Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly

[Coleen Clark]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

 

[gobjorn]

Go get it, Coleen! Thanks for the words- they are an inspiration!

Lookin for that bottom bunk...

 

[alaskadiver]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

 

[MichaelB10398]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

You make me smile and thank you for your post. It does jar our sensibilities when we get to that age that when young we thought was so ancient. I still see myself as a young man even though my body has begun to fail.

Just recently went in to the doctor and he is talking about full knee replacment for both knees. Arthur seems to have destroyed the knee joint of both knees. Given the pain that I have experienced the last year I am pretty sure I will go for it. The first question I asked the doctor is if I proceeded with an operation will I still be able to walk the Camino? Thankfully he responded affirmatively.

I will delay the operation as much as possible, but acknowledge it will be an experience in the future. Regardless, I will still be able to walk.

Thank goodness for lower bunks, for the kindness of younger people, and the thoughtfulness of those serving in Albergues.

Buon Camino, Coleen.

 

[Coleen Clark]

Go get it, Coleen! Thanks for the words- they are an inspiration!

Lookin for that bottom bunk...

So it looks like you are either taking your first steps or planning to soon. Two Words for you....EAR PLUGS. I don't want to hear about you being grumpy that first week because someone's snoring or fumbling around in the dark kept you up.
I have spies.
I will know.

 

[Coleen Clark]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

I know, right??? I mean, no one ever asked for a birth certificate or passport. They just kinda looked at me and said "Elderly. Bottom Bunk". Of course, it was after a hard day on the Camino. And I hadn't done my hair....or makeup...perhaps the growling didn't help either....

 

[Coleen Clark]

You make me smile and thank you for your post. It does jar our sensibilities when we get to that age that when young we thought was ancient. I still see myself as a young man even though my body has begun to fail. Just recently went in tot he doctors and he is talking about full knee replacment for both knees. Arthur seems to have destroyed the knee joint of both knees. Given the pain that I have experienced the last year I am pretty sure I will go for it. The first question I asked the doctor is if I proceeded with an operation will I still be able to walk the Camino? Thankfully he responded affirmatively.

I will delay the operation as much as possible, but acknowledge it will be an experience in the future. Regardless, I will still be able to walk.

Thank goodness for lower bunks, for the kindness of younger people, and the thoughtfulness of those serving in Albergues.

Buon Camino, Coleen.

I know how you feel. My knees are going too, but I play the lottery religiously (can I say that on a Camino Thread?) and *when* (not if) I win, I will do the Camino again, only it will be on a silver curtained litter by four strong men who resemble Cary Grant, John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Paul Newman...
In their younger days.
It will still count, right?

 

[poogeyejr]

I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky . . .

You missed the other option -that you were hot stuff! and very lucky! because there were no Elderly around and you were getting their bottom bunks!!!!

 

[Coleen Clark]

You missed the other option -that you were hot stuff! and very lucky! because there were no Elderly around and you were getting their bottom bunks!!!!

Dear Poogeyejr,
Where do I send payment for the above post? Is $5 enough?
Sincerely,
Hot Stuff

 

[Tigger]

You make me smile and thank you for your post. It does jar our sensibilities when we get to that age that when young we thought was ancient. I still see myself as a young man even though my body has begun to fail. Just recently went in tot he doctors and he is talking about full knee replacment for both knees. Arthur seems to have destroyed the knee joint of both knees. Given the pain that I have experienced the last year I am pretty sure I will go for it. The first question I asked the doctor is if I proceeded with an operation will I still be able to walk the Camino? Thankfully he responded affirmatively.

I will delay the operation as much as possible, but acknowledge it will be an experience in the future. Regardless, I will still be able to walk.

Thank goodness for lower bunks, for the kindness of younger people, and the thoughtfulness of those serving in Albergues.

Buon Camino, Coleen.

