Older Pilgrims - What gets harder? Is more 'Support' required?

[Robo]

What gets harder with age?

I'm "only" 68 this year. A youngster compared to many of our members I know. And I hope to have many more Caminos ahead of me. There are so many routes I still want to walk. But I'm also realistic and recognise that things are not going to get better physically and mentally......

So I'm just curious how some of our older members manage as they get older, or what things start to get harder.
Or what things finally stopped you.
It might also provide some useful discussion and insights for first time "older" Pilgrims.
Of course like all things, it's going to vary. Health, fitness and so on. It's not just about age.

As I was thinking ahead earlier today, I was trying to imagine what might get harder and how I would cope and yet still maintain the freedom and flexibility on Camino that we all enjoy.

My Pack. I'm not sure I would ever resort to pack transport, unless I really had back problems. I've managed to get my pack weight down over the years and could certainly get it down to about 5kgs if I had to. Not much more than a day pack really. Pack transport would just introduce something else to manage and worry about. And of course it's only available on the more popular routes anyway.

The Walking. I suppose daily distances will just get shorter. And maybe the more 'rugged' routes might be avoided.

Accommodation. We currently use a mix. Some Albergues, some private. More dictated by what is available, what looks a fun place and so on. I suppose that might gravitate more toward private accommodation if health and mobility were an issue. Climbing into bunks, dealing with health issues etc. I can still manage a top bunk OK.

Booking. We currently book one or two days ahead or not at all. I'd like to think that would continue, but I'm certainly not as sharp as I was mentally 10 years ago. I recognise that. Maybe that gets harder? Though I can't ever see a day we would use a Tour Company. Not 'having a go' at those who use them or need them, but I suspect that if I found that was the only way to still walk a Camino, I might throw in the towel. Of course I might change my mind if it got to that point!

Travel to and From. That might be the thing that stops me! 22+ hours flying. and the expense of it....

Overall Health. Is probably the major show stopper? Just not being able to do it any more physically.

Your thoughts?

If you are an older Pilgrim, what gets harder to cope with?

Edited to add an afterthought.
As I look back on my last Camino, that was close to 1200 kms, it was actually far easier than my first Camino 10 years ago (Frances from St Jean). Though I expect that trend won't last much longer!

 

[J Willhaus]

MORE DIFFICULT:
1.The hills get harder.
2.I walk slower.
3.I have a lot more pills and potions and a CPAP to carry.
4.In general, I am less tolerant of putting up with other people's idiotic nonsense.

NICER:
1.I don't worry about how I look anymore.
2.I have more life experience to help me cope with new situations.
3.People sometimes kindly give up their seat or the bottom bunk and I can still graciously decline if I want (I'm still fit enough for a top bunk.)
4.I can feign the need to withdraw to get my old lady rest when people are being idiotic.

 

[domigee]

Just don't think about it and go for it. You'll know when you HAVE to stop.;-)

 

[dbier]

I expect that reasons for changing/stopping depend very much on the individual, and they *may* share their decisions.

From what I recall reading, onset/worsening of degenerative neuron diseases (Parkinsons, MS, MG, even essential tremor no longer controlled by medication) tends to stop walkers. When you can no longer maintain your balance reliably, or walk when tired without tripping and falling, or dress and/ or toilet yourself reliably...well, you get the idea.

Similarly, if a chronic fatigue condition worsens, and you can no longer be assured that you will wake up with enough spoons of energy to do more than crawl to the toilet....

Or if your chronic disease is no longer controllable by medication. A dear friend of my husband's became a brittle diabetic, which probably killed him ( died in his sleep). He could never be assured from moment to moment that he would not go dangerously hypoglycemic.

Finally, I suspect that if you love the walking enough, you'll pack transport, make reservations, stick to flatter walks, whatever it takes to keep walking. When your mind and soul finally decide that this is no longer something " they" want to do, then you'll stop.

And you cannot and should not make those decisions for anyone else.

Buena suerte.

 

[HBS60]

I’m a bit younger than you, (I’ll be 65 next week) and so far, so good, although I did notice I was much slower than the younger Pilgrims, and balance was a problem over those rocks. I had a couple close calls but thankfully my poles prevented a couple nasty falls. I did witness a couple bad falls in people much younger than me, which motivated me to be even more careful.

