Your responses to my question about how people in their 70’s do on long distance hikes (my ambition) got me to wondering about people in thier 60’s.
To restate the question: I’d be interested to hear from people who hiked or are hiking in their 60’s as to how they’ve fared physically, mentally and emotionally.
The observations of others about hikers in their 60’s would also be welcome.
Thanks, Canby
Canby
I hiked in 04 at 60. Everything, from the waist down, hurt at one time or another but after 4-6wks all was well. I would highly recommend the trip. It is mostly mental.Good luck
pipesmoke
…and he never was better!..i think hiking is one of the best things you can do for yourself…physically…emotionally …spiritually!..but i do think those of us who are older need to take certain things about long distance hiking into consideration…paw-ee and i hiked again in '06 (i was 52…paw was 63) and we changed some things…(like “lightening up” for one thing…and taking more supplements for another)…there are lots of folks who find “the golden years” to be the most PERFECT time for adventure…we’ve met and befriended many…(among my favorites being one “billy goat” of pct fame!)…he’s out there every year at nearly 70 years of age…and with diabetes to boot!..his is an example of a strong spirit and a great attitude (not to mention a passionate love for the created world along the pct and the hikers of ALL ages who make the journey!)…you can do it, canby!..maybe now better than ever!
maw-ee
I love your post, I’m in my late 20’s and I hope that I still have the courage that you carry to keep doing this, lol for my combined lifetime plus! I would love to hear about your weathered shoes of old, old friend.
Water Dog
Canby, In 2002 I was one month shy of 60 when I completed a thru hike. I never felt better in my life. The two or three years approaching 65 had me hitting a mental wall; thinking I’d be too old after 65 to hike. Today I hiked 10 miles on the AT and concluded I’ll hike till I’m 85. The trail always makes me healthier. Good luck.
bluevist
Man, I sure hope so !! 59 this coming July and had a heart attack on 3/2 of this year. Healing up and working hard at rehab with sincere hopes of being back on a trail (maybe PCT) in 2009. I intend to hike as long as these skinny little old legs will carry me. Pace might fall off a bit over time but hey …it’s about the journey - RIGHT ??
Mark Jernigan
In 2000(at age 60) I hiked the PCT, in 2006 (age 66) I hiked the CDT for the second time, 2007 - the GDT (Great Divide Trail). Every hike hurts in one way or another, at one time or another - but not nearly enough to stop me. Until yesterday when I found out that the “broken toe” I’ve been hiking on for the last month isn’t broken - it’s Morton’s Neuroma. So for the near future, there won’t be a lot of long hikes. But… as someone once said - I’ll be back. Hiking is life - and I like living.
'Slogger - go for it.
Jim