Thank you for this post. I was an active backpacker and hiker for many years but now at 73 I simply need to go more slowly. As I tend to hike with younger folk and camp with younger folk, I’m working to come up with ways to continue on terms that are realistic.
I liked this essay. Your thoughts contain wisdom and acceptance. Many of the changes you refer to are similar to those we face for simply getting old. We who are approaching the big 80--unbelievable!--can attest to having to slow down, give up certain experiences, and generally accept that an almost 80-year-old body is not the same as one at 40 or 50 or even 60. This is the acceptance that is needed--but we have to do it within a culture that fetishizes youth and vigor. In a better culture (sorry, U.S.A., but it's true), old age would be looked at a lot more sympathetically and even with reverence. We've made it this far. We've learned a lot. We have wisdom to impart. Despite some occasional lip-service, old age is not looked at this way here. Anyway--a good essay with an important message for all.
I consider the mixup the highest of compliments! And I agree—the culture around aging in this country is really depressing. Yet another reason to opt out of the BS on social media.
Thanks for writing and sharing this- I have a tendency to mentally beat myself up since backpacking the Appalachian Trail. I’ve packed on the pounds and just not as fit as when I finished the trail. I’m working an abundance of extra shifts at the hospital to meet some financial goals and haven’t had as much time for the gym. Also getting older doesn’t help…..
Your essay reminded me I really have to stop beating myself up, stop comparing myself to a previous self, and enjoy the moment more. Be grateful for what my body is able to do.
Thank you. I like what you said about being grateful for what our bodies can do. You probably see this a lot working in a hospital, and I see it lifeguarding at the pool: There is an incredibly vast continuum of what kind of shape a body might be in at a certain age. My hiking friends are probably at the healthiest end of that continuum, and it's hard not to compare, but when I see some of the challenges others are dealing with, a little wheeze in my lungs doesn't seem like such a hardship after all. I'm lucky I can still get out and enjoy the views!
Teared up as I read this, and grateful to you for sharing your authentic self, Jen. I found myself in a similar place on a bike ride at Sleeping Bear Dunes. I couldn’t keep up and I had to fight the swirl of emotions. A well-timed call from my mom, though it brought news of a death, was a catalyst to grab a bench. Enjoyed the birds flying through the blue sky; recalled the kind, gracious and generous friend we lost; then pulled my book from my pack.
I’m another living with the post Covid asthma symptoms. That deep ache in my lungs isn’t constant but when it comes on, it is scary.
I'm sorry you're experiencing this, too. Maybe I need to start a "Covid Lungs" adventure group. I'm surprised by how many friends are dealing with similar conditions, and we're all dealing with the emotional fallout.
Thank you for this post. I was an active backpacker and hiker for many years but now at 73 I simply need to go more slowly. As I tend to hike with younger folk and camp with younger folk, I’m working to come up with ways to continue on terms that are realistic.
Maybe we should go hiking together!
Jill--
I liked this essay. Your thoughts contain wisdom and acceptance. Many of the changes you refer to are similar to those we face for simply getting old. We who are approaching the big 80--unbelievable!--can attest to having to slow down, give up certain experiences, and generally accept that an almost 80-year-old body is not the same as one at 40 or 50 or even 60. This is the acceptance that is needed--but we have to do it within a culture that fetishizes youth and vigor. In a better culture (sorry, U.S.A., but it's true), old age would be looked at a lot more sympathetically and even with reverence. We've made it this far. We've learned a lot. We have wisdom to impart. Despite some occasional lip-service, old age is not looked at this way here. Anyway--a good essay with an important message for all.
I'm sorry--I thought this was written by Jill. Thanks, Jennifer!
I consider the mixup the highest of compliments! And I agree—the culture around aging in this country is really depressing. Yet another reason to opt out of the BS on social media.
Thanks for writing and sharing this- I have a tendency to mentally beat myself up since backpacking the Appalachian Trail. I’ve packed on the pounds and just not as fit as when I finished the trail. I’m working an abundance of extra shifts at the hospital to meet some financial goals and haven’t had as much time for the gym. Also getting older doesn’t help…..
Your essay reminded me I really have to stop beating myself up, stop comparing myself to a previous self, and enjoy the moment more. Be grateful for what my body is able to do.
Thank you. I like what you said about being grateful for what our bodies can do. You probably see this a lot working in a hospital, and I see it lifeguarding at the pool: There is an incredibly vast continuum of what kind of shape a body might be in at a certain age. My hiking friends are probably at the healthiest end of that continuum, and it's hard not to compare, but when I see some of the challenges others are dealing with, a little wheeze in my lungs doesn't seem like such a hardship after all. I'm lucky I can still get out and enjoy the views!
Teared up as I read this, and grateful to you for sharing your authentic self, Jen. I found myself in a similar place on a bike ride at Sleeping Bear Dunes. I couldn’t keep up and I had to fight the swirl of emotions. A well-timed call from my mom, though it brought news of a death, was a catalyst to grab a bench. Enjoyed the birds flying through the blue sky; recalled the kind, gracious and generous friend we lost; then pulled my book from my pack.
I’m another living with the post Covid asthma symptoms. That deep ache in my lungs isn’t constant but when it comes on, it is scary.
I'm sorry you're experiencing this, too. Maybe I need to start a "Covid Lungs" adventure group. I'm surprised by how many friends are dealing with similar conditions, and we're all dealing with the emotional fallout.
Love this perspective and can totally relate to having to shift to what works best for our well being. Thank you for sharing!