While my mind is still sharp, I worry about future cognitive decline which might lead to confusion, getting lost, etc. The risk of dehydration goes up with several medications, not a good thing out there in the middle of nowhere. It’s easy to have mental status changes when dehydrated, and the risk is worse the older we get and with certain meds. Carrying my cPAP machine made it much harder, so eventually I relented and started to use the luggage service. I wanted to tough it out, but I reminded myself that I’m not required to carry a heavy backpack. I was only required to walk, and that’s what I did, so it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me.

 

[C clearly]

My feet seem to be wearing out.

I don't mind too much. After my last Camino, I was unable to walk any distance comfortably. Now I am thrilled to have recovered the ability to walk 50 km/week at home (with toes taped, and the right shoes). I suspect that a month of 20-km days might set me back, so I will be modifying my Camino ambitions. It is more important to me to be able to walk enough at home to maintain my general fitness.

 

[Jodean]

What has happened to me over the last 8 years (am 69 now) is it got increasingly difficult to walk up hills and to walk long distances. Seems I have COPD and any kind of incline at all slows me down as pauses are needed every few minutes. Booking all my beds ahead of time, meant it was ok to walk really slow with everyone passing me, knowing that my bed was there. It relieved the stress and I had lovely walks each day. New people pretty much every day, so this was a bit sad, but I got used to it.

Arthritis in my knee showed up this past April and am still not sure if it would be ok to walk again. 10km walks here at home are exhausting me and painful at the end of the day.

Bag transport started in the middle of Camino #3 in 2022, recovering from a bad cold. It felt so delightful to lose a couple of kg from a 5.5kg pack, that it was an easy decision to bring a small bag along to use most days on my next 2 Caminos.

Was still ok sleeping in dorms until my last one, and unless the bed had curtains, it was less pleasant for me. Decided at my age with multiple bathroom visits (4-5x) every night that getting a private room would save the rest of the people in the dorm from this disturbance. Spent my winters looking at accomodation, finding albergues with private rooms or beds with curtains, or single beds, communal meals, and charm. Booked about half of them by email and the other half with booking dot com.

Next Caminos will need to be ones with very short days, 10km per day and with taxis planned for any hills. I still really, really, want to walk more Caminos and don't want to stop.

 

[Bob Howard]

I was 69 when I did my first Camino in 2016. 78 now--walked the Frances for the 5th time last summer, and scheduled for another this summer. In 2016 as well as 2018, I walked the Frances in 32/33 days. The last three times I have taken about 40 days, although I had a couple 30km days. So, although I could match my 69/71 year-old pace, after discovering the pleasure of a slow camino, I'm now a slow camino enthusiast. Having said all this, I am fully aware of and have observed the phenomenon, for me at least, that after 75, physical aging seems to greatly accelerate. I've finally started to have a knee issue. Not really painful enough to not walk--just a dull ache when I'm going downhill--but uncomfortable enough to get a steriod injection that last year that lasted about five months. I'll get another one for this summer. But I am under no illusion that I can outrun the relentless deterioration of advanced age. Fortunately my feet seem to be holding up for which I give credit the last few years to the best trail shoe I've ever had. I believe the OP, Robo, has used this same shoe--the Hoka Stinson 6. I would love to think that if I make it to 85, I could still walk a full Camino, although that's likely just wishful thinking.

 

[Robo]

Interesting insights so far. Thanks for sharing. I hope we get more.

I'm sure this will help some older first time Pilgrims who might read the thread.

As feet have come up. One thing I have noticed is that my feet really hurt once I reach about 20-25 kms. If I get close to 30 kms, it's really going to require a rest day to recover.

I understand, that it's because as we age, our feet lose their natural cushioning. At least that's what my podiatrist explained. Seems to make sense. So like you @Bob Howard I use the Hoka Stinson ATR 6 as it's about the most cushioned trail runner you can find! Sadly the new version (7) is not quite as well cushioned.

Like some of you, I manage the usual age related 'break downs'. Arthritic knees, tendon issues, cortisone injections and the like, but so far those are manageable.

Reducing body weight and pack weight I think were the main reasons my last Camino felt easier. Along with very cushioned shoes and good orthotics!

Certainly with Pat joining me for the next Camino, and the fact I like slow Caminos anyway, we'll probably aim for 20 kms or less per day. She's become very pack weight conscious knowing we are on a route with no pack transport

Let's hope we all have many more Caminos ahead of us!

 

[Ruthmcg]

Interesting insights so far. Thanks for sharing. I hope we get more.

