Senior steps

[zzzz1]

A month away from 66 yrs old. Wondering whats a typical senior step count. Got my Fibit Jan. 1 and have racked up about 1.4 million steps to date. Averaging around 20K a day. A few days have been up to 25K. Yah, I know stupid username, got tired of trying to pick something not already used. S

[SunsetRunner]

Great job on the steps, @zzzz1! And welcome to the Forums! To answer your question, there is no “typical” senior step count. The AMA has published a general goal of 10,000 steps/day for adults. Personally, between me and my friends, our step goals are determined by talking to our doctors, considering the shape our various joints are in ... then adding just enough steps to make us have to work for the goal. If a goal seems too easy, I up it a bit. Your average seems high. You must be very fit. Keep up the good work!

[WendyB]

WTG on those steps! That's awesome!

[zzzz1]

I have always been pretty active. It was out of curiosity getting the Fitbit to monitor my heart rate and to see how many steps I racked in a day. To tell the truth I was very surprised at how high the count was. Can you walk too much? Yesterday, it was 29,387

[Esya]

I don't think walking 29K steps is walking too much when not having an injury and being used to it. To be honest, you are quite the inspiration and I hope to remain active during my life.

[zzzz1]

Here's the data since acquiring the Fitbit on Jan 3, 2018 Total Steps: 1,585,246 Daily Average: little over 21,000 Most in a day: 29,398 Heart rate resting: 60-65 Average around 63 max when riding bicycle at fast pace, around 22 - 24 mph for me, (haven't jogged for years) : 118 There is a bike ride called STP ( Seattle, WA to Portland, Or) 204 miles. You have the option of making a 1 day or a 2 day. I opted for the 1 day and finished in 12 1/2 hours riding time, 14 1/2 hours clock time. It was a great ride, no flats and was not tired at the end, nor sore legs the next day. I think I could have done it faster but was riding with three others and they started getting tired around 150 miles. Although, sitting on the hard seat for so long made for a sore bottom. Rode my bike to work for years so was in good biking shape. Age: 66 as of May 2018 The other interesting fact the Fitbit revealed is poor sleep. Have had a life long habit of waking in the middle of the night and then laying there for a while. I like to get at least 7 hrs sleep but seldom do. Most of the time its around 6 hrs. John S.

[DanielleinDC]

If you average 20,000 steps a day, good for you. I wish I was that good, but then I still work. Your goal is what you feel you can hit.

The 10,000 was an arbitrary number designed to sell pedometers. From what I understand, it has no basis in fact. 

[SunsetRunner]

Hi @DanielleinDC. I have to disagree with your statement that “The 10,000 was an arbitrary number designed to sell pedometers. From what I understand, it has no basis in fact.” A simple Google search will provide many recognized health organizations that discuss the value of a 10,000 steps/day goal. But I agree that each person must do the research and discuss it with a doctor, if necessary, to decide what goal is right for them ... as long as they are working to stay active.

[WavyDavey]

I agree with @SunsetRunner. Steps and even active minutes are based on established guidelines.

Take a look at this article from Fitbit.

[zzzz1]

Two different places I worked at had 'health initiative' and we were asked, more like required, to wear step counters for a month. The average was around 10,000 which I would argue would be higher than a normal average because everyone was encouraged to walk more. So, 10,000 is not out of bounds but whether that should be the 'goal' number I don't have enough supporting evidence to adjudicate it. For both of these occurrences to no surprise my step count was higher than most so apparently I'm just more active than a lot of people.

[MamaRazz]

I googled that info and it all depends on the person's state of health. I was at 20k+ a weeks when my osteoarthritis set in from one day to the next. I push myself and manage between 3k steps to 4k steps on a very good day. I imagine it also depends on where you live and how much snow and ice there is out there. Many factors play on anxiety when it comes to seasonal walking. You are doing great and would love to walk in your shoes one day. I'm 70. My only advice is keep moving as much as you can doing something.. All the very best.