Aging On The Camino

[Kevin Considine]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

 

[CTLawGal]

Loved this! I am awestruck! Thanks for sharing. I am 65 and did my first Camino at 64 and planning my second for this spring when I will be 66 and don’t know how many more I have in me, slowly or otherwise. I can only hope to age in as gracefully as you and your aging friends. Respect.

 

[J Willhaus]

We always treat every Camino and for that matter everything we do as if it it could be our last. We need to do what we can do, while we can still do it!

I've watched my parents physically decline rapidly in recent years and it has spurred me to celebrate what we can do now. We don't know how many Caminos, volunteer gigs, or camping adventures we have left in us, but we'll keep going as long as we are physically and financially able.

 

[bestfootforward]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

Of course it is the same for many of our aging Camino buddies. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

Go you! What an inspiration. Keep on walking because as we all know motion is lotion. Buen Camino!

 

[duncanwhyte]

I'm 68 and most people I meet on route talk about it being their last Camino. It usually isn't and probably wasn't and unlikely to be.

 

[MARSKA]

At 67 this is something I take seriously. I'll keep doing all I can to keep doing all I am able as it is all I can do.

I'm ok with my decay; I have no choice, so I'll rejoice.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

What will ultimately stop me, as I approach 80 early next year, will be the ever-increasing health insurance premium as the problems with underlying conditions gradually mount up and have to be declared.

 

[Flog]

Kevin, I had the pleasure of meeting you briefly, in the Dublin Mountains in 2018. I was doing a short hike with my son, you were facing into a much longer one. I said to my son afterwards: 'Now there's a man on a mission!'

Good luck with this one, and the ones that follow.. ultreia!

 

[Roland49]

So which Camino to do?

Any!

Beautiful spoken!

It may be slow, it may ache, but I will walk!

 

[Frans57]

Kevin, what a story! And all this hiking at 69! Respect!
I am 67 right now and hope to walk my first Camino next spring.
And yes, I have aches as well, in fact it is mainly a painful meniscus that is bothering me.
But, I won't let physical discomfort keep me from walking The Way.
I train a lot and try to be prepared as good as possible.
So, let's hope everything will turn out fine.

 

[CWBuff]

The oldest Pilgrim on my Frances that I met was an 83-yo German named Peter.
I celebrated my 63rd birthday on the way to Finisterre and "attacked" TMB about a week after turning 65.
Looking forward to return to Frances (Good Lord Willing) and celebrate my 67th while on it.
I'm with @Roland49: I may be slow, it may ache, but I will walk!

 

[CTLawGal]

We always treat every Camino and for that matter everything we do as if it it could be our last. We need to do what we can do, while we can still do it!

Yes! THIS! I like to look at it as, when I get to the point where I can't keep doing these kinds of things, I don't want to look back and think, if only I had done it while I still could! Keep doing it while you can! No regrets!

 

[backlasher]

My father passed away at 92 and he told me " if there's something you want to do , do it while you can because the day will come when you can't " At 78 I may have waited too long for many things.

 

[J Willhaus]

My father passed away at 92 and he told me " if there's something you want to do , do it while you can because the day will come when you can't " At 78 I may have waited too long for many things.

I hope not!

 

[LTfit]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

This 68 year old body sure hopes to be walking Camino's for years to come! Since 2010 I've only missed one year (2020) although I was in Spain and took daily walks on the Camino. I'm also a lover of Nepal and hiked the Three Peaks, Three Passes climbing to 5530 meters in 2022. I was planning to return this fall but I stayed home to welcome the arrival of my second grandchild.

Last March I got a hip replacement but (touch wood) that has yet to slow me down, in fact I seem to walk faster than even.

The time will eventually come to slow down but I'll keep trucking along as long as I can.

Lucky you to be trekking in Nepal again!

 

[trecile]

I have a friend who walked his first Camino (SJPdP to Santiago) for his 75th birthday in 2017 and completed his 7th at age 82 this year.