I'm sure this will help some older first time Pilgrims who might read the thread.

As feet have come up. One thing I have noticed is that my feet really hurt once I reach about 20-25 kms. If I get close to 30 kms, it's really going to require a rest day to recover.

I understand, that it's because as we age, our feet lose their natural cushioning. At least that's what my podiatrist explained. Seems to make sense. So like you @Bob Howard I use the Hoka Stinson ATR 6 as it's about the most cushioned trail runner you can find! Sadly the new version (7) is not quite as well cushioned.

Like some of you, I manage the usual age related 'break downs'. Arthritic knees, tendon issues, cortisone injections and the like, but so far those are manageable.

Reducing body weight and pack weight I think were the main reasons my last Camino felt easier. Along with very cushioned shoes and good orthotics!

Certainly with Pat joining me for the next Camino, and the fact I like slow Caminos anyway, we'll probably aim for 20 kms or less per day. She's become very pack weight conscious knowing we are on a route with no pack transport

Let's hope we all have many more Caminos ahead of us!

Planning our first in 2025 - 65 and 68. This is a wonderful thread for us newbies. We hike 3~5miles on all terrain most days for years now. But this will be the first walking venture. If it helps, our motto is "we have nothing to prove to anyone" So, the comment that using luggage transport or occasional ride or extra rest day is good to read. Looking forward to this! thanks Ruth

 

[frank john]

What gets harder with age?

I'm "only" 68 this year. A youngster compared to many of our members I know. And I hope to have many more Caminos ahead of me. There are so many routes I still want to walk. But I'm also realistic and recognise that things are not going to get better physically and mentally......

So I'm just curious how some of our older members manage as they get older, or what things start to get harder.
Or what things finally stopped you.
It might also provide some useful discussion and insights for first time "older" Pilgrims.
Of course like all things, it's going to vary. Health, fitness and so on. It's not just about age.

As I was thinking ahead earlier today, I was trying to imagine what might get harder and how I would cope and yet still maintain the freedom and flexibility on Camino that we all enjoy.

My Pack. I'm not sure I would ever resort to pack transport, unless I really had back problems. I've managed to get my pack weight down over the years and could certainly get it down to about 5kgs if I had to. Not much more than a day pack really. Pack transport would just introduce something else to manage and worry about. And of course it's only available on the more popular routes anyway.

The Walking. I suppose daily distances will just get shorter. And maybe the more 'rugged' routes might be avoided.

Accommodation. We currently use a mix. Some Albergues, some private. More dictated by what is available, what looks a fun place and so on. I suppose that might gravitate more toward private accommodation if health and mobility were an issue. Climbing into bunks, dealing with health issues etc. I can still manage a top bunk OK.

Booking. We currently book one or two days ahead or not at all. I'd like to think that would continue, but I'm certainly not as sharp as I was mentally 10 years ago. I recognise that. Maybe that gets harder? Though I can't ever see a day we would use a Tour Company. Not 'having a go' at those who use them or need them, but I suspect that if I found that was the only way to still walk a Camino, I might throw in the towel. Of course I might change my mind if it got to that point!

Travel to and From. That might be the thing that stops me! 22+ hours flying. and the expense of it....

Overall Health. Is probably the major show stopper? Just not being able to do it any more physically.

Your thoughts?

If you are an older Pilgrim, what gets harder to cope with?

Edited to add an afterthought.
As I look back on my last Camino, that was close to 1200 kms, it was actually far easier than my first Camino 10 years ago (Frances from St Jean). Though I expect that trend won't last much longer!

Hello. I just finished the CF, my fourth, and I am 68. The last Camino I walked was when I was 60. My journey this time was very difficult, indifferent from my previous three Camino when I was in my 50’s. I barely made. I’m in great health, very slim, and lots of energy. But the long distance carrying a pack up and down various elevations was too much. I resorted to the horrible: having my pack transferred!!! It did help out but I was so happy when I made it to Santiago.
I met a number of pilgrims in their 70’s who continue to walk but in shorter distances. Not doing certain Caminos , like Norte, having the packs transferred, even taking a bus when physically exhausted. But they are still walking as they approach 80.
Personally, I can’t do any Camino for five weeks carrying a backpack, sleeping dormitory style. I’m just too old and that’s ok for me. Just my own experience, facing realities of aging. My advice: keep walking but make adjustments when needed.
Right now, I have no desire to ever walk the Camino again but I know my attitude will change when I accept the limitations of my physical health and walk less, more slowly, and use private rooms.
I wish you the best in your future Caminos.
Frank

 

[John Sikora]

J Wilhaus summed it up pretty well. I'd add (at 75 and walking the last half of the Del Norte this year), don't worry if one year you just can't make it and the trail gets to you. I find that walking is as much mental as physical. That said, I find it harder (and longer) to get in any shape that makes the Camino as comfortable as it was when I was 65 I now plan more rest days, less distance, and worry more about how many meters up and down I have to go than the actual distances. Although, my comfort space in distance has slipped from 30k to 20k. Just keep walking.

