60 yrs and up
Replies
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Hi, I'd like to join you. I just turned 66. covid weight has been my downfall. I lost 10 lbs right before covid, then gained those 10 and then added another 20. Yikes. I'm down 11.4 pounds so I'm on my way. I refuse to add the 10 and the 20 together.
I'm tracking like crazy and cut back wine to a glass a week. I've always walked about 4 to 8 miles a day. I've just started going back to the gym. I have tendonitis in my shoulder so I'm going to physical therapy and lifting little tiny weights until things improve.
I've done this before and I'll do it again.
Lots of good wishes to all of you on reaching your goals
Good luck!🍀1 -
@ridiculous59 That's so amazing! I hope I can also see an improvement in my blood work and blood pressure when I go for my annual physical this summer. A goal if mine is to get off both cholesterol and blood pressure meds. Also, wow, 15,000 steps a day! Just wow. Does that include any intentional exercise like your deep water running or intentional walk. So impressive. And I'm sure you'll get the pounds off too.
I walk with friends three times a week, plus I walk or hike with my dogs every day. Every spring I re-start C25K so I do a bit of running too (emphasis on bit!). On the days when I run, walk the dogs, and walk with friends I end up with about 20,000 steps. On days I do yoga or strength training and walk the dogs I only end up with between 9,000-12,000. I enjoy walking so most of the time it's not a chore. I didn't go to deep water running over COVID and I've only been a couple of times since things opened up for us here. I enjoy it but sometimes fitting in a class between my other activities and volunteer commitments is hard. This retirement gig is busy!! LOL3 -
@ridiculous59 Great job! That's a lot of walking. So important to find activities we love.3
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@ridiculous59 I too am a serial C25K starter. Last month or so this year, got to week 3 and then back to week 2. I find now at 67 I really suffer if I overdo. Learned a bit more about "Jeffing" which is a little different than regular interval running, but I'm just dabbling in it a bit. Jeff Galloway now says no need for more than 30 sec walk break, but with that, it is surprisingly taxing to do 20 sec (run) to a 30 sec (walk) or even 15 to 30! Tried 12:30 and that's easier, but I want more to run! So, to suit myself when I don't want to do a C25K prescription, I tried 30 seconds running to one minute walking. I suppose it is not really "Jeffing" but it satisfies the running urge, which I've had since age 52 when I started running (jogging!) The beauty of the Jeff is injury-free running, with possibility of increase in distance and speed. Not that I care too much speed and distance, but feels good to pepper the walking with a little running anyway!2
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risinghope wrote: »@ridiculous59 I too am a serial C25K starter. Last month or so this year, got to week 3 and then back to week 2. I find now at 67 I really suffer if I overdo. Learned a bit more about "Jeffing" which is a little different than regular interval running, but I'm just dabbling in it a bit. Jeff Galloway now says no need for more than 30 sec walk break, but with that, it is surprisingly taxing to do 20 sec (run) to a 30 sec (walk) or even 15 to 30! Tried 12:30 and that's easier, but I want more to run! So, to suit myself when I don't want to do a C25K prescription, I tried 30 seconds running to one minute walking. I suppose it is not really "Jeffing" but it satisfies the running urge, which I've had since age 52 when I started running (jogging!) The beauty of the Jeff is injury-free running, with possibility of increase in distance and speed. Not that I care too much speed and distance, but feels good to pepper the walking with a little running anyway!
I'm rabid to the point of stupidity about the idea that age per se is not a limitation (though some disabilities statistically common with age may be).
I do feel that I'm somewhat less resilient to stress as I age - so sudden extremes or sudden increases of exercise intensity, duration, or frequency can be a bigger problem than they would've been when I was 20 or so.
Given all of that, it seems like figuring out our individually-suitable right progression, as we age, is almost a magical black art - and very individual!
I figure I need to avoid injury, because I de-train faster if I need a major recovery break . . . but also not lowball expectations of myself, because slowed progress has a cost with (realistically) limited years in my future . . . it's complicated. I agree that we can't necessarily follow generic all-ages programs exactly, but knowing what to do as a relative novice to exercise when older would be really hard.
