knee so I can only hike (flat) 3 miles every other day.
I have 2 children who help me with some bills but I don't see very often (one lives out of state, the other, 100 miles away. I live alone and. at this stage I have few friends left.
I feel so tired. I am wondering if any of the fatigue has to do with the ages my grandparents passed. One passed at 31, a second at 56, and a third at 62. Only one grandfather lived to old age, 94.
What factors have to do with lifespan? Any suggestions?
Thank you for your input.
I have been an avid hiker thru the years as well but after a foot surgery have not been able to keep up this hobby.
Please don't stop being active! If you have been active and your mental well being depends on this, this is your routine!
I have found other activities to replace the walking. Water aerobics, bike riding, exersizing at the gym (find a group you love). Silver Sneakers is a great resource.
Keep moving and appreciate the opportunities you have!
Have a doctor do a blood test to see if you need to supplement vitamins. Since so many of us are staying indoors instead of worshiping the sun, we are becoming very low on Vit D. And check for Vit B12 which has to do with energy.
Also note, anytime one has surgery, for every hour one is under that is one month of brain fog.
Yes, a family tree can hold some clues, if your parents have passed check to see if they passed from something that their own parents have had. Example, I have hypertension which I inherited from my late Mom [98], and she inherited from her own Mom [78]. As you can see modern medicine helped my Mom live 20 years longer. Only draw back, blood pressure pills are make you feel tired until the dosages are adjusted.
Are you hiking on trails or just through the woods, or even on pavement?
Fatigue could be caused by a lot of reasons unrelated to hiking, especially your diet.
When did this start? Before or after, or during the Covid pandemic?
And, perhaps more importantly, what does your orthopedic surgeon have to say about the situation?
What kind of prepping exercises do you do before walking?
If you have not gotten a full physical exam lately, you should. Low potassium can cause you to feel down. Thyroid too. Maybe ur lacking in a vitamin.
I wear braces or compression sleeves. Skating is a low impact motion. I like to swim too. Do not stop moving!
I have long suspected my fatigue comes from the frustration of losing my athleticism. I can no longer keep up with skaters half my age. My knees hurt when I lift something heavy and step on uneven ground. Every day they remind me that I’m no longer young, and they have the power to interfere with so many of my plans.
Long, active life to you!
Instead perhaps you are depressed because you live alone and are lonely. That makes a lot more sense. So perhaps see your doctor about treating your depression, then get that knee fixed so you can enjoy the rest of your life.
And if that means moving into a senior living community where you will be around folks your own age, then do it. And start having some fun! Life is too short not to.
Significant factors in life expectancy include gender, genetics, access to health care, hygiene, diet and nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and crime rates. Evidence-based studies indicate that longevity is based on two major factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
My parents ate a healthy diet, exercised, didn't smoke or drink but for a glass of wine sometimes, went to the doctor regularly, etc, and lived to 91 and 95. Mom had dementia and died of it and heart disease ANYWAY. Dad had a brain tumor which killed him at 91. Longevity ran in both of their families, however.
My biological family is another matter; the oldest lived to 60. I'm 65 now so I've beat the odds.
If I were you, I'd look into having a knee replacement and some blood work to see if you are vitamin/mineral deficient which could contribute to being tired.
Otherwise, enjoy each day of your life to the fullest. Consider moving into a senior independent living apartment where you can make lots of friends and have lots of activities going on, side trips to enjoy, and dances, parties, etc. My parents loved that lifestyle while they lived in IL.
Good luck!