A Change Of Life.

[sandyRoe]

A couple of years ago I was walking Camino trails in Spain.
The longest of them was a path from Sevilla to Santiago. It was just over 1000 km and took me about 40 days.
Now, in my mid 70s, I walk a mile to a local supermarket and am so tired I need to get a taxi home.
There was little else in my life apart from the planning and walking those routes in Spain. Now I sit staring at 4 walls in a state of very deep depression.
I know that I'll not be doing any more long walks. How can I come to accept my present situation?

[ToraToraTora]

Sandy sorry to hear that. Is there a medical reason that you get so knackered now? Sounds like you really enjoy walking so can you build up the distance slowly maybe?

[ToraToraTora]

Have you thought about getting one of those electric carriage things to get out and about?

[-SharonA-]

Oh Sandy sorry to hear this. Are there no nearby community hubs you can go to? Just to get out of the house.

[albaqwerty]

When age and/or other reasons creep up on you and you realise that you're no longer able to do the things you used to, it's a big ask to adapt to it without question or emotion
I've had to accept limitations and it's tough. Very tough.
If you able, try to fi something you can join and enjoy.
If there isn't, how about starting one? x

[albaqwerty]

*fi - find

[jennyjoan]

Hi Sandy - am sorry to hear of your depression. I do know when you are depressed walking and moving can be quite daunting.

First of all perhaps you can see your doctor to see if your bloods are low etc.

The other thing to do is to try and join a club like the Men's Shed - I know of a friend (he suffers from depression too) and he belongs to one of them and he loves it. They meet up every week for whatever? and once a week they go on a wee jaunt.

Am just after reading on Facebook - Ardmonagh Centre where there are loads of people meeting up for dinner and a bit of craic.

I am aware this is very far from you but on the site a gentleman gives out a number so you could ring it and see if there are other clubs near you.

Also if you wanted you could get an advisor to ring you and see if you keeping ok. That's very popular.

It looks good - please Facebook Ardmonagh Centre and good luck. Hope you feel better soon.

[davebro]

I know where you're at Sandy (kind of). I used to enjoy climbing, fell walking, even mountaineering & could take it all in my stride. Now I get knackered walking up even a small incline. I guess time catches us all in the end.
I do get out & can walk a bit if it's reasonably flat. If I couldn't drive the car I think I'd be done.

[pastafreak]

Oh sandy...I understand all too well. Since retiring and no longer having a dog, I'm far less active and "feel it" more. I keep promising myself I'll go out more but weather gets in the way.
I get depressed too but do not want to burden or worry anyone. Its hard.

[jennyjoan]

I facebooked the centre and of course you get numerous goings-on.

This is a number for Colin Men's Shed - 028 9062 7863 - Please ring them and they will advise you where you could get some company and help.

Also the Bengal Indian Restaurant Ormeau Road are opening their doors on Christmas day to anybody alone. Go along and you will get some craic there.

[Sqad]

Health deterioration in a period of a couple of years in a man of 72?

See your GP re. a batch of routine tests and take it from there.........

[davebro]

yes - it is a bit rapid

[DTCwordfan]

Yes, I would advise taking medical counsel over this....there's a lot of folk who can still walk miles at your age, sandy....it may be something relatively easy to treat!

[sandyRoe]

I've an appointment with a member of a community addiction team next week. I'll tell her about my drinking, it used to be 4 or 5 bottles of white wine a day now it's a litre of Smirnoff.
I know my race is nearly run but that maybe isn't the worst way to go.

[wolf63]

You should be getting enough exercise walking to the loo and back with that amount of fluid intake.

I am in a similar rut - I am just back from my trip to Oxfam and my legs are terribly sore. I really wish I could give you some advice to help you, but I know that you will have thought through all of your options.

The addiction people will support you and so might the Men's Shed folk. Depression itself is a heavy burden to carry.

Have you ever thought of writing a book? Not sure what about but you are a knowledgeable chap so give it some thought.

xx

[Zacs-Master]

Great that you've made the first step, Sandy. I don't think your race is nearly run, I just think you need some expert medical advice. It won't be easy but 70 is no age to give up on everything (easy for me to say, I know). I wish you all the best and keep us informed. There's always someone around on here to listen.

[Zacs-Master]

Wolf's suggestion is a really good one. Your daily 'blogs' about your walk had us all spellbound. You have a real flair for writing.

[Zacs-Master]

This thread was amazing!
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/ChatterBank/Question1509941.html

[rockyracoon]

Sandy, I agree with Wolf and Zac. I absolutely loved reading your blog. It made me want to walk the Camino myself.

I'm very sorry to hear about your depression, I truly hope that you get the help you need.

[Khandro]

A litre of vodka per day* says it all Sandy, yes go to your doctor, but go to Alcoholics Anonymous too.
You're killing yourself, wake up to it PLEASE.

* perhaps even more ?

[anneasquith]

What a brave man you are to reveal the position you find yourself in today.
So many of us thoroughly enjoyed reading about your * travels* .
Please keep your appointment next week. I do believe you have a lot to contribute , you just need guidance. ( like many of us ) . I hope you continue to post Sandy, AB would be the poorer without you .