Hi Michael,
Just about to undertake my first Camino in a few weeks, unfortunately not with my husband but just a post to encourage you about dual knee replacements. He had them fifteen years ago and this is NOT the reason he can't do the Camino now (he has other health issues from having worn out his body as an Olympic athlete) as he plays 18 holes of golf twice a week, swims and cycles on his fifteen year old new knees.
He had them checked recently by his surgeon and was told they are perfect/good as the newer prosthetics (which he was lucky to have) are lasting much longer than the medical profession previously thought and the modern ones are even better.
My advice to you is
1. Don't overly delay if the writing is on the wall. The main reason for this is that the leg muscles atrophy if you are in pain and not using them correctly.
2. Try to build these muscles up using physiotherapy ( you call it physical therapy ) pre surgery. It may be painful but aqua therapy and gentle knee specific exercises can hasten your post operative recovery and get you back on the Camino faster.

3. and this is the big one.
Have them both done at once.
There are several reasons for this, the foremost being that the surgeon can re-align your legs so that they are fully correctly operational from day one without the bad leg holding you back. Yes it is hell, but with modern pain killers and physiotherapy you will get through AND you will NEVER have to go back and repeat the process.

This has been our experience of a youngish ( he was 55) fit man having to have this procedure. Hope this helps and inspires.

 

[dougfitz]

I will delay the operation as much as possible, but acknowledge it will be an experience in the future. Regardless, I will still be able to walk.

Having recently undergone a major joint replacement, unless there are major medical reasons to delay the procedure, I would not recommend waiting.

I know that knees can be more complex than the hip replacement that I had, and there can be differences in how one recovers from major surgery of this nature. But in objective terms, for competition walks, I am now back down to per km times that I haven't been able to achieve for several years. For longer distance walks, I have been pushing out gradually, but in the past couple of weeks got out to nearly 19 km - nearly treble the distance I was walking before the onset of debilitating pain previously.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Go get it, Coleen! Thanks for the words- they are an inspiration!

Lookin for that bottom bunk...

Me, too!

 

[MichaelB10398]

Having recently undergone a major joint replacement, unless there are major medical reasons to delay the procedure, I would not recommend waiting.

I know that knees can be more complex than the hip replacement that I had, and there can be differences in how one recovers from major surgery of this nature. But in objective terms, for competition walks, I am now back down to per km times that I haven't been able to achieve for several years. For longer distance walks, I have been pushing out gradually, but in the past couple of weeks got out to nearly 19 km - nearly treble the distance I was walking before the onset of debilitating pain previously.

Thank you, Doug. My doctor is not recommending an immediate replacement; I was diagnosed with intermediate to severe arthritis in both knees. Prior to getting another cortisone shot in both knees I could barely walk. It was strange; I was walking four miles a day up to the 21 January and then I could barely move from the bed to the chair. Now things are better in that I am walking three miles a day, but not taking any long distance walks. Gentle pain is constant and I don't take anything for it presently though I have a few medications the doctor presscribed should there be episodes of moderate pain or worse, which there have been.

As soon as the doctor says it is time I will have it done.

Glad to hear your hip replacement is going well and thanks again for your advice.

 

[MichaelB10398]

Hi Michael,
Just about to undertake my first Camino in a few weeks, unfortunately not with my husband but just a post to encourage you about dual knee replacements. He had them fifteen years ago and this is NOT the reason he can't do the Camino now (he has other health issues from having worn out his body as an Olympic athlete) as he plays 18 holes of golf twice a week, swims and cycles on his fifteen year old new knees.
He had them checked recently by his surgeon and was told they are perfect/good as the newer prosthetics (which he was lucky to have) are lasting much longer than the medical profession previously thought and the modern ones are even better.
My advice to you is
1. Don't overly delay if the writing is on the wall. The main reason for this is that the leg muscles atrophy if you are in pain and not using them correctly.
2. Try to build these muscles up using physiotherapy ( you call it physical therapy ) pre surgery. It may be painful but aqua therapy and gentle knee specific exercises can hasten your post operative recovery and get you back on the Camino faster.

3. and this is the big one.
Have them both done at once.
There are several reasons for this, the foremost being that the surgeon can re-align your legs so that they are fully correctly operational from day one without the bad leg holding you back. Yes it is hell, but with modern pain killers and physiotherapy you will get through AND you will NEVER have to go back and repeat the process.

This has been our experience of a youngish ( he was 55) fit man having to have this procedure. Hope this helps and inspires.

Thank yor, Tigger, for sharing that information and advice. It sounds like your husband has done outstanding. I have already decided to have them both done at the same time and I suspect it will happen later this year. I won't stop walking again unless it is to have the surgery.