 

[GraemeHall]

I began my Camino life at age 69. 5 caminos later, I'm now 76 and my most recent was Primitivo last September. I find I am tending to limit my days to around 25km or less when I can, but the odd 30km+ day still finds its way in.
I still manage top bunks, but prefer the bottom - mainly out of consideration of others when I need to make multiple toilet trips in the night.
I certainly still enjoy albergues, but sometimes treat myself to the privacy and comfort of a hostal.
Some early arthritis in one ankle seems to be having compensatory consequences in that foot and leg, but my podiatrist is on the case and I'm confident I can keep going for a good few more years yet. I certainly have no plans to start using pack transport, and I'm getting better at reducing my pack weight.
I'm a spiritual pilgrim, and I find myself ever more tested by the circus that some caminos have become. But I see that as my pilgrim challenge - to be tolerant, kind and forgiving.
A final thought - I seem to always find myself in a position of supporting a younger pilgrim in their pilgrimage challenges, and I have decided that this too is what my pilgrimage's purpose is.
Thanks for the thread - it has given me a rewarding train of thought and commitment.

 

[GraemeHall]

One more thing - and quite personal. My spouse is aging a bit less robustly than I am so far, and it is becoming more difficult to leave her for the time necessary to undertake a significant pilgrimage, with travel time added.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

73* last September but my last (ever?) Camino was in 2018 five months before a mini-stroke (TIA) otherwise I would have gone again but concentrated on the shorter walks - Ingles, Portugues from Porto . . . But now the knees are shot and my physiotherapist was not impressed by my suggestion of yet another "stroll through Spain".
Gave up on albergues after 2012 because I think I might snore and I know you guys do.
So it looks like cars and trains from now on though I'm flying to Malaga next month with a stick - let's see how that goes!
But for those of you that still can then do and come back and tell us about it!

* On being 73 . . I now have a running joke with my daughter
Me: "Do you know how old I am? I'm se-se-seventy three!"
Her: "How long do you intend to keep this up?"
Me: "All year . . . "

 

[Juspassinthru]

What gets harder with age?

I'm "only" 68 this year. A youngster compared to many of our members I know. And I hope to have many more Caminos ahead of me. There are so many routes I still want to walk. But I'm also realistic and recognise that things are not going to get better physically and mentally......

So I'm just curious how some of our older members manage as they get older, or what things start to get harder.
Or what things finally stopped you.
It might also provide some useful discussion and insights for first time "older" Pilgrims.
Of course like all things, it's going to vary. Health, fitness and so on. It's not just about age.

As I was thinking ahead earlier today, I was trying to imagine what might get harder and how I would cope and yet still maintain the freedom and flexibility on Camino that we all enjoy.

My Pack. I'm not sure I would ever resort to pack transport, unless I really had back problems. I've managed to get my pack weight down over the years and could certainly get it down to about 5kgs if I had to. Not much more than a day pack really. Pack transport would just introduce something else to manage and worry about. And of course it's only available on the more popular routes anyway.

The Walking. I suppose daily distances will just get shorter. And maybe the more 'rugged' routes might be avoided.

Accommodation. We currently use a mix. Some Albergues, some private. More dictated by what is available, what looks a fun place and so on. I suppose that might gravitate more toward private accommodation if health and mobility were an issue. Climbing into bunks, dealing with health issues etc. I can still manage a top bunk OK.

Booking. We currently book one or two days ahead or not at all. I'd like to think that would continue, but I'm certainly not as sharp as I was mentally 10 years ago. I recognise that. Maybe that gets harder? Though I can't ever see a day we would use a Tour Company. Not 'having a go' at those who use them or need them, but I suspect that if I found that was the only way to still walk a Camino, I might throw in the towel. Of course I might change my mind if it got to that point!