 

[CTLawGal]

I have a friend who walked his first Camino (SJPdP to Santiago) for his 75th birthday in 2017 and completed his 7th at age 82 this year.

Likely with some advice and strong encouragement from you I would imagine

 

[khiker9]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

Funny timing on your post - as I was reading it I was on the train from Santiago to Madrid to head back to the states after having done my 12th time on various Camino routes. I walked in on Monday, Nov 4th, my 75th birthday. I first walked the full Frances in 2012 & then walked 10 years ago on my 65th birthday & every year since (except 2020). I was never fast but this time noticeably slower than even last year on the Via de la Plata. I planned my distances less than 20K but the guide books & Apps lie - a couple of days were longer! . My thought was if I ever walk again my distances would be <15K! And truly thinking all along this will be my last, I sponsored the botafumeiro just to make sure I got to see it swing for this last time! We will see!
I trekked in Nepal to Mera Peak in 2001 & I have always said the Himalayas are the toughest mountains & I’ve done Andes, Caucasus, Kilimanjaro & others, so good luck to you & your group - that altitude is a killer!

 

[Scott Fraser]

First, Kevin, good luck on your trek in Nepal. I’m sure you need no advice other than that of Clint Eastwood, who when asked how he keeps up a vigorous professional life into his 90’s said something to the effect that “when he comes knocking you don’t let the old man in.”

My friend of 60 years and my walking buddy on five Caminos has some tips for people like us (Bob and I are 78) that I am sure he won’t mind me sharing with the forum.

Bob’s Rules for Old Men on Camino

1. Structure your day
   1. Schedule moderate daily leg distances that take topography, weather and physical state into consideration.
   2. Book far enough ahead that you’re never in the bed race.
   3. Start slowly, after a balanced breakfast; fight the tendency to sprint in the morning.
   4. Take regular breaks whether you feel you need them or not…..perhaps ten minutes per hour. It’s only a break if you get off your feet.
   5. Combine a balanced lunch with a rest; there is generally no important reason to arrive early if you’ve booked ahead.
2. Secure comfortable accommodations; avoid any sleeping arrangement that doesn’t enable you to get a genuine rest.
3. Stay light on your feet to protect your joints
   1. Spend the money to keep backpack, clothing and footwear weight low.
   2. Get your body weight to an appropriate range before the Camino, not during the Camino.
   3. Use mochila services not only to keep your backpack light, but to facilitate equipping yourself adequately for very wet or very cold weather and poor trail conditions. Ship the water-proof boots, full-body poncho, rain pants and foul weather jacket ahead if you don’t need them.
4. Take care of the machine
   1. Carry extra water and electrolytes at all times and hydrate more than you think you need to. (Availing yourself of mochila services makes room for that water safety margin.)
   2. Check bare feet a couple of times during the day, particularly early in the Camino; you can often see/treat a hot spot before you feel it.
   3. Avoid uncooked food when possible; a salad or a piece of unwashed fruit (or a sip from an “agua potable” local public fountain) can end your Camino.
   4. Drink alcohol in moderation, and only in the evening. (Alcohol screws up your body’s ability to manage fluid; it can both dehydrate and cause water—i.e., weight—retention. It’s poor fluid management that results in most of those memorial plaques on the Camino.)
   5. If you’re injured, don’t risk compounding the problem; stop and treat the injury/rest. If you don’t want to lose contact with your “pod,” cab/bus/train to keep up with them.

Ultreia!

(Sorry for the formatting errors)

 

[longlost18]

I'm ok with my decay; I have no choice, so I'll rejoice.

Is that a Grandaddy reference? At 74, I can relate!

 

[JackGraham]

I just had my 90th b'day and I'm planning to do the Camino May 2025, if I'm still in good health. I walk a couple of miles every day in the hills and go to the gym, so if I take it easy on the Camino I think I can do it. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. I enjoy reading about all of you peoples' walks.

 

[Purple Backpack]

“The thing is to become a master and in your old age to acquire the courage to do what children did when they knew nothing.”