I'm not referring to you as an exercise novice, @risinghope - just empathizing that for some who've commented as quite new to exercise, or resuming after a long hiatus - this is a complicated learning experience! Even with some recent experience, it's not always easy.
Worth figuring out, for my taste, though. I can't speak for others, but any progress I've had since starting to be more active in my 40s has not been smooth and linear every moment. YMMV!4 -
Hello, everybody. Over 60, vegetarian here, looking for friends with any lifestyle. I love to exercise by walking in nature and want to lose 10-15 pounds or so I can stay off high blood pressure meds and fit back in my favorite jeans.
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It is an interesting journey as we get older...
C25K is more or less designed for you to run three times a week, or every other day. But at my age I have found that I actually need two days recovery in between running, and not just one. I also find that I can't cross country ski every day because, of all things, it bothers my wrists. Years ago I had some issues with my rotator cuff, which healed after a time. But then awhile ago I tried to do a 30 day yoga challenge and yep, all those downward dogs aggravated my rotator cuff again. These are all things (running, skiing, and yoga) that I would have popped off daily without a second thought when I was in my 20's. Not now though!!
But, and it's a BIG but, one thing that the author of What Makes Olga Run observed in his book about 80 and 90-something year old athletes is that many of the men and women who compete at the senior masters level did not participate in sports throughout their 30's, 40's, and 50's. They were busy with careers, families, and life in general and it wasn't until life slowed down in later years that they were able to pick up the various sports that they enjoy so much.
So my take away is that I'm never too old to exercise or take up a new sport. However, experience has taught me that I definitely can't tackle it the same way I did in my 20's. I can push myself and have goals, but I also need to honour the mileage that this body of mine has accumulated over the past 62 years.9 -
I admire all of you runners!! I have never been a runner but have always wished I could be. At 72 I will stick with walking and I'm grateful I can do that and enjoy it. I am enjoying your posts and your enthusiasm for the sport. I say if you capable got to it!! Keep moving!!
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@alteredsteve175. I'm new here but have read much of your story. An ongoing serious illness of a spouse or child has got to be the worse thing a person can go through. Caregiving is exhausting both mentally and physically. So sorry you are going through this. With depression I know taking the time and energy to exercise and eat right is the last thing you want to do. But if you can just make yourself go, the exercise in particular will probably help you feel better. After attending 5 hour long water aerobics sessions this week I'm amazed ar how good I feel. I feel happier and more energetic. I hope you have someone to talk to to help with the mental side. Please take care.
Thanks for the kind words and the pep talk, @Pdc654.
I have to get back to some regular exercise. Being home more has done nothing positive for the caregiver situation. So I'm going to start exercising more again.
You are so right about the positive aspects of exercise. I did a 4 mile walk on Saturday and a 3 mile hike on Sunday. Going to build on that with more workouts this week.
The Sunday hike was on a route I have climbed many times. I felt the layoff, as my endurance was limited on the uphill sections. Regardless, I did the entire hike up and down. As always, I was pleased with myself for the effort.
Onward and upward!6 -
@alteredsteve175 I am so pleased to hear you say that! I know it's not easy, but keep on keeping on. We are all here pulling for you.2
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I'm great at planning and thinking ahead, setting goals and the steps to take to get there ... and yet the plans fizzle out more often than not when it comes to my weight loss 'journey'. ... This time of year seems to bring out the 'look-back and learn from the past' type of thinking in me. And this morning my thoughts went to my ever present struggles with this 'body of mine' which doesn't behave or look how I picture or plan it out in my imagination! ...
Next week will find the date on the calendar that marks my wedding day back in 1964. I weighed 128 pounds that day. My back was straight and strong, my legs propelled me for miles of walking every day without ever tiring or swelling up. I could run and climb and do acrobatics with ease. Oh, it was so wonderful and in my nighttime dreams I am often transported back to those times. The reality now, however, is that I weigh 92 pounds more than then, my back is broken, my legs are swollen and stiff with knees that won't straighten and leg cramps break into those dreams I so like to experience. ... Also, I have been 'alone' and on my own for the past 42 years ... years during which the weight piled on that saw me eventually being 150 pounds overweight. Today I am almost halfway back to that 1964 weight ... just 15 pounds more to go to be there ... and my planning and thinking are leading me to find ways to help me get to that goal sometime during this year ...
