There are lots of morning walkers in our village, mostly retired women. That's aside from the joggers and aerobics enthusiasts. I would love to join them but my job prevents me since I leave for work by 5:30am to avoid the heavy traffic on the road. My husband is a part time employee, he works twice a week. On his days off, he would go to the nearby market beside the gate of our village. And he doesn't ride but walk. That is his exercise, said he. I guess that morning walk is very healthy because I see my husband seems to benefit from that. He is still agile and strong at his age of 61 while me at 53 is somewhat getting slower and weaker.
Walking is a very good exercise for health overall @Corie Henson and it's wise to walk briskly if possible for 30 minutes 3 times a week...but even if that can't be managed for any reason...even walking for 10 minute bursts several times a week is beneficial. Here where I live we also have people who walk early in the morning...but like you I have to leave for work early so I don't have the time nor the inclination to do the same. However I walk briskly in my daily life..I've never been a slow mover...and I walk up to 10 hours a day in my job..I rarely sit down at work.. In the summer I try to go to the local fitness centre once a week before work..to get 30 minutes of swimming in before work because that's the only dedicated adult time...and at my second home in Spain I have my own swimming pool so I swim twice a day there morning and evening... it also helps the problems I have with my lower back..
I walk most days when at home and often here in Russia, I always feel better after a walk in the fresh air. Sometimes I go on longer walks of several miles or more when the weather is fair, at 74 I have no aches and pains so it's easy for me now, not sure how I would feel if I suffered from arthritis or any other painful condition. I find I often walk at a brisk pace but have moods where I saunter and just enjoy the experience, on the white nights here during May - July the locals often go walking during the night.
Walking in the fresh air? We can only do that when we are on vacation. Incidentally, we are going to a beach resort tomorrow (Thursday) and on Friday and Saturday I can do some early morning walk on the beach. It's nice to hear that at your age you seem not to have any health issues particularly with aches and pains. I had a former colleague who was always complaining of waking up with pains all over. He was 75 at that time. I hope I can be like you in reaching that age but still feeling normal. I enjoy walking slowly although I can walk briskly if the situation calls for it.
I always believed, and still do, that each of us has a certain number of walking miles built into us. My limit was reached at age 55. My right hip give out and knees, feet and back are close to it as well. If I had a dollar for every mile I tread.....
Totally agree with Ike above. There are people that haven't had problems/surgeries, who can walk for long distances and love it. Then, there are those, like myself, who have had surgeries and just can't walk that much anymore. For me, an ankle surgery in 1988. It's been 28 years since that surgery and some arthritis has set in. Sometimes have to wear a cloth brace on the ankle. In 2005, had a hip replacement. If I walk too much, the hip can definitely start talking to me (aching). When wife and I were in our mid 50's, we could do much more than we can now. But, that was 13 years ago and in 13 years, numerous things can happen to heath. On top of that, we just aren't that much into "fitness" in the first place. We do get exercise, but......
Yes I guess a lot of it is down to genes, luck and having no accidents. I have never exercised as such, have never been near a gym and only walked for pleasure. I used to sleep 10 hours a night when younger as well. I feel in a way my general laziness has helped me in the long run, as athletes, joggers and ballet dancers etc., often simply wear their bodies out through so much activity.
Oh @Corie Henson , lucky you! I won't get to see my beloved ocean for a few weeks yet! Is there a way for us to persuade you share some sunrise or sunset pics from that beach? Have a good time, and stay safe!
Walking is said to be an excellent form of exercise for the older folks, if joint pain is not a big issue. OTOH, it is often said that some pain, if tolerable, in the hips, knees, and feet, is done more good by "fighting it" and pushing onward, rather than sitting about. IOW, use it, or lose it.