Travel to and From. That might be the thing that stops me! 22+ hours flying. and the expense of it....

Overall Health. Is probably the major show stopper? Just not being able to do it any more physically.

Your thoughts?

If you are an older Pilgrim, what gets harder to cope with?

Edited to add an afterthought.
As I look back on my last Camino, that was close to 1200 kms, it was actually far easier than my first Camino 10 years ago (Frances from St Jean). Though I expect that trend won't last much longer!

A very good question @Robo. I walked my first Camino at mid-60 (Francés) and my 3rd, (Aragonés/Francés) last year at 67.

The days were a bit longer, I walked a bit slower, top bunks were a bit less desirable and ache/pains lasted a bit longer. Those were the negatives.

On the upside, I had more experience, I was not in a hurry, I was more tolerant and mindful. With age, we learn that short of some catastrophic event, no matter how tough a stretch may be, it’s not the most difficult thing we have or we’ll have to endure and, I chose to do this. I also know that I’m closer to the end of the trail than the beginning so I’m going to enjoy EVERY moment that I can.

Yes, it’s different now. Certainly different than my backpacking days years ago. But, save real issues or problems, the thing that will hold most older Pilgrims back is their confidence, IMHO. I’ve experienced well intentioned younger friends and family members asking should I do something “at my age”.

I’m fit, confident, experienced, realistic and have a strong will. For me getting past the “at my age” question is easy. The question is not about age, it’s about ability. For some, the question (about ability) may be valid, we must all evaluate that. To others it may plant a very destructive seed of doubt.

I’ve rambled, sorry. From my first to most recent Camino adventure, my aging body recognizes the difference, no doubt. In my case, slowing down and having new and different aches and pains is the price of admission which I’ll gladly pay.

Know yourself, know your body, be flexible (in all senses), be realistic about your abilities and if you go, enjoy every moment and take time to smell the flowers.

 

[bfoulkes]

Thank you all for both the reinforcement that we're still able and with helpful hints. I'm 75 and will start the Camino Frances in April, having done it in 2013. I know I'm slower and my daily range is less, I do need to remind myself of that regularly. Here's what I'm doing that's different:
I'm walking with friends, solo walking is too risky.
I'm booking ahead, even if it is for only that night, it removes the worry of not finding my place to stop when I need it.
nothing goes in my backpack unless it is ESSENTIAL.
I'm training more than ever before, better to sort out my limits at home than on the trail.
i'm trying to drop some weight before leaving.
And, as you all note, all these limitations and accomodations are better than the alternative - not going.

here's the fun part;
if it takes me more time it's no big deal - more time walking is bonus time. it's not a race.
slow walking let's me see more, absorb more, meet more pilgrims and enjoy the walk.
I usually get the lower bunk
I get to bore more people with my stories
no one misses me when I'm gone, they know I'm on an adventure and they cheer me on.
I get to send my bag on ahead without guilt whenever I wish.
And, as some noted, at my age I don't need to impress anyone so I can wear those ratty clothes and use that almost worn out gear without worry.

Bob

Remember pilgrims, we don't wear out, we rust out. keep moving!

 

[CTLawGal]

Thanks to everyone who has posted, it's been so interesting reading about different experiences with aging. I walked my first Camino at 64 (1000 km) and walking my next this Spring at 66 (also about 1000 km). In the back of my mind is the thought that maybe I won't be able to continue for that many more years walking the long ones with lots of elevation gain. Partly for that reason, I chose harder ones first, I haven't walked the CF and am "saving" it for when I feel like the I have to slow down a bit, but am hoping everything holds up so I can continue for at least several more years, but also let go of having to do it a certain way - important reminders not to let pride get in the way of continuing to walk. Buen camino all!

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

My wife and I have hiked four Camino Frances every two years from St Jean to Santiago, beginning in 2015 (I was age 58). I hiked Portuguese alone in 2023. This fall we will both be age 68. Our first CF, we mostly stayed in municipal albergues in shared rooms and shared bathrooms. Due to knee pain, we started using backpack transport for Cindi from Carrion de los Condes to Santiago. For the next two caminos, we switched to reserving private rooms with private bathrooms. I continued to carry my Osprey 50L backpack. For our fourth CF and CP, I decided I did not need to prove to anyone I can carry my loaded backpack, so used JacoTrans backpack transport.