In the end, all the jotted-down ideas for my plan revolve around just 2 ideas ... eat 'less', move 'more'. ... Now to put that plan into motion ... and I suppose the best place to start is right this minute ... buy getting off the computer and out of this chair and doing something, anything ... that keeps me up and active. And out of the kitchen.9 -
I'm great at planning and thinking ahead, setting goals and the steps to take to get there ... and yet the plans fizzle out more often than not when it comes to my weight loss 'journey'. ... This time of year seems to bring out the 'look-back and learn from the past' type of thinking in me. And this morning my thoughts went to my ever present struggles with this 'body of mine' which doesn't behave or look how I picture or plan it out in my imagination! ...
Next week will find the date on the calendar that marks my wedding day back in 1964. I weighed 128 pounds that day. My back was straight and strong, my legs propelled me for miles of walking every day without ever tiring or swelling up. I could run and climb and do acrobatics with ease. Oh, it was so wonderful and in my nighttime dreams I am often transported back to those times. The reality now, however, is that I weigh 92 pounds more than then, my back is broken, my legs are swollen and stiff with knees that won't straighten and leg cramps break into those dreams I so like to experience. ... Also, I have been 'alone' and on my own for the past 42 years ... years during which the weight piled on that saw me eventually being 150 pounds overweight. Today I am almost halfway back to that 1964 weight ... just 15 pounds more to go to be there ... and my planning and thinking are leading me to find ways to help me get to that goal sometime during this year ...
In the end, all the jotted-down ideas for my plan revolve around just 2 ideas ... eat 'less', move 'more'. ... Now to put that plan into motion ... and I suppose the best place to start is right this minute ... buy getting off the computer and out of this chair and doing something, anything ... that keeps me up and active. And out of the kitchen.
Hi, I can relate. As I get older I also wonder how I could let myself get to this point. But we are both here trying to change that. That's what's important. We can't go back and change the past but our steps forward can change the future. It sounds like you have made great strides toward that end already. You also know how to get there. Moving more and eating less. It's not easy as we get older because as you know we have more limitations with our all our pains. But as long as we keep working at it we will get there. Also the lower our weight gets the better we will feel. You have joined the right group for support. This group is always there to keep you going, give good suggestions, and support you when you're struggling. Keep up the great job you've already started. You will get there.
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Good Morning Everyone!! I hope you are all having a good day. I'm keeping active and sticking with my calorie limits. Not seeing the progress I want but I'm eating healthy and moving so things are good. It's a beautiful day here in RI so I'm off for a walk with the dogs to enjoy some of that sunshine and fresh cool air. Enjoy your day !1
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Hi, all -
So good to see new IDs here, and good comments with tips and support for all!
I have nothing much new to add. I've been struggling a little on the food/drink side of things, and simultaneously let some daily life activity slip out of my rotation, so I'm working on both of those. Mood/attitude is part of the problem, so I'm also working on that.
I think/hope it will help that I finally got back out on the water to row yesterday, and I've been able to do outdoor biking (road and paved trails) a few times already.
BTW, for your amusement, yesterday's row was once again an "older ladies quad". (A quad is a 4-person rowing shell, in which each rower uses two oars.) The lineup was a couple of mid-60s women (me and another), one who's somewhere around the 50s/60s border, and one who's 76 (and probably the strongest of the lot of us).
As someone formerly very inactive/out of shape (in my 40s and before), and formerly obese (until I was 59/60), I'd encourage those of you just starting down the path of being more active that if you go patiently, slowly and steadily, always keeping just a manageable physical challenge in the picture (no exhaustion, misery necessary!), you can surprise yourself with your progress over time . . . and the way it feels is really worth it, big time!
Hope everyone has a great week!6 -
Back on plan after a slip up. We went to a wonderful gala. I had planned to have 1 glass of wine and no desert. They gave us 2 drink tickets and they had desert trays. The little chocolate balls with raspberry in them were wonderful, not not what I had planned. That was Sunday. Monday back on plan.