Ernest Hemingway

I’m fighting the urge to jump on a plane to Nepal right now and go for a Bucket List hike. Anyone else?

 

[JerryStroebele]

I just returned from my 13th Camino last week and told my wife I only have one Camino left in my 80 year old body. However this week on realizing how much more active, agile and energetic I am than I was 6 weeks ago I am rethinking my earlier Doomsday outlook. ¿ Quien sabe? Except for not wanting to ship my pack ahead I have been diligent in following Scott Fraser’s good advice above. Buen Camino

 

[Pilgrim2022]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

What a wonderful message! I will be 70 in a couple of weeks and I have walked 4 Caminos, most recently the Camino Ingles which I completed a month ago. I think about doing the Norte but I don't know if my body is in the same frame as my mind.... Ultreia!

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

Our knees and hips keep the score, as well as ankles, feet, toes etc,. you will know when to stop walking the Way, but memories are everlasting.

 

[CWBuff]

....but I don't know if my body is in the same frame as my mind.... Ultreia!

Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most
But then... would we be walking 13+ Caminos otherwise?

 

[ScouseKeith]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

Hi Kevin
Like you I started my Caminos in 2015 and been walking them ever since. I’m 69 this year and I’ve decided after the injuries and operations I’ve put my body through certainly in the past 4yrs I’m allowing myself one more Camino next year, so I’m going to walk the vdlp and go out in style. Starting around 20th June and probably give myself 47days to reach Santiago. I know the temperature will be higher but I much prefer walking in the sun and I can walk 30kms days quite comfortably, so if anyone fancies joining me I will be setting off on the 20th June .

 

[Jodean]

Walked my 1st Camino in 2015 to celebrate turning 60. Have 6 Caminos behind me, but really struggled on my last 2, with the hills. Turns out I have COPD and now also arthritis in one knee. OP for the knee scheduled in 3 weeks, so will see if another Camino can be managed in the springtime. Most likely the coast of Portugal since it is the flattest. 12-15km per day is perfect. It doesn't bother me to take a taxi up hills or a bag transferred with a couple kg of my stuff. I did decide on this last Camino that it is time to stop staying in dorm rooms. Getting up 3-5 times a night can only be annoying to the other sleepers. My account can afford a bit more privacy.
Hope to keep walking until I can't, and will then volunteer.

 

[kmrice]

I’m 76, my wife 74. We’ve been walking pilgrimages every year since 2023, except during COVID. We’ve walked about 4,500k and just crossed the Alps at the Great Saint Bernard Pass on the Via Francigena last summer. We carry our packs. Here are a few things we’ve learned as we’ve gotten older:

1. Reduce the daily distance. We used to walk 30 - 49k, now we keep it under 20, even if this results in some very short days when breaking up a stage.
2. Reserve ahead. We used to walk until we were ready to stop and then see what we could find. This isn’t as much fun in our 70’s.
3. Stay in shape all year. When we still worked, we’d get out of shape between walks but a few weeks of training would get us ready to go. Now, we get out of shape quicker and it takes longer to get back in shape, so we walk with our packs several times a week and visit the gym regularly. We look silly with our packs on the treadmills, but that’s ok.
4. Keep the weight down. We’re not ultra light packetrs by any means, but we’ve brought our pack weight down several pounds over the years and it helps.

The day will come when we can’t walk, so we’re grateful for every kilometer we do get to walk each year.

 

[Flog]

Hope to keep walking until I can't, and will then volunteer.

I've been mixing my walking with volunteering for the past six years or so, roughly half and half.. both here at home and in Spain.

Don't wait til you run out of steam to volunteer.. it takes energy too, do it while you still have some!

 

[jimmyc]

I completed my 6th camino, the Invierno in September. it took us 15 days with some 20klms plus days. I am 84 and I am planning another next year.

 

[alexwalker]

First, Kevin, good luck on your trek in Nepal. I’m sure you need no advice other than that of Clint Eastwood, who when asked how he keeps up a vigorous professional life into his 90’s said something to the effect that “when he comes knocking you don’t let the old man in.”

My friend of 60 years and my walking buddy on five Caminos has some tips for people like us (Bob and I are 78) that I am sure he won’t mind me sharing with the forum.

Bob’s Rules for Old Men on Camino

1. Structure your day
   1. Schedule moderate daily leg distances that take topography, weather and physical state into consideration.
   2. Book far enough ahead that you’re never in the bed race.
   3. Start slowly, after a balanced breakfast; fight the tendency to sprint in the morning.
   4. Take regular breaks whether you feel you need them or not…..perhaps ten minutes per hour. It’s only a break if you get off your feet.
   5. Combine a balanced lunch with a rest; there is generally no important reason to arrive early if you’ve booked ahead.
2. Secure comfortable accommodations; avoid any sleeping arrangement that doesn’t enable you to get a genuine rest.
3. Stay light on your feet to protect your joints
   1. Spend the money to keep backpack, clothing and footwear weight low.
   2. Get your body weight to an appropriate range before the Camino, not during the Camino.
   3. Use mochila services not only to keep your backpack light, but to facilitate equipping yourself adequately for very wet or very cold weather and poor trail conditions. Ship the water-proof boots, full-body poncho, rain pants and foul weather jacket ahead if you don’t need them.
4. Take care of the machine
   1. Carry extra water and electrolytes at all times and hydrate more than you think you need to. (Availing yourself of mochila services makes room for that water safety margin.)
   2. Check bare feet a couple of times during the day, particularly early in the Camino; you can often see/treat a hot spot before you feel it.
   3. Avoid uncooked food when possible; a salad or a piece of unwashed fruit (or a sip from an “agua potable” local public fountain) can end your Camino.
   4. Drink alcohol in moderation, and only in the evening. (Alcohol screws up your body’s ability to manage fluid; it can both dehydrate and cause water—i.e., weight—retention. It’s poor fluid management that results in most of those memorial plaques on the Camino.)
   5. If you’re injured, don’t risk compounding the problem; stop and treat the injury/rest. If you don’t want to lose contact with your “pod,” cab/bus/train to keep up with them.

Ultreia!

(Sorry for the formatting errors)

Thank you very much. At the age of 70 and many Caminos, I shall make this my list/to-do for my next 10 years (or more...)

 

[gittiharre]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

All the very best to you in Nepal. You raise these interesting points re aging and the Camino...I started in 2006 aged 51 and am now 69 years of age. Except for 2 years, one being during covid times, I walked pilgrim routes all over Europe every year. A couple of times , my now deceased husband, aged 79 and then 81 joined me on the Czech Greenways and Le Puy route, which he walked in total. I am absolutely addicted. Last year the Vezelay, this year the St Olavsleden plus a walk in Slovenia and Germany.
During Covid, I managed to walk most of the New Zealand Great Walks.
I feel blessed to have been able to keep going and it is easier for me now, than it was in 2006....I am aware, that anything can happen at any time. 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with high grade bladder cancer and my first thought was " shit, I won't be able to walk my caminos".
I told my specialist, he had to fit the treatments around my camino walks. He protested, saying, I was mad, but accommodated my request...so I kept going.
How much longer, who knows????
I haven't decided on next year, but would love to take my time and walk from Geneva to Muxia via the Norte....4 months...but still need to work and earn a crust....then there is the Mozarabe, Invierno, Rota Vicentina....Voie Regordaine....etc....wonderful dreams on top of wonderful memories.

 

[gittiharre]

What will ultimately stop me, as I approach 80 early next year, will be the ever-increasing health insurance premium as the problems with underlying conditions gradually mount up and have to be declared.

That's a real pain after 75....

 

[davejsy]

Some wonderfully inspiring stories on not just how to approach Caminos but life in general - thank you everyone for sharing. Walking is one of the best medicines you can ever take.

 

[Kevin Considine]

Yo

My father passed away at 92 and he told me " if there's something you want to do , do it while you can because the day will come when you can't " At 78 I may have waited too long for many things.