My best to you and everyone elses' kind thoughts.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

Amen!

 

[dougfitz]

Gentle pain is constant

I never found pain gentle!! In any case, I hope you continue to manage it successfully. Not being able to walk more than five-six km without being in pain for the next couple of days, and the sleep disruption the arthritis was causing for both me and my wife, were significant factors in deciding to act quickly and not delay getting the replacement done.

 

[poogeyejr]

Dear Poogeyejr,
Where do I send payment for the above post? Is $5 enough?
Sincerely,
Hot Stuff

$5 US - that's like $50 to a Canadian!!!

 

[Waka]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

That's a bit cruel calling 70 as old

 

[HellsKitchen]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

I hear you, Alaska, but my spirit may be a new 50, but my bladder is an elderly 64.

 

[Coleen Clark]

That's a bit cruel calling 70 as old

Never use the O word around Veteran Walkers. Ever. Use Elderly, or Experienced, or...or....WISE! Yes! That's the word!

 

[Coleen Clark]

You know, this started out as a joyous shout to announce my return to the worl of walking the Camino and all the fond memories I had. Like a Sunday Mimosa Breakfast at the VFW it turned into a wound show, detailing past operations and present ailments. Sigh. Tells me something. I'm Getting another Mimosa. Y'all carry on. Be back in a sec.

 

[AbbyDee]

I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

Define Elderly

 

[Ahhhs]

Define Elderly

It's a state of mind.

 

[AbbyDee]

I know how you feel. My knees are going too, but I play the lottery religiously (can I say that on a Camino Thread?) and *when* (not if) I win, I will do the Camino again, only it will be on a silver curtained litter by four strong men who resemble Cary Grant, John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Paul Newman...
In their younger days.
It will still count, right?

Can we get Sam Elliott in there somewhere?

 

[Tigger]

You know, this started out as a joyous shout to announce my return to the worl of walking the Camino and all the fond memories I had. Like a Sunday Mimosa Breakfast at the VFW it turned into a wound show, detailing past operations and present ailments. Sigh. Tells me something. I'm Getting another Mimosa. Y'all carry on. Be back in a sec.

Apologies for my part, @Coleen,
In my Mimosa Group, we call what just happened...'an organ recital'!

I just call 'senior reminiscences'

fifty shades of grey!

 

[wcsjms]

We will be doing the Frances again in August and we will be 67 & 66 yrs. old Keep on trekking !!!

 

[C clearly]

we will be 67 & 66 yrs. old

So why are you posting on a thread for the elderly?

 

[elleley]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

Coleen, thank you! I can so relate to your post! I walked my body to a thin pulp in September on the Frances and that, along with shedding many layers of fear, guilt and shame AND meeting incredible fellow pilgrims AND experiencing the natural beauty of Spain was...well...nothing short of a miracle. Planning to return in May to walk the part of the Frances I had to miss due to my extreme tendonitis and to discover new ways on the Sanabres. Back in my "real life" of comfort I crave the discomforts of the road and the many gifts received there. Even though I celebrated my sixtieth birthday in Orisson, I thought I was given the bottom bunk because of my bum leg....silly me! I was constantly inspired by those around me, of all ages, but especially those older than me.
If I were St. James, and saw you coming, I'd be worried....Buen Camino y Ultreia!!

 

[FLEUR]

Amen!

Hmm. @ Camino Chris 70 is not elderly !! 70 IMHO is the new 60.

 

[FLEUR]

The post is about Bottom bunk beds for the elderly. I can tell you it is not always a given that the older pilgrims will be offered a bottom bunk.

At La Virgen del Camino (Leon) albergue a young, long legged girl was asked by the nuns to change to a top bunk. She refused, I slept on the top. It was an incredibly narrow ladder with widely spaced rungs which made it very hard to climb up and then "launch" myself on to the top bunk. Somehow I managed.

At some places it was sometimes possible to phone the night before and request a lower bunk. However if you arrive late afternoon you may well find the last top bunk is all that's available.

