elderly traveler

14 years ago

I want an opinion from older person who is somewhat hadicaqpped with arthritis. I want to go to New Mexico probabavly in Fall and my husband tells all our children I CAN'T DO IT AND THese comments really hurt me. I can do it but slower. I tell him I know what I can do and he has no right to say differently. How do you other older people feel about it.

My son wants me to come...he understands

Featured Answer

brandon7 TN_zone7

14 years ago

I saw your post and saw that no one else had responded, so I figured I would. I don't really qualify as an "older person who is somewhat (handicapped) with arthritis", but I do have close relatives that are and certainly have my own limitations for hiking, etc.

First, I think planning can make a huge difference. There are places to go that almost anyone can enjoy, places that only the most physically fit can endure, and everything in between. It's important to check out the places, you want to consider, carefully before you visit. Choose places that you feel confident are within your range. Don't try to push your limits, for your sake and those traveling with you.

Second, I think it's very important for older people and less physically fit people to go out and do things for their physical and mental health. If you just stay at home, that's boring and will just further your inability to do things. Getting out and having fun, along with a little physical exercise, is very important!

Another thing that might help you as well as "prove" your ability to do things you want to do, is to exercise and do physical things locally to build up your endurance. Going from long periods of inactivity to a challenging trip is probably not a good idea. Working up to the challenge will help you more fully understand your own abilities and help you prepare for the trip (and for the rest of your life, for that matter).

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Comments (8)

susanzone5 (NY)
13 years ago
You can do it! I see people on planes who arrive in wheelchairs! Once you're at your son's houuse it will be easy as being home. I rafted the GrandCanyon with women who used canes and brreathed with oxygen machines. You can do it. Don't let people hold you down.
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diane_v_44
12 years ago
Finch lover
I just came across your email
I am elderly I guess 69 and somewhat handicapped
It sure does not stop me but I am slower and do not like it

I drive to Florida from Canada every year to my home down there, on m own I get out to garden clubs and travel to grown children's home, Do not do to much babysitting though

I wondered why you would even listen to what your husband said on the subject, e have to lie our lives
and imagine missing the opportunity to visit your son in New Mexico It is a spot that i have wanted to see for ages Texax is as far as I got , so far at least.
susanzone5 (NY)
12 years ago
Take a look at www.journeywoman.com for travel tips.
Becky Klein-McCreary
11 years ago
As much as I feel concern for the person making the post, I don't think this is a garden issue. It seems more like a "Dear Abby" question. I don't want to see Garden Web become a chat room for topics unrelated to gardening, etc.
sushipup1
11 years ago
Becky, this is a very old thread on a very very slow forum. Surely there are more important things in other forums to be worthy of your comments.
Becky Klein-McCreary
11 years ago
You're right, there are.
diane_v_44
11 years ago
Hi Becky

Older traveler
myself
and
I look forward to hearing more about what you are doing

Maybe the conversation doesn't belong here who knows If there is interest I guess it belongs.