You better start walking now.

better

 

[Kevin Considine]

Nice to hear from you. My favorite of many Caminos. Was on the Way from Tipperary to Santiago that year.

 

[peterhore]

What inspiring messages - thank you, all. It's eleven years since I first set out from SJPdP, I'm a self-confessed camino junky and still get flashbacks to events and people on the Way. At 80 I've come through a second bout of cancer and major surgery, but this summer I tested my new plumbing by walking from Winchester to Canterbury, and am planning on walking the Primitivo with my grandson next Spring. I agree with others that walking is the best medicine for many ailments, but what is likely to stop me would be the cost of health insurance it I did not have my EHIC/GHIC card. Otherwise, Bob’s Rules for Old Men on Camino are spot on.

 

[CTLawGal]

Geneva to Muxia via the Norte....

That sounds amazing! If you decide to do it, and with a mid-April start, maybe I'll see you along the way - I'm only going as far as SJPDP, but would continue along the Norte if I had the time, I've been longing to go back... Buen Camino!

 

[DJames]

The worst thing you can do on a Camino is walk at someone else’s pace. The second worst thing you can do is walk at the pace you walked at 20 years ago. Haha.

Stay thirsty.

 

[Flog]

Nice to hear from you. My favorite of many Caminos. Was on the Way from Tipperary to Santiago that year.

You were indeed!

 

[Joanne P]

I'm only 61 but having multiple issues with arthritis & tendonitis in my back, hip, knees, and feet. Any walking over an hour hurts, BUT I'm still hoping for a third CF in the next few years. I will have to transport my pack (now have CPAP machine). And I may need to get the odd taxi.

My saying these days is: it won't be fast, it won't be pretty, but I'll get the job done

I consider myself blessed that I have already walked the CF, every km, and carrying my pack every step of the way.
I'm now learning that I don't have to approach it as an all or nothing experience. I never thought I'd want to do it if I had to use bag transport or taxis etc but my love of the CF is such that I will if I have to - at least I'll be out there giving it another shot.

 

[slee92630]

Like many of my Camino buddies, the years are passing away and while I am not done, I do wonder how many more Caminos are in this 69 year old body. Having walked over 13,000 kilometers on The Camino since that late August day in 2015 when I walked my first starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, I certainly know that my spirit is still strong and hope to walk more.

Recently, I have heard and met with other old Camino friends and age is catching up to many of us.

We had dinner a few weeks back with Maggie from Australia, who is 69 and recovering from Cancer and most likely done walking the Camino. She explained this is quite possibly her last trip to Spain as well.

The week before, Jim, an American, was visiting us at our home in Muxia. In his late 70’s, he was considering renting our place and moving from Santiago but he struggled up our hill realizing he couldn’t handle it daily. Another Camino junkie whose body no longer may be able to handle a Camino.

Our friend Mick from Tipperary, who we visited recently on our way to walk one of the Celtic Caminos in Ireland, The Kerry Camino, is slowed down by a body racked with arthritis across all his joints. He is struggling with maintaining his health let alone walking a Camino.

Yet, we visited Maria at Albergue Leo in Villafranca a few weeks back and met 80 year old Giancarlo from Italy. He has walked many Caminos and has to go slow now, less than 15k per day but he is walking. Meeting him made me recall a stay here at Albergue Leo at the end of my longest walk, a 3,000 kilometer Camino in 2018. I happened to meet Jean, a Belgian, 84 years old. He told me he could no longer walk 20K but he could do 10-15k and slowly but surely he was going to make it to Santiago after 3 months.

On another Camino, I had left Pamplona one early morning and was heading up the mountain to Alto de Perdon and came across Jose and Encarnacion, an 85 year old couple from Madrid who had walked 760 kilometers across Spain on the Camino from Roncesvalles to Santiago each of the previous 30 years. I had to ask Jose, “Why?” Jose explained; “For 3 reasons. One we enjoy walking and making a vacation of it. 2 for Jesus as we are catholics 3 for our souls. Beautiful.