 

[VNwalking]

At La Virgen del Camino (Leon) albergues a young long legged girl was asked by the nuns to change to a top bunk. She refused

It's super bad karma to refuse to yield one's bottom bunk to someone older or less able. Just wait til later when they're our age; some rude young twit will certainly refuse to offer a seat, lower bunk, or needed assistance.
Maybe then they'll learn some common courtesy.
In the meantime kindness is its own revenge, and we have the option to be kind no matter what the rude half does. That'll create our karma...

Super Buen Camino to you Colleen! And thanks for the many smiles. Good to have you back.

 

[FLEUR]

Inevitably we will all be old one day. The alternative is not worth contemplating!

 

[domigee]

At La Virgen del Camino (Leon) albergue a young, long legged girl was asked by the nuns to change to a top bunk. She refused, .

Unbelievable isn't it? I can't resist sharing my story and although it was on my first camino a few years ago now, I have never forgotten.

Larrasoaña, municipal albergue. My friend and I were shown to a small room with 2 bunk beds and the hospitalera said to me: ' quick, ladies, grab the bottom bunks' which we of course did. Two young girls are later shown into the room, 18 and 20. We knew that as we'd talked to them on the way whilst helping them with their blisters... Anyway, THEY were the ones who asked us to move to the top bunks
As my answer was something like 'oh don't be so silly', they proceeded to take their mattresses down and filled the rest of the room with them. A right pain when you wanted to leave or enter the room, we had to walk on their beds. Oh dear, never mind

PS: Of course, I hasten to add that had they had an injury or otherwise impaired, I would have been the first one to offer my bottom bank. Never mind the age. But they were much fitter than us both.

 

[FLEUR]

great story Domigee. When I was young 30 seemed quite old. Sadly the young are sometimes under the illusion that they will never grow old! Feeling aged depends quickly lot on state of mind and body parts. Heigh ho, must away, another 12 km hike to do today and a lunchtime concert in a church on the Pilgrims Way. English Saturday Camino.

 

[HedaP]

21 yr old niece recently walked the camino and despite arriving at amazingly early times every day never got a bottom bunk. It did make her a bit resentful especially when many of the albergues were pretty much empty by the end of the day and she was too polite and law abiding to move to one of the many empty bottom bunks. Probably needless to say she loved the albergues with mats on the floor or single beds.

Edit: I should add that I am over 60 and extremely grateful for all the lower bunks I got while walking the camino. And if I was walking with a 21 year old I would absolutely expect them to take the top bunk unless they had an overriding medical condition.

 

[wcsjms]

So why are you posting on a thread for the elderly?

and who are you?

 

[Patch]

Luckily I can get in and out of top bunks, just. Like someone already said it would be a whole lot easier if my bladder functioned better. I just sort of think the old thing is just a bit over done, it can be about embarrassing. It's how well the person is that really counts and that isn't always age related.

 

[olgaeveraert]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

Coleen, go girl go! I am 67 and walked my first Camino Frances last Fall. Crawling up to Roncesvalles Pass I questioned myself, what the hell was I thinking.. it was, is, the adventure of a life time.. Buen Camino!

 

[Janet Skinner]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

I totally agree. When people say I dont look 72 I ask what 72 is supposed to look like. I point out to people they are basing their assumptions on the grandparents of 2 generations ago. I quite like a top bunk except that I am likely to need to get out once in the night and then a lower one is easier. But hey a bed is a bed and I am happy for whatever I get. I think elderly may be 85 will let you know when I get there

 

[Bob Bennett]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

I was 71 when I first did the Camino Frances. I thrived on every mile. Some of the climbs left me winded but not sore. So often I would get an apology that no lower bunks were available. Never found an upper bunk I couldn't conquer (though i dreaded that middle of the night journey). I hope to celebrate my 75th with another journey on the Camino Frances and making more friends 18 to 80 and with a few other Caminos behind me. Yes, 70s is elderly but elderly doesn't mean down and out.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?

I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

I am among those whose physical age outstrips their mental age and outlook. Elderly is sometimes more in the eye of the beholder! I don't remember seeing those discreet signs in any albergue, but I do recall one hospitalero insisting I could not be as old as the date of birth on my passport indicated! I also recall another hospitalero assigning me the top bunk as I was the youngest in my group of friends! On the other hand an equally age-experienced pilgrim gave us a back-handed compliment when he said he admired us (old ladies, being the inference) for walking the camino! And I enjoyed that many younger pilgrims chose to walk with me, perhaps surprised that I matched their pace, perhaps relieved to slow down their pace to mine, and perhaps happy to share in inter-generational dialogue and wisdom that proved we are all pilgrims on the way at any age.

