehydrated is the biggest thing that worsens balance.

[SCantiGOP]

5. Bet I'm not the only one who misread your title

I thought you were trying to smoke two joints during your morning walk.

[brewens]

7. Nope. Never leave the house without my morning bong hits. :) n/t

[wnylib]

8. LOL. Crossed my mind when I saw it.

Now that the weather is better and the trees and flowers are blooming, I am taking strolls to enjoy the simple beauty of spring and to wear off what I gained from staying home so much. Came across some daffodils in full bloom today outside of an empty, out-of-business building and picked a few for my flower vase.

Plan on walking every day and adding to the distance as my stamina improves. Wearing a mask means I can enjoy spring with less concern about allergens and asthma. I come home breathing better and the exercise keeps the arthritis from freezing up the joints.

[slightlv]

10. I rescued a dog, about 2 years old.

She's a goof, and a lovey... and hasn't had much training of any kind. She's a mix of English Setter, lab, and (from the size of her head and paws) a Rottie. Like you, I looked forward to taking her on walks to the park up the block. I'm 65 and since being diagnosed with lupus have lost tons of weight. Down from a size 24 to a size 4. I weigh 103 and I'm 4'10". Lexy, my goofball, is 60+ pounds and comes up to my hips in height. She had been doing SO good on a leash; I was so proud of her. And then, Last Friday happened...

A kid on a motorized bike whizzed by us. I guess Lexy thought it might be more fun than slow walking with Mom (gryn). Anyway, she took an immediate leap towards it, lifted me off my feet, into the air, and then dragged me behind her for a couple of feet. I never turned loose of the lead, tho... too afraid she'd get hit by a car.

I knew immediately I was hurt pretty bad. Sure enough, after about 6 hours in the ER, I have 2 breaks in my tibia plateau... the top of the tibia that butts up against the femur under the knee. They said surgery is mandatory, or risk major disability down the line. I'm disabled enough -- I don't need anything else disabling me! So, tomorrow I call the bone doc and make an appt. At this point, I'll do anything to stop this exquisite pain and walk again. Lexy, meanwhile, knows I'm hurt; she's not made the connection between her and "Mom's hurt" but she's being very subdued and lovey towards me. I told her it was okay; I didn't blame her, and I wasn't going to send her back to "prison." We'll just have to work a little harder, once I can walk again. My backyard's in bloom, and I'd look forward to going out to investigate. Guess I'll just have to settle for opening the windows, taking a deep breath, and admire the color from inside the house for now.

Ah... our best laid plans... (gryn)

[StarryNite]

12. I hope you get back on your feet soon.

But until you do I'm sure Lexy will be there to keep you company.

[Bayard]

14. I am astounded you lost 20 sizes

Sorry to hear about the accident though. Hope you get repaired soon, and can take Lexi to obedience school.

[wnylib]

15. Hope the surgery brings relief and that you recover well.

Maybe Lexy can learn to fetch things for you while you are off your feet. Looking forward to getting out again will be your incentive for full recovery.

I am impressed with the amount of weight you lost. Makes me feel like a wimp for not yet losing the couple sizes I need to go. A year at home cooking and not getting out enough has left me out of shape. But now that I've had both shots and spring is here, I look forward to getting out more and back in better shape.

[hlthe2b]

16. Heavens, what an ordeal. The same exuberant dog that got you in trouble, will undoubtedly become

your best recovery companion and hopefully, motivation during rehabilitation. I hope you have someone that can help with the training until you are up to it, though.

Best wishes. You set a good example for dealing with what you are "dealt."

[soldierant]

9. LOL! You make more sense than I did.

I was wondering how a horse or cow have managed to write so well.

[alfredo]

11. good for you. Keep up the exercise.

If you still have balance problems find a nice hand made cane that will fit you. Then work on your swagger to hide the unsteadiness.

I have bad balance problems, some from a bit of brain damage, some from BPPV, but also the weakness in my hip and leg muscles. I have to use a cane, it's a bother at times, but it has kept me off the ground more than a few times.

Go to the cane if you have had falls or near falls. See your doctor if it becomes a problem.

[3Hotdogs]

13. Add hills, if there are any where you live. That fires up your metabolism.

When climbing hills, keep your head up. That facilitates breathing.