Of course all of us Camino lovers face the challenges of aging. 5 years ago I walked 6,000 kilometers over a 12 month period and as many as 56 kilometers in a day. Now after 2 hip replacements and some other issues, it is a struggle to walk 25 to 30 kilometers. But that is a great thing about the Camino. It is easy enough to just decrease your daily kilometers adjusting to your own limitations.

In September, our Dutch friends, Cornie 81 and Johanna 83 visited and we picked them up at the Muxia bus stop. We live on top of a small hill so I took Johanna’s backpack and carried it the last 5 minutes up. “ This is heavy. What’s in here Johanna?”

Johanna, “My pacemaker equipment.”

She later admitted that this is probably her’s and Cornie’s last Camino but they can come and visit still and at least walk around Santiago and Muxia and other special places on The Way to keep themselves connected to the spirit of the Camino.

So back to my own situation, after 2 hip replacements in 2022 and 2023, I am struggling with continued back and leg pain caused by deterioration in some discs. Last Wednesday, I had a cortisone injection into my spine.

So which Camino to do?

I should probably be walking a Camino in Spain, but I am in Kathmandu, and hoping to walk my final Nepal pilgrimage. It’s been 5 years since my last visit and trek. In March of 2019 I walked the Annapurna Circuit and part of Annapurna Base Camp which required a challenging 10 hour hike over the 5,416 meter/17,769 feet Thorong La Pass. This is my 9th trip to Nepal over the past 38 years and while the Camino is a passion of mine, walking in the mountains of Nepal is every bit as special. Unfortunately walking in the Himalayas is somewhat more challenging and requires one to be in a stronger physical condition.

So tomorrow Mika and I, along with our Camino buddy 65 year old John of Wexford, Ireland will set out for the small village of Machhakhola to begin the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Pilgrimage/Trek. Unlike my last couple of treks here which I did on my own, I decided to hire a porter realizing I needed all the help I could get to get over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,753 feet.

With the help of Santiago and Kukai, hopefully we will emerge in Pokhara in 3 weeks time.

Buen Camino. From the blog of global pilgrim Aging On The Camino

Doing my first in March 2025 at 62. I have few neighbors I learned are doing next year as well and although around my age they're concerned about hiking and decided to do it on e-bikes. I guess that supports 'if there's the will, there's a way".

 

[Albertagirl]

I am hoping to walk my next camino (my ninth, I think) in 2025, and to volunteer again as a hospitalera, if I can find anywhere that wants me. I have been slowed down by the Canadian health care system, which provides me with excellent eyecare at no cost, as my vision is weakening. But the maybe invisible cost is that all care is stretched out over a very long time. However, I cannot go on camino if I cannot see. My current series of eye treatments should end in May of next year. Perhaps I shall be on the trail again soon after.

 

[Kevin Considine]

I just had my 90th b'day and I'm planning to do the Camino May 2025, if I'm still in good health. I walk a couple of miles every day in the hills and go to the gym, so if I take it easy on the Camino I think I can do it. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. I enjoy reading about all of you peoples' walks.

Wow. Happy Birthday. And good luck on your Camino.

 

[Kevin Considine]

Yes. That really stinks.

 

[Kevin Considine]

Hi Kevin
Like you I started my Caminos in 2015 and been walking them ever since. I’m 69 this year and I’ve decided after the injuries and operations I’ve put my body through certainly in the past 4yrs I’m allowing myself one more Camino next year, so I’m going to walk the vdlp and go out in style. Starting around 20th June and probably give myself 47days to reach Santiago. I know the temperature will be higher but I much prefer walking in the sun and I can walk 30kms days quite comfortably, so if anyone fancies joining me I will be setting off on the 20th June .

If you make it to Muxia you are welcome at global pilgrim house.

 

[Roamer35]

I just had my 90th b'day and I'm planning to do the Camino May 2025, if I'm still in good health. I walk a couple of miles every day in the hills and go to the gym, so if I take it easy on the Camino I think I can do it. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. I enjoy reading about all of you peoples' walks.

Hello Jack. My 89th birthday is coming up next month, and I regularly walk, ice skate and swim. I am planning to walk the CF starting from Roncesvalles next spring. Perhaps our paths will cross and we can lift a glass to life.

 

[WGroleau]

I’d rather be found next on the path than on the floor.
At age 56, I got rid of the car and made feet and bicycle 95%+ of my transportation. As hospitalero, I checked in pilgrims up to age 95. (Including one age 80+ who was blind.)

 

[Gerard Griffin]

Age is such a lottery, and when I did my first few Caminos I realised that I was really not fit for the walking (at 68, dodgy knees) but I couldn't bear the idea of not doing the Camino any more.

So I bought a bicycle. Not as good as walking, but much easier. Then the hills grew steeper so I got a cheap ebike. I'm off again in a week, and when the time comes I'll switch to a mobility scooter. But I will never give it up. It's far too good for that, and the ebike is so easy, so devoid of suffering, that I almost feel ashamed when I hear my fellow pilgrims comparing blisters. Almost, but not quite. So if you think you have to quit, don't. Give Decathlon 1,500 euro and zoom away into the sunset.

 

[WalkingInGers]

First, Kevin, good luck on your trek in Nepal. I’m sure you need no advice other than that of Clint Eastwood, who when asked how he keeps up a vigorous professional life into his 90’s said something to the effect that “when he comes knocking you don’t let the old man in.”

My friend of 60 years and my walking buddy on five Caminos has some tips for people like us (Bob and I are 78) that I am sure he won’t mind me sharing with the forum.

Bob’s Rules for Old Men on Camino

1. Structure your day
   1. Schedule moderate daily leg distances that take topography, weather and physical state into consideration.
   2. Book far enough ahead that you’re never in the bed race.
   3. Start slowly, after a balanced breakfast; fight the tendency to sprint in the morning.
   4. Take regular breaks whether you feel you need them or not…..perhaps ten minutes per hour. It’s only a break if you get off your feet.
   5. Combine a balanced lunch with a rest; there is generally no important reason to arrive early if you’ve booked ahead.
2. Secure comfortable accommodations; avoid any sleeping arrangement that doesn’t enable you to get a genuine rest.
3. Stay light on your feet to protect your joints
   1. Spend the money to keep backpack, clothing and footwear weight low.
   2. Get your body weight to an appropriate range before the Camino, not during the Camino.
   3. Use mochila services not only to keep your backpack light, but to facilitate equipping yourself adequately for very wet or very cold weather and poor trail conditions. Ship the water-proof boots, full-body poncho, rain pants and foul weather jacket ahead if you don’t need them.
4. Take care of the machine
   1. Carry extra water and electrolytes at all times and hydrate more than you think you need to. (Availing yourself of mochila services makes room for that water safety margin.)
   2. Check bare feet a couple of times during the day, particularly early in the Camino; you can often see/treat a hot spot before you feel it.
   3. Avoid uncooked food when possible; a salad or a piece of unwashed fruit (or a sip from an “agua potable” local public fountain) can end your Camino.
   4. Drink alcohol in moderation, and only in the evening. (Alcohol screws up your body’s ability to manage fluid; it can both dehydrate and cause water—i.e., weight—retention. It’s poor fluid management that results in most of those memorial plaques on the Camino.)
   5. If you’re injured, don’t risk compounding the problem; stop and treat the injury/rest. If you don’t want to lose contact with your “pod,” cab/bus/train to keep up with them.

Ultreia!

(Sorry for the formatting errors)

Your message came out loud and clear and that is what is most important. What formatting errors? Must be my eye-sight that needs cataract surgery. Thanks from a 71 year old man.

 

[MARSKA]

Is that a Grandaddy reference? At 74, I can relate!

Yes it's Grandaddy.

 

[JabbaPapa]

On my very long Caminos (i.e. significantly more than 1,000K), I've always felt they could very well be my last one -- so the 1994, the 2005, and the 2019-2024. So that's how I feel now, having finished my biggest one just a few months ago. By contrast, I knew that my 1993 and my 2014 would not be my last.

