It is amazing that we can walk without thinking about the action of our legs. The attempts to get robots to walk demonstrate that a process we take for granted is in fact extremely complex.
As children we learn to walk by crashing about but soon our inner autopilot becomes programmed, we stop toddling and start walking and from then on all becomes smooth and we hardly need to think about walking, climbing steps, running or jumping for the best part of 80 years (if we are lucky).
Eventually the old conundrum of what walks on four legs, then two, then three becomes reality and a walking stick becomes necessary; balance and co-ordination seem to decline. Wondering why? got me thinking.
I am aware that my legs have become shorter. What used to be a 31 inch inside leg is now 29 inches or a bit less; however, the bits that make my legs work have possibly not shrunk to the same extent. The bungee cords, the hydraulics and the electric circuits that make my legs work are still set as they have always been. It is not surprising that my walking movement has some 'looseness'; feet do not quite meet the ground at the right angle, steering can be a bit slack, and progress can at times be a bit wobbly.
How to avoid things getting worse? In the absence of a good mechanic to carry out all the adjustments needed, I guess we must hope that, like a self-adjusting handbrake on a car, continued operation might eventually reset everything. Exercise must be the answer but for someone who has never jogged or been on a bicycle for 60-years, I have to keep walking even if I must use a stick, traffic stops to let one cross the road (usually)."
The above words are by 'Old Geezer'
I do not know 'Old Geezer' personally but reading his words in a friends magazine I found myself nodding ... I do find myself shorter than I used to be, find myself taking extra care while out walking ... as we age we need to be sensible.
Concentrate on what we can do, don't keep worrying or fretting about what we can't do... and make the most of every moment! With the start of Autumn, I hope to be out and about enjoying cooler days and beautiful Autumn colours.
All the best Jan
36 comments:
I always enjoy these formative articles. Thanks Jan, I can definitely relate!
Beautiful Autumn image, Jan! Thank you so much for sharing these articles!
I don't think my legs are shorter yet but I do find myself taking more care when walking. That Autumn photo is beautiful!
Although my legs will be never be knock-outs to look at, I love that they can talk me walking all over the place. This was a great article. Thanks for always giving us something good and often unexpected to read.
I am already pretty short.. the idea of getting shorter doesn't sound fun.
I am suffering with my legs and especially my feet. I love these cooler temps, makes it better for me to walk.
Uno debe cuidarse para no postrarse. Te mando un beso.
Thank you. I definitely wobble more but continue - and love autumnal walks. Enjoy yours.
I love to walk and manage to do so at least 5 times a week. I do have to use a stick as of a few months ago but I don't mind.
Certainly, the answer to good leg function is exercise!!
Thank you Jean for this post!
How we best respond to the fact that we are getting older concerns us all!!
Make the most of every moment!
Yes, I have to tell myself that every morning... legs are so important! The autumn picture is beautiful, and you too should enjoy autumn! hugs Elke
So far, my legs are serving me well. It's my foot that causes problems for me.
The human body is complex and quite incredible.
Thanks, Jan. X
Good to read, Jan. Thanks.
I lost 6 cm over the years (reckon due to a mild form of scoliosis). Ingo does not shrink...
I was interested in your article. Thanks :-)
Es muy bueno caminar, es una manera natural de ejercitar las piernas. Siempre hago las compras caminando y llevo un carrito de la compra para no llevar tanto peso andando.
Saludos afectuosos.
Great post and info. I am trying to be more aware slowing down and where I put my feet while walking. I always see tripping hazards out there. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
Precisamos muito de nossas pernas e pés. Deles vem a capacidade de nossa locomoção .Por isso fazer exercícios, fisioterapias só ajuda!
beijos praianos, chica
I know I have lost a few inches with age.
Hi Jan,
A super interesting post, really. Unless you have a problem, we forget our legs.
Just like our entire body, our legs feel the weight of age, and often, when we get older, they need help.
A beautiful image reminding us that autumn is almost here.
Let's enjoy the best of each day.
Greetings, hugs and all the best for you
Maria
...I just wish that my balance was better.
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
J.P. Alexander
Uno debe cuidarse para no postrarse. Te mando un beso.
One must take care not to fall prostrate. I send you a kiss.
VENTANA DE FOTO
Es muy bueno caminar, es una manera natural de ejercitar las piernas. Siempre hago las compras caminando y llevo un carrito de la compra para no llevar tanto peso andando.
Saludos afectuosos.
Walking is great; it's a natural way to exercise your legs. I always walk when shopping, and I take a shopping cart so I don't have to carry so much weight.
Warm regards.
chica
Precisamos muito de nossas pernas e pés. Deles vem a capacidade de nossa locomoção .Por isso fazer exercícios, fisioterapias só ajuda!
beijos praianos, chica
We really need our legs and feet. They give us the ability to move. That's why exercise and physical therapy can only help! Beach kisses, chica
My legs are not shorter but my spine has shrunk. I used to be 5"2' and now I'm 5"1'.
Hello Jan :)
Flat shoes or shoes with just a little heel help me to walk better, comfort over fashion. I try to walk 15 mins a day. I know it's not much but it's better than no exercise at all, and it's all I can manage with a painful knee. Our legs are so important to our well being. I can relate to your article in every way. Thank you! :)
Enjoy the rest of the week
All the best
Sonjia.
I'm thankful that my legs are still taking me wherever I want to go, but I do feel like the rest of my body they're getting older. I do regular exercise, not only walking, but also stretching and strength training. I want my legs to stay strong. Thanks for an interesting article! Enjoy your autumn walks.
I'm so thankful that I can still go out every morning to walk without anything hurting. :) I've not lost any inches.
Walking is so important :-D
what a gorgeous picture and reminder that the best is yet to come. i think about my legs often because so often they don't work. i am grateful for what i do have!!
Interesting article. Keep walking and moving.
I pay more attention to where I place my feet when walking. I fell once and didn't care for that. :)
I've been thinking about that saying recently. In my opinion, walking is a better exercise than jogging, because it doesn't have the hard impact on knees that jogging does. Adding a walking stick when one is older is a good idea.
That autumn photo is gorgeous. Yes, when your feet/leg or hips hurt, it really throws things. I'm a strong advocate for physical therapy if it comes to that point. Also, evaluating your feet for heel spurs, bunions and other things that make walking uncomfortable. Keeping on really matters.
I'm losing my walking ability little by little especially since I lost Mollie and don't have her to walk anymore...
I started using a cane when out and about a year or so ago, I first had a bad case of Vertigo, but have since been diagnosed with feet troubles that are also getting me off balance, so when around the house I don't use one hoping that will help me to work harder to get balance back, but since I can not get off the ground because of my knees very well, it is a cane for me when I go outside the house. I have shrunk in my height also.
Muy interesante tu entrada, me ha gustado mucho. Besos.
How easy it is to just take our legs for granted and forget how marvelous they are. I might not be able to use them in the same way as I did a few years ago but I intend to keep them moving along for as long as possible, with or without the aid of a walking stick.
Post a Comment