 

[mspath]

"..and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find,
and not to yield."

Ulysses,
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

 

[peregrina2000]

Well, you guys are lucky with all those stories. Here's mine. I remember walking into the albergue yard in El padron near A Fonsagrada. The albergue wasn't open, so we had to wait. There were two Spanish middle aged guys there and it was clear that I was the topic of conversation. Finally one came to me and asked if I would mind telling them how old I was. I said sure I'm 66. They said, oh, we thought you were in your 70s and were amazed at how fast you walk for that age.

 

[Bumpa]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

70's not elderly....80 is

 

[VNwalking]

They said, oh, we thought you were in your 70s and were amazed at how fast you walk for that age.

It's the grey hair, Laurie, and don't you know? Women are supposed to color that; you were breaking an unwritten rule. Tongue in cheek, but not entirely. Ever notice in airports all the grey haired men walking with spouses with dyed hair? And I wouldn't be surprised if (at first) people notice hair as much or more than faces (at least I do).
Which brings me back on topic...
So, peregrinas...if you color your hair, perhaps you'd have a better chance of getting that bottom bunk by stopping the dye long enough before your walk to look your age...if you dare. I not infrequently get the top bunk, and suspect that if I did not shave my grey hair this would not happen as much. It easily makes me look 10 years younger.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly."

Define Elderly

Hmmm. Well ladies, one definition - for males, (and there's no delicate way of putting this), according to my GP it would be the time of life when the prostate gland starts to misbehave. This results in "elderly" men having to head for the loo once or twice during the night. No fun with wonky knees and a top bunk to climb out of in the dark. No fun for the other occupants of the dormitory either.

 

[Bumpa]

70's not elderly....80 is

At the age of 73, I have run marathons and walked many long distance trails. I was used to people saying "oh you can't be that old" On the Camino, last October, I had some constant pain in one foot which altered my gait and affected my hip. One morning, in a cafe, someone asked if I minded revealing how old I was. When told, he said "my and you are doing so well". Advancing years don't take the toll on our perception of self to the same degree as they do on our bodies. We go from: "you can't be that old" to "well aren't you cute"

 

[Bumpa]

Hmmm. Well ladies, one definition - for males, (and there's no delicate way of putting this), according to my GP it would be the time of life when the prostate gland starts to misbehave. This results in "elderly" men having to head for the loo once or twice during the night. No fun with wonky knees and a top bunk to climb out of in the dark. No fun for the other occupants of the dormitory either.

I am reminded of the unknown comedian who said: "old age is a bummer, I have to go to the bathroom several times a night. Sometimes, I even get up."

 

[Richard A Stead]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

Errrr thanks for that. I walked from SJ last year when I was 70 and with prostate cancer meaning 3 or 4 bathroom visits a night so yes definitely save the bottom bunks. At Orisson I ended up on the floor as nobody offered to swap!

 

[Glenn Rowe]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

Hey now! I resemble that remark!

 

[Harington]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

70, elderly? for shame!

 

[long trails]

OK I am going to play devils advocate here.

Surely if you are fit enough to walk a camino then you are fit enough to take a top bunk?

(runs away with head covered by hands)

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I not infrequently get the top bunk, and suspect that if I did not shave my grey hair this would not happen as much. It easily makes me look 10 years younger.

I can just see in a future Craziest thing you've seen someone bring on Camino thread: I saw a bald woman with a grey wig hanging off her pack. She only wore it a few minutes a day when checking into albergues.

 

[C clearly]

So why are you posting on a thread for the elderly?

and who are you?

I am a 68-year-old who doesn't think she should be involved in a thread about the "elderly," either!

For some reason - likely sheer luck, as it couldn't be age - I always managed to get a bottom bunk.

 

[trecile]

It's the grey hair, Laurie, and don't you know? Women are supposed to color that; you were breaking an unwritten rule

And now young women are dyeing their hair gray!