I am going Home to Rome in 2025, but that's not really "a Camino" in the Compostelan sense -- even though it'll be walked on the Italian sections of the principal Rome-Santiago Way.

After that, it will be down to my health -- so, if health reasons demand a long walk of me, then off I'll go on foot pilgrimage again. Though never again a very long one !!

But maybe I have a different perspective on this aging on the Camino question -- I have been a foot pilgrim for over half of my life on the one hand ; on the other hand I seem to have been called to it since I was born, in a Compostelan Holy Year. My first (very, very short) solo walk was at about 20 months old and at one of the coastal village starting points of the Sureste. Later, I would make frequent short walks as a child on local parts of the Catalan Way (unbeknownst to me) in the vicinity of Valldoreix and Sant-Cugat, near Barcelona, and indeed our house was right next to a variant of that route through Valldoreix as it existed then, before they built a motorway nearby, which diverted that variant towards an underpass.

And since the late 1970s, just a few years after that, I have lived by the coastal Rome-Santiago Way, which I have walked both ways.

In a sense, each day that passes is one more day on the Camino, and since coming back here on the last one, I am more frequently struck by this fact -- even just stepping out of my front door, the road upwards is towards Lourdes, Fátima, Santiago ; the road downwards heads to Rome. So I am content to continue aging here.

 

[JabbaPapa]

First, Kevin, good luck on your trek in Nepal. I’m sure you need no advice other than that of Clint Eastwood, who when asked how he keeps up a vigorous professional life into his 90’s said something to the effect that “when he comes knocking you don’t let the old man in.”

My friend of 60 years and my walking buddy on five Caminos has some tips for people like us (Bob and I are 78) that I am sure he won’t mind me sharing with the forum.

I'm not there yet, but my disability has given me an earlier perspective than most, as it hit me when I was still in my 40s. I've walked 8,000K + since then ...

So, some spot comments on that generally great advice from Bob !!

Bob’s Rules for Old Men on Camino
Start slowly, after a balanced breakfast; fight the tendency to sprint in the morning.

Well -- start, finish, and end slowly -- as to breakfast, well, at this point we're probably all subjected to various nutritional & health management requirements that bind us willy-nilly.

Combine a balanced lunch with a rest

IMO that's great advice even for the young and healthy, "balance" of course being a somewhat individual affair.

Secure comfortable accommodations; avoid any sleeping arrangement that doesn’t enable you to get a genuine rest.

Good advice of course, though I'd quibble that -- the slower I've gotten over the years, the more often I've had to find ad hoc solutions outdoors. And personally I remain content to sleep anywhere I can find, indoors or out.

I would say -- try and avoid more than two consecutive nights outside, and definitely do go for something more comfortable in spot cases of physical, mental and/or emotional need & fatigue. And whenever possible if you can pure & simple afford the outlay. There's nothing virtuous about seeking discomfort opposite to your needs and means.

Drink alcohol in moderation, and only in the evening. (Alcohol screws up your body’s ability to manage fluid; it can both dehydrate and cause water—i.e., weight—retention. It’s poor fluid management that results in most of those memorial plaques on the Camino.)

This is a complicated one, but DEFINITELY avoid ALL spirits, and basically anything and everything in this category that is neither beer nor wine. And if either of these are detrimental to you, then avoid them too.

But ONE glass of red wine (NOT white nor rosé) can sometimes and for some people help somewhat for muscle pains ONLY, not other sorts of pain, it's totally useless against inflammation for instance.

Avoid ALL beers stronger than about 4%, as they will lead to exactly what you describe, even if taken in the evening. But the weaker beers do have their uses. Hops are a mild anti-inflammatory, and the combination of high water content with the brewed cereals can constitute a fast nutrient and re-hydration delivery system with some pain management benefits. Or maybe not for you personally, as here there is most definitely NO such thing as one-size-fits all.

If you’re injured, don’t risk compounding the problem; stop and treat the injury/rest.

And a rest day or two if and as needed.