It is a wonderful experience to hike the camino with a spouse, relative or close friend. Cindi and I hike a pace that works for us. And now we know where we'll stop for lunch, where the ATMs are, where the Almentacion / Tienda is. We enjoy eating at our favorite restaurants.

We're hiking our 5th CF this fall, but decided to "only" hike from Leon to Santiago. Our hiking stages are 20 km or less. We've made advance reservations but have selected a few towns or albergues we've not stayed in before so we're sure to get new experiences. Since Cindi developed a severe stress fracture during our 2021 CF, we will use JacoTrans for both backpacks. And for the stage from Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca, we will hike to El Acebo, then take a taxi to transport us to Molinaseca to avoid the treacherous rocky hike from El Acebo to Molinaseca.

We work out regularly - dog walks most mornings, then treadmill or elliptical exercise. Assuming our health remains good, we plan to keep hiking the camino every two years. We share our camino wisdom whenever we can. This afternoon, I am making a presentation at a Catholic grade school where our daughter teaches science.

Bob

 

[J Willhaus]

My husband who is 12 years older than me sometimes says "We just never know how many Caminos we have left in us..."

 

[CTLawGal]

My husband who is 12 years older than me sometimes says "We just never know how many Caminos we have left in us..."

EXACTLY! I feel like it's important to keep planning on walking, then hope you can. No regrets!

 

[Colokid]

Love the input. I was disappointed my first Camino this year was at 69; these encouraging responses suggest I have more Camino adventures ahead.
I stay fit, but am mostly aware of weakened immune, and so, take precautions with hygiene in crowded spaces, carrying meds, and getting rest.

 

[Thomas Yingst]

What gets harder with age?

I'm "only" 68 this year. A youngster compared to many of our members I know. And I hope to have many more Caminos ahead of me. There are so many routes I still want to walk. But I'm also realistic and recognise that things are not going to get better physically and mentally......

So I'm just curious how some of our older members manage as they get older, or what things start to get harder.
Or what things finally stopped you.
It might also provide some useful discussion and insights for first time "older" Pilgrims.
Of course like all things, it's going to vary. Health, fitness and so on. It's not just about age.

As I was thinking ahead earlier today, I was trying to imagine what might get harder and how I would cope and yet still maintain the freedom and flexibility on Camino that we all enjoy.

My Pack. I'm not sure I would ever resort to pack transport, unless I really had back problems. I've managed to get my pack weight down over the years and could certainly get it down to about 5kgs if I had to. Not much more than a day pack really. Pack transport would just introduce something else to manage and worry about. And of course it's only available on the more popular routes anyway.

The Walking. I suppose daily distances will just get shorter. And maybe the more 'rugged' routes might be avoided.

Accommodation. We currently use a mix. Some Albergues, some private. More dictated by what is available, what looks a fun place and so on. I suppose that might gravitate more toward private accommodation if health and mobility were an issue. Climbing into bunks, dealing with health issues etc. I can still manage a top bunk OK.

Booking. We currently book one or two days ahead or not at all. I'd like to think that would continue, but I'm certainly not as sharp as I was mentally 10 years ago. I recognise that. Maybe that gets harder? Though I can't ever see a day we would use a Tour Company. Not 'having a go' at those who use them or need them, but I suspect that if I found that was the only way to still walk a Camino, I might throw in the towel. Of course I might change my mind if it got to that point!

Travel to and From. That might be the thing that stops me! 22+ hours flying. and the expense of it....

Overall Health. Is probably the major show stopper? Just not being able to do it any more physically.

Your thoughts?

If you are an older Pilgrim, what gets harder to cope with?

Edited to add an afterthought.
As I look back on my last Camino, that was close to 1200 kms, it was actually far easier than my first Camino 10 years ago (Frances from St Jean). Though I expect that trend won't last much longer!