I need to work on staying on plan when I go to parties.1 -
Back on plan after a slip up. We went to a wonderful gala. I had planned to have 1 glass of wine and no desert. They gave us 2 drink tickets and they had desert trays. The little chocolate balls with raspberry in them were wonderful, not not what I had planned. That was Sunday. Monday back on plan.
I need to work on staying on plan when I go to parties.
This may be heresy, but: How often are there parties? If not very often . . . well, one rare day is a small drop in a big ocean. Good strategies are always a plus, but it's the majority of our days that determine the major of our habits. It's the frequent/regular habits that are make or break, IME.
Maybe you already know this, but some other common strategies for party prep are to:
* eat a little (not a lot!) under normal calorie goals on the few days in advance of the event to "bank" some extra calories to spend there (bodies don't reset at midnight, even though MFP does);
* eat lightly but nutritiously on the day of the event;
* time some of one's filling food for right before the event so not arriving hungry;
* have a glass of water between each more-potent beverage;
* fit in an extra walk or other activity the day before or day of, if feasible, to bank some calories (nothing extreme, because that can backfire)
For me, it's a terrible idea to try to "make up for" an overage on following days: It tends to set up a deprive-then-overeat cycle. If I make some modest cuts before the event, the event itself balances the books physically and psychologically . . . I handle that better. YMMV.
I will admit that if I eat over goal one day, and truly feel less hungry the next day as a result, I'd let hunger be my guide and eat a bit less; or, if I feel a little more energetic the next day, I might increase activity just to take advantage of that.
Someone else here on another thread remarked about weight loss/management just being a series of problem analysis/problem solving experiments. I think there's a lot of truth in that, and IMO so many of the solutions are very individual (i.e. depend on our personal preferences, strengths, and challenges).1 -
@AnnPT77 I’m in agreement with you. If a person is not a party animal (meaning, going to only the occasional parties), then enjoy to goodies (with some moderation) and write it off.1
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Since I'm trying to look at this journey as a lifestyle and not just a diet with an end date, I know I have to be able to celebrate normal life events such as holidays and birthdays. I am looking at it as a one day celebration and not continue the over eating for days and weeks on end. It's okay. You just get back on plan the next day.
For me it is also helpful to look at my calories on a weekly basis not daily. I always have one or two days a week where I am over. But I also have days where I am under. If my weekly average is at or below my goal, I'm happy. It seems to be working for me, and I am much more relaxed about it knowing that being over for a day does not "break the diet"
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Went out for dinner tonight, my granddaughter's 8th birthday, and she picked the restaurant. A pizza/pasta sports bar sort of place (Boston Pizza for those in Western Canada 🇨🇦 😉).
It was Pasta Tuesday.
I had thought ahead of time that I would probably have the pecan chicken salad, have it often and it is delish. Had enough calories for a splurgy meal.
But
Well
It was Pasta Tuesday...and I read over all the Gourmet options...
So I had the nutritional info downloaded on my phone and had a look - and you know, the 7 cheese baked ravioli was actually pretty good, a bit lower in calories than the chicken salad!
But what I really wanted after reading them all was Smoked Gouda & Poblano ravioli 😋, Not the worst per the chart but an extra 2-300 calories so I skipped side salad and went for it. It came with a great piece of garlic toast, which I put to the side initially.
It was in a sauce so creamy, cheesy and tasty! I used the garlic toast to sop it up 😁 and found I was entirely satisfied eating 1/2 the pasta.
My stomach has finally shrunk I guess and I don't like getting too full anymore!!
So 1/2 + garlic toast + glass of merlot ended up not even 100 calories over the chicken salad - and I have 1/2 left which I will happily eat tomorrow (sans garlic bread and merlot lol) - win/win.
And since I had only had a late breakfast today prior to dinner, I still had a couple hundred calories left for an evening snack (brownie Cliff bar vs birthday cake).
Ended the day under my daily allotment and I am so pleased with my choices and satisfaction level!
