Hiking Tips for Seniors: The Typical Senior Hiker

Is there any such thing as typical senior hiker? Every senior is unique and his or her hiking ability is different, but typical senior hikers have a lot in common. 

The typical senior who has been hiking for many years, will likely continue to hike, well into his or her later years, too. Seniors, who have never hiked, are much less likely to start hiking at that time in their lives, even when encouraged to do so. Hiking is a wonderful pastime and an excellent way for seniors to stay happy and healthy. It presents an opportunity for them to get exercise, fresh air and sunshine. Many typical senior hikers are nature lovers who enjoy bird watching and have friends who do the same.

There are a number of serious concerns for senior hikers, primarily related to safety. This article will suggest hiking tips for seniors, focusing on their safety, as well as others who are concerned about their protection.

Identification:

All seniors should carry proper identification when hiking. There are numerous self-identification products available for any seniors who hike on a regular basis. Identification for a senior hiker may be a driver’s license, a social insurance, social security card or a birth certificate. He or she should carry the name and telephone number of a contact person, as well as his or her name and address, in case assistance is necessary or there is an emergency. Carrying a cell phone is always good idea, but there are places where there may be no reception.  

For senior hikers with allergies, it is a good idea to wear an allergy bracelet.       

Difficulty walking:

Walking is difficult at the best of times for many seniors who go hiking. This has to do with a number of health related issues like decline in vision, arthritis, memory-related problems, shortness of breath or foot problems. A senior hiker who has difficulty walking should not be walking alone, particularly at night. Any senior hiker prone to falling should only hike in safe areas and should wear an emergency call bracelet or necklace when hiking.      

Predators:

Other concerns for senior hikers have to do with the presence of strangers, teenagers or adults, potential predators who may abuse or steal from them. Senior hikers should avoid contact with strangers, particularly in remote areas. Wild animals like bears, wolves, foxes, skunks or even dogs can also present problems for senior hikers in wilderness areas. It is a good idea for a senior to carry a whistle when hiking, just in case.  

Decline in vision:

Seniors with vision problems may be wearing glasses with several different levels of vision, like bifocals or trifocals. Walking on grass, gravel, rocks, sand, etc. can be difficult. The senior with vision problems or disturbances is likely to stumble and fall on any rough terrain or slip and fall in muddy areas. Hiking is easier where there are relatively level roads, footpaths, walkways or sidewalks. Using a walking stick or a cane can be helpful to any senior hiker in terms of balance, particularly one with vision problems.

Arthritis:

Senior hikers who have arthritis may experience back, hip, knee or foot pain, while hiking, as well as after excessive walking. A senior hiker with a history of arthritis should receive proper medication for the disease on a regular basis. He or she may need treatment for excessive pain after hiking. Taking extra medication prior to hiking can be risky, as it may make the senior hiker drowsy.

Memory loss:

With advancing age, senior hikers may have bouts of memory loss and difficulty remembering who they are, where they are and how they got there. It is easy for them to get lost when hiking in wilderness country. At times, they may be unable to find their way even on familiar pathways. Identification bracelets or foot bands are a good idea for any senior hiker encountering memory loss. He or she should not go hiking alone.  

Foot problems:

With seniors many potential foot problems can occur, particularly anyone with foot deformities or diabetes. Purchasing good footwear for hiking is important. It is also a good idea to wear cotton or wool socks. Any infections, corns or bunions need to be properly treated. Foot soaks are beneficial after hiking. Hiker’s feet should be dry and clean at all times, as skin care is important.

Difficulty breathing:

Senior hikers may encounter difficulty breathing, particularly when climbing hills. Note that if a senior hiker has heart-related problems and is on medication, it should be easily accessible to him or her, at all times. If he or she experiences shortness of breath or mild chest pain when hiking, rest periods are important. A senior hiker with prolonged shortness of breath and recurrent chest pain should see his or her physician for a physical examination, as soon as possible.

Clothing:

When senior hikers are planning a hiking trip, it is always important to dress appropriately the weather conditions. Note that a senior hiker may feel cold even on a warm day. Carrying a backpack containing a hat, extra clothing like a hoodie, socks, a scarf and gloves is a good idea if the weather is cool. Wearing layered clothing can be helpful if the weather is warm.

Food and water:

Any senior planning a hiking trip should carry enough food and water. Note that dried food and individually wrapped snacks and bottled water, are usually sufficient for a senior hiker unless the hiking trip involves meal times.

The typical senior hiker knows the joy and freedom of hiking, and even when not physically able to go hiking, he or she will still go hiking in spirit.