I love long distance walking so very much … it is a big part of my life … I don’t want to ever give it up … keep going ‘till I’m dead … having said that, that may not be too realistic but it’s my view … I’m extremely dedicated to this … so when I’m not actually on a long distance walk, I’m constantly training for one …on most days… daily 6 or 7 mile walks, followed by an hour or two of weight training at the gym … also a 30 mile bike ride once a week (if it’s not too cold or windy) … since I am no longer working, I have the time to do this … plus, I love it … good for my brain … even with the aches and pains … my next walk is in May … St Francis Camino in Italy … 69 years old …

 

[Lydia Gillen]

How I envy all you youngsters still in your sixties. I was 64 when I started walking the Camino in 2007. I knew there were a lot of people a lot younger than me, but I did not think of myself as getting old. However a few years later I was opting for lower bunks.. I have planned to start in Triacastela and hopefully make it to Santiago. in April. All hills have got steeper than I remembered them. I am walking slower. I tend to need a toilet more often, but a sheewee is worth its weight in pure gold. I now book ahead and use Tuitrans or Correos and thank God for them as I stroll along with a little day bag and sure of a bed for the night. Oh yes, when one is sure of a bed one can keep going even when very tired Now at 81, I have pains in muscles and joints that I did not even know existed, but it is wonderful to be alive, and at this stage of my life to be able to afford to go on the Camino. Most holidays in my life were in youth hostels and tents. I love belonging to that multitude of pilgrims that have trod the paths to Santiago de Compostela and who have been blessed over and over day after day. Buen Camino to you all. Ps Picture is a bit out of date and I still do not know how to put one in.

 

[LTfit]

It's great to hear about all you 70+ year old pilgrims

Much depends on your daily activity level - whether your 17, 57 or 77 (arbitrary numbers by the way). I've been walking yearly Caminos since 2010 except for 2020 and now at 68 I still walk the same stage distances (30+ km) and I probably walk a bit faster but I'm active at home. I walk daily, do twice weekly strength training, use my bike for shopping and practice and teach yoga. I've never actually "trained" for a Camino because my body is "Camino ready". Maybe I'm lucky but even my new hip of last year hasn't stopped me so rather than age, I would say your overall health and fitness level says more.

I'm sure at one point I will need to slow down but I hope that there will many more Caminos for me on the horizon.

 

[JerryStroebele]

When I finished the Camino Frances last October I said to myself, whew! that's it, I'm done. I like to think I'm a good hearted person but I really do have a bad heart. I'm 80 now and hills are killers (?) and 20+ km a day is now a long one for me. But I sold my sailboat so what else am I going to do? Watch the Big Game (name yours) on TV just to see other people doing things? No. Just about everything Robo said at the start of this thread applies to me. I will start walking from Cordoba on March 8 for 3 weeks, and from Bilbao in late September for 2 weeks. I have younger family members to introduce to the Camino. Buen Camino

 

[kmrice]

My wife (now 74) and I (77) have walked Caminos and the Via Francigena yearly since 2013 (except for the 2020 and 2021 covid years). The main impact of aging has been distance. We used to walk 30-40k per day, now we try to keep it to 20 or less.

As we have aged, we get out of shape faster, and in shape slower, so we now try to train year round rather than just for a month or two before a walk. Retiring made this easier.

This hasn’t meant we had to give up challenging walks, just that we have to walk them slowly. Last year we walked the Via Francigena over the Great Saint Bernard pass at 8,109 feet. However, the last three stages up to the pass were about 19, 14, and 11k. For these three stages, and the next day descending, we joined Sandy Brown and a Pilgrims Paths group he was leading. Otherwise, we have always walked alone.

Normally, we never use luggage transport, but for the Great Saint Bernard pass we had some of our gear transported by the Pilgrims Paths van. We typically spend three months in Europe so our packs are relatively heavy: 7.7k for my wife and 8.5k for me, plus water.

The shorter distance we are comfortable walking has caused us to plan our stays further in advance to ensure we have lodging where we plan to stay. We’re less happy to have to walk a few extra kilometers searching for lodging than we used to be.

I have to get up to use the bathroom a few times each night these days so we prefer private rooms. Bunk beds are less fun than they used to be but we still use hostels, and bunk beds, occasionally.

Otherwise, aging has not affected our walking and we hope we can continue for a few more years.

 

[MaryPWF]

What has happened to me over the last 8 years (am 69 now) is it got increasingly difficult to walk up hills and to walk long distances. Seems I have COPD and any kind of incline at all slows me down as pauses are needed every few minutes. Booking all my beds ahead of time, meant it was ok to walk really slow with everyone passing me, knowing that my bed was there. It relieved the stress and I had lovely walks each day. New people pretty much every day, so this was a bit sad, but I got used to it.

Arthritis in my knee showed up this past April and am still not sure if it would be ok to walk again. 10km walks here at home are exhausting me and painful at the end of the day.

Bag transport started in the middle of Camino #3 in 2022, recovering from a bad cold. It felt so delightful to lose a couple of kg from a 5.5kg pack, that it was an easy decision to bring a small bag along to use most days on my next 2 Caminos.