We do need to make this journey as pleasurable as possible within our goals.10 -
I'm back with my fitness pal after being gone for a good while. I'm back in better health and need to once again address losing a few pounds. I figure I need to limit carbs since from everything I've researched, those seem to be the leading culprits re: the dreaded middle-age spread (which I'm experiencing worse than ever). Boy is cutting carbs hard, given how much I like to drink both soda and tonic water. I used to drink too much beer, but I successfully quit that except for the occasional treat when out with friends. Gotta say, cutting out the non-alcoholic stuff is soooo much HARDER than quitting beer ever was. Man, sugar addiction is for real.3
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aqua14lisa wrote: »I just couldn't be more frustrated! I have been consistently below 1500 calories for almost 2 months and have only lost 6 lbs. Weight is up one day and down the next. Last week I actually gained weight, how is that even possible? Is this common to yoyo constantly? I was down 8 lbs and somehow then only down 3 lbs a few days later, it is just nonsensical to me. Macros and Nutrients are spot on at the end of each day. What am I missing?
Rick, I totally understand your frustration. I'm in a similar situation, down only 3 pounds since January. Do you want the weight back? Of course not, neither do I.
Imo, weight can and will change daily based upon water/fluid intake, salt consumption, carbohydrates eaten and exercise (sore muscles will hold fluids, I've read here). Maybe weigh yourself once a week if daily is frustrating. My logged foods are sometimes underestimated in quantities and exercise calories gained, overestimated. Keeping up with the exercise is helping me and this week the scale is moving lower. My shape is changing too. Are your clothes fitting better? Mine are!
The weight will come off when your body is ready to let it go. Be patient with yourself. Are you eating too few calories? That can also be an issue. I'm sure others will post insightful comments and suggestions.
Hello!
I log into MFP every day and just found this by accident. Might have to check my settings.
I finally dropped a few pounds but it really is a grind! I for the most part weigh everything I eat to make sure about portion size. Started back doing this on March 2nd. No weight loss for several weeks. Now I am down 10 and seem to have gained some rhythm to portion size estimation.
Started using Slim Fast Advanced nutrition drink as 2-3 meal replacements per day. Much easier to log in and ready when you need it. I turned off the exercise calorie adjustments and now just working at 1200 kcal, low sodium, and carbs. The slim fast helps with nutrients and vitamins so my macros are surprisingly well balanced. I think my calories are ok because I am not getting tired in the middle of the day.
Thanks for your input!4 -
BCLadybug888 wrote: »Went out for dinner tonight, my granddaughter's 8th birthday, and she picked the restaurant. A pizza/pasta sports bar sort of place (Boston Pizza for those in Western Canada 🇨🇦 😉).
It was Pasta Tuesday.
I had thought ahead of time that I would probably have the pecan chicken salad, have it often and it is delish. Had enough calories for a splurgy meal.
But
Well
It was Pasta Tuesday...and I read over all the Gourmet options...
So I had the nutritional info downloaded on my phone and had a look - and you know, the 7 cheese baked ravioli was actually pretty good, a bit lower in calories than the chicken salad!
But what I really wanted after reading them all was Smoked Gouda & Poblano ravioli 😋, Not the worst per the chart but an extra 2-300 calories so I skipped side salad and went for it. It came with a great piece of garlic toast, which I put to the side initially.
It was in a sauce so creamy, cheesy and tasty! I used the garlic toast to sop it up 😁 and found I was entirely satisfied eating 1/2 the pasta.
My stomach has finally shrunk I guess and I don't like getting too full anymore!!
So 1/2 + garlic toast + glass of merlot ended up not even 100 calories over the chicken salad - and I have 1/2 left which I will happily eat tomorrow (sans garlic bread and merlot lol) - win/win.
And since I had only had a late breakfast today prior to dinner, I still had a couple hundred calories left for an evening snack (brownie Cliff bar vs birthday cake).
Ended the day under my daily allotment and I am so pleased with my choices and satisfaction level!
We do need to make this journey as pleasurable as possible within our goals.
