age and 10,000 steps

[Foxyquilter]

Is it realistic for a 75 year old woman to do 10,000 steps a day? I get around 8,000 and I'm exhausted! I'm in pretty good health, no knee or hip problems, on a go person, but I have a small apartment, 950 sq. ft., and will wear my carpeting out if I keep walking indoors on rainy days! LOL I get out to walk, and get about 10=15 min cardio a day, but I am truly tired right now, and have 8,500 steps in.

[WavyDavey]

Hi @Foxyquilter,

The 10,000 step goal is based on recommendations from the America Heart Association, which doesn't specify an age limit.

But to my thinking, you getting 8000 steps in is great. You can always go into the step goal and set it for 8000 or whatever number suits you. I think the main thing is to get steps in each day.

For rainy days, I actually have a carpeted door mat that I walk-in-place on, to save the carpet. 🙂

[WendyB · Accepted solution]

I agree you are doing great!

Everyone does what they can. Its not a requirement to make 10,000.

[Ronlaub]

Don't let age be a factor. If you keep at it, you will build stamina and your numbers will increase. Back in April, I witnessed a World War II veteran in his 90's do over 20 miles in the Virginia 24-Hour Run For Cancer. Age does make it tougher, but you can still improve. Don't get discouraged. 

[Ronlaub]

And please don't get me wrong. Getting 8,000 steps a day is better than many people half your age accomplish. I hope I'm healthy enough to be moving like you at age 75 (I'm 60 now). But if you want to challenge yourself and do better, it can be done. My step totals are down on bad weather days, too.

[Foxyquilter]

Actually I know I can do it I just don't want to do it. LOL my late
father-in-law's cousin is 98 and Runs 3 miles a day and just did the Mount
Washington Run for the 28th year in a row, and plans to do it till he's
hundred, at least. He jokes that he's always the winner in his age
category, because there's no one else in his age category. And he really is
truly an inspiration. I just got back from an aerobics class and got my 30
minutes plus activity in and about 2,600 + steps. I do that three times a
week. Just checked my cardio and I also got 30 minutes of cardio in, even
passed my Peak for a few minutes. Although this sleep thing isn't working
right, and it seems like most people are having a problem with it not
giving the detailed sleep information, I am happy with the Fitbit because
it gets me moving. By the way there's a lady that exercise is next to me
in aerobics and one day she said to me " I hope I can do these when I'm
90." I asked her how old she was and she said 89. Well, I just roared
laughing and yelled "89!!! I hope I can do this when I'm 80!!!" I WILL do
this!!

[Ronlaub]

It sounds like you've got things under control. Just keep doing what you're doing. If it becomes too easy, that would be the time to push it a little harder.

[lanakuczyn]

HI

I have just turned 72 and I don't have any problems with walking 15,000 + steps.  It is a matter of doing it on a daily basis.  Obviously depending on your health, weight, etc.

Why don't you get a treadmill (like I have) and on rainy days you can do all your walking - in small chunks if you want, to make up the 15,000 steps. 

[Jeff_M]

I agree you are doing great! But, if you are tired it may just be a matter of making a reasonable amount of steps for you a daily routine. Things get easier as you adapt.

Also, You may also want to check your diet to be sure food isn't causing the sluggishness. 

[Foxyquilter]

I eat so healthy it's disgusting. LOL. My drs. Can't believe how healthy i
eat. I even make my own kefir and make fruit smoothies out of it daily.
Actually I'm doing much better and as I said I reach 10,000 steps some
days. most days around 8,000. Yesterday and today I've been at things
where I couldn't get up and walk around so I won't meet my 10,000. But I'm
working on it and I can do it, just need to get my butt in action. In
fact heading out right now to get my 30 minute walk-in 30-minute in. The
walk I do has a good downhill and coming back up I get a good cardio
workout.

[emili]

@Foxyquilter... Foxy you are doing alright. You have the right attitude about life, fitness and a sense of humor to go along with it. Rock on with your bad self!

[linlit]

I will be 67 in 11 days. My New Year's resolution was to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day for a year.

I haven't missed a day yet. Some days, like today, the weather isn't suitable to walk outside so I put on some old country music and my headset and dance around.  You don't need a lot of space to dance in and before you know it your steps are up there. It's fun too to listen to all your old favourites from when you were much younger. I have lost 17 pounds since I started walking. I even started hiking.  I hiked up Gros Morne Mountain last October. That's the second highest peak in Newfoundland.  Took over 7 hours.  Once in a lifetime venture.