Was still ok sleeping in dorms until my last one, and unless the bed had curtains, it was less pleasant for me. Decided at my age with multiple bathroom visits (4-5x) every night that getting a private room would save the rest of the people in the dorm from this disturbance. Spent my winters looking at accomodation, finding albergues with private rooms or beds with curtains, or single beds, communal meals, and charm. Booked about half of them by email and the other half with booking dot com.

Next Caminos will need to be ones with very short days, 10km per day and with taxis planned for any hills. I still really, really, want to walk more Caminos and don't want to stop.

My husband and I are in our 70th year and planning to do the first stretch of the Camino in April. (My husband is still working and we only have a couple of weeks.). He has a number of health problems, including an inherited heart condition. My health is relatively ok; I'm just ... older. May I prevail upon you to ask where you stay in SJDP? We'd really like to take advantage of the communal experience. But we frankly worry that since we don't sleep as well anyway and require trips to the bathroom during the night, maybe we should find a place with a single room & bathroom. Thanking you, Mary

 

[J Willhaus]

If they aren't yet full, I recommend Beilari in St Jean. My husband and I had a room with 2 beds on the top floor. They have a nice evening meal experience with the pilgrims all staying that night.
beilari.info
beilari.info https://www.beilari.info/

 

[longlost18]

My first camino, in 2024, was at age 74. As a lifelong runner, and hiker, I felt confident that I was in good shape. But the 'getting there' - the long flight from San Francisco to Madrid, to Pamplona, to SJPDP - was the hardest. If I lived closer, I'd be on the Camino way more often.

The best was traveling with my spouse, where he always took the top bunk, and used WhatsApp to arrange the next bed. We carried our backpacks, used trekking poles, and averaged about 20K/day. My goal over 500 miles was to "not fall." And I didn't!

I was, and still am, in awe and wonder about the entire adventure, the beauty that is northern Spain, the lovely pilgrims from around the world, and the challenge of being independent and free of responsibility other than surviving the day. Not gonna lie, it was hard, with the long ascents and descents, the mud, and varied terrain.

My one regret was leaving my very lightweight journal at home. Because memory is another age thing, I would have liked to have put my daily thoughts on paper, with names of friends made along the way, foods eaten, a few drawings, and so many other experiences. Next year, on the Primitivo, slower, shorter days.

 

[ritaj]

I started walking the Camino in my sixties and we walked the Frances (from Le Puy) the Portuguese (from Porto) the San Salvador, the Primitive, and part of the Via de la Plata when Covid sent us home. Now my partner is 88 and is (appropriately) done with the long walks. I am 82 and, as always, there's just one more Camino I'd like to do (there's always one more!).
I'm considering walking the Mozarabe in April this year. I don't know if I can do it. It has few other pilgrims and I'd be going solo this time so that is a concern. It has longer stages than I'm comfortable with (I prefer 20k and this has some seriously long stages), and I have frequency of needing to pee these days and hope I can find places to hide along the route!
I will start adding miles to my regular exercise walk (over hills, doing 5.5 miles now) and will put a pack on my back with increasing weight starting sometime in February. I am not buying an air ticket in advance! If all feels well, I will give it a try. I definitely prefer to try and perhaps find I have to give up rather than not go because I think I might not be able to do it.

 

[JerryStroebele]

The Camino Mozarabe starting in Almeria is the more scenic and interesting but also more strenuous. There is one long stage where we took a taxi from around halfway, then taxied back the next day to resume. From Malaga the Camino is mostly through olive and almond "orchards" so easier but still a lot of up and down. The last stage into Cordoba is long. Wish we had taxied some of it. All the towns and villages on both Caminos are friendly, welcoming and just plain delightful. There is plenty of accommodation. But, yes, very few pilgrims. From Almeria the Camino marking is the best of any Camino I have walked and very good from Malaga. The guides on the Caminos' websites are excellent. Mind the heat. You can see Africa from one high area on the Malaga Camino. We have only walked it in February and March. Buen Camino

 

[Bob Howard]

If they aren't yet full, I recommend Beilari in St Jean. My husband and I had a room with 2 beds on the top floor. They have a nice evening meal experience with the pilgrims all staying that night.
beilari.info
beilari.info https://www.beilari.info/

I posted on another thread that Beilari reservations opened yesterday.