I'm not a lover of pasta so my go-to at BP is a small veggie pizza. Congrats on making it work for you! I'm sitting at Whitespot right now 😆2 -
@Ridiculous59, I ❤ White Spot, but really tough to make good choices there!!2
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I am 72 years old and I need to lose 40 lbs. I have been part of MFP and I keep track of my calories most days but have not lost any weight. Obvious I am doing something wrong. Would someone please help me? I would so appreciate it. Thank you. Sheila1
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Oops, I just posted that I am 72 but I am 75. 😚1
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I am 72 years old and I need to lose 40 lbs. I have been part of MFP and I keep track of my calories most days but have not lost any weight. Obvious I am doing something wrong. Would someone please help me? I would so appreciate it. Thank you. Sheila
Hi Shiela .. I'm Neena and am 77 years old ... welcome and I hope we can offer up suggestions that you will find useful and helpful.
Like @clarity8796 said .. you don't have to be 100% most of the time to lose weight, for most things we do, 'good enough' works just fine ... But for me, not so much. That's cause for myself, I have found it to be a Slippery Slope and I don't even notice how sloppy I start getting with not only how much I eat, but what and it bleeds into other areas of my life ... So what I do to help myself to follow the good habits I am working to keep going revolves about more than the food. ... For the food, I pull out those measuring cups, spoons, kitchen digital scale a few times a week, and I eat off the same plates, bowls, cups, glasses that I have measured and know what they hold for the times I don't do all that measuring and weighing. For the food also, I keep foods that are triggers of over-indulging or that stop my momentum to a bare minimum or out of the house completely. But beyond that, I found that I have to act pretty OCD right from the get go as I start my day or it will fall apart by midday. .. For example, do my PT exercises first thing when I get out of bed, THEN make the coffee. Make my bed BEFORE I log onto the computer, ... get it?
Hope these help.2 -
Hi Sheila,
Bvgrammy wrote: »
I am 72 years old and I need to lose 40 lbs. I have been part of MFP and I keep track of my calories most days but have not lost any weight. Obvious I am doing something wrong. Would someone please help me? I would so appreciate it. Thank you. Sheila
Consider tracking every day, weigh and measure everything. On days when I don't track, I go over my daily calories. Perhaps that's why I don't want to track on those days.
I'm 66 and lose about 5 lbs a month if I'm dilligent and track. I eat about 1,000 to 1100 calories a day. I walk about 4 miles a day. I don't eat my exercise calories. I'm down 12 lbs and have 18 more pounds to go.2 -
It's nice to see that several of us are in our 70's. I thought I'd be alone. It sounds like some of us are having a difficult time losing the weight. I really stuck to plan all week and exercised almost every day for at least 45 minutes but gained .6 pounds this week. I think the key is saying focused and keeping at it. My jeans feel a little loser this week though. So my body is adjusting to the pounds I already lost. We just all have to keep working at it and adjusting when things aren't working.
Welcome to the new people. Everyone here is so supportive and helpful so you made a good choice joining here. I wish you all lots of success.2 -
I am 72 years old and I need to lose 40 lbs. I have been part of MFP and I keep track of my calories most days but have not lost any weight. Obvious I am doing something wrong. Would someone please help me? I would so appreciate it. Thank you. Sheila
Would tracking your food and averaging it out over the week be of any help to you? That way you can eat above your calorie goal on some days, providing you eat below on other days. Choose "Nutrition" from your diary page (that's the little "pie" in the top right corner). Then click on "Calories". You can set it for daily or for weekly. If you set it for weekly then you see your daily average for the week, with and without exercise. If you're the kind of person who enjoys eating more on the weekend, for example, this might help.
The key is to log everything that you eat. The good, the bad, and the ugly!3 -
ridiculous59 wrote: »I am 72 years old and I need to lose 40 lbs. I have been part of MFP and I keep track of my calories most days but have not lost any weight. Obvious I am doing something wrong. Would someone please help me? I would so appreciate it. Thank you. Sheila
Would tracking your food and averaging it out over the week be of any help to you? That way you can eat above your calorie goal on some days, providing you eat below on other days. Choose "Nutrition" from your diary page (that's the little "pie" in the top right corner). Then click on "Calories". You can set it for daily or for weekly. If you set it for weekly then you see your daily average for the week, with and without exercise. If you're the kind of person who enjoys eating more on the weekend, for example, this might help.
The key is to log everything that you eat. The good, the bad, and the ugly!
@ridiculous59
Thank you. I never knew about the weekly before!!!0
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