 

[FLEUR]

OK I am going to play devils advocate here.

Surely if you are fit enough to walk a camino then you are fit enough to take a top bunk?

(runs away with head covered by hands)

Not necessarily. Knee and hip joint problems can cause difficulties climbing the bunk ladder but regular walking is often fine

 

[Glenn Rowe]

Not necessarily. Knee and hip joint problems can cause difficulties climbing the bunk ladder but regular walking is often fine

Agree. For me, any "significant bending" of my knees (particularly the right one) creates problems that mere walking does not. Climbing stairs is easy; climbing ladders is not.

 

[JCLima]

I'm 26 and I just CANT sleep on the top bunk.
When I was a child, all my friends would fight to get the top bunk but I was perfectly happy to sleep on the bottom one. Seriously. It gives me chills just thinking about having to sleep on top... (I have acrophobia).
Obviously, if it would come to a point where I would have to give my bed to someone elderly, I would. My parents taught me well. (I would gather my stuff and sleep on the floor )

 

[Old Koot]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

Sheeest .... I'm deeply offended with this allegation that"elderly is 70"

I finished my first 500 mile Camino Frances (a considered theme park experience) a few years older that 70, and for the third time, I'm planning on walking the del Norte from Irun to the beginning of the Primitivo to to walk it again, and then walk to Muxia and Finsterre, again.

For what it's worth, last year, at dinner in Castro Urdiales (on the 12th day), I lost a bet (for a nickel) smugly thinking that I could be the oldest present, to another refugee from the Great White North who was five years older (i.e. in his eighties). He too was in no manner of speaking, elderly.

Again Sheeest, the young have no respect

 

[Jacobus]

Define Elderly

Definition of Elderly. Old enough to know that the bottom bunk is preferrable!

 

[trecile]

To me, the bottom bunk isn't always the best. I hate it when you can't sit up without hitting your head!

 

[FLEUR]

Pure luxury for any pilgrim when you occasionally find yourself in an albergue with sheets and pillowcases and sometimes even a towel provided. Bliss... and it really makes you really appreciate these luxuries.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hmm. @ Camino Chris 70 is not elderly !! 70 IMHO is the new 60.

Well, I was actually only "amening" that 60's are the new 50 as it's specific to my age ... I totally agree that 70 is the new 60 and once I arrive I will be singing that song most definately!

 

[NewBeginning]

I hear you, Alaska, but my spirit may be a new 50, but my bladder is an elderly 64.

Have you talked to a doc about hormonal creams used in just that area? That plus kegels have made a huge difference for me. I really underestimated the kegels until I did them for the first week.

 

[C clearly]

according to my GP it would be the time of life when the prostate gland starts to misbehave.

Have you talked to a doc about hormonal creams used in just that area? That plus kegels have made a huge difference for me. I really underestimated the kegels until I did them for the first week.

I suggest that the gynaecology and urology consultations could be done on Private Conversations.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hmm. @ Camino Chris 70 is not elderly !! 70 IMHO is the new 60.

I was only saying "amen" to the part that referred to ME...When I hit 70, I will definately agree that 70 is the new 60!

 

[Linda Adams]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

 

[Linda Adams]

WOW! I never did see any signs for the elderly getting bottom bunks. Maybe the dyed hair... We were both in our late 60's and always given top and bottom bunks, while later arriving singles were given bottom bunks no matter their age. It got to the point we started using the pensions. I'll try again this year cause I'm sure I look more elderly now.

 

[jmcarp]

... Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly...

My wife and I must have stayed in different albergues than you, because we never saw such a sign. We're both on the downhill side of 70, and always appreciated having a lower bunk. Fortunately, because of our slower pace and shorter stages, we usually arrived early enough to get one. However, in those instances when we did not arrive in time to grab lower bunks, not once did anyone offer to switch with us. I'm not complaining because in most areas I don't feel limited by nor do I expect special favors because of my age, but the reality is there are some bodily functions that are affected by age more than others, and we viejos do in fact need to use the facilities more often than the younger folk. So unless you do not mind having your sleep disturbed at least a couple of times during the night by some old geezer in the upper bunk climbing up and down to use the bathroom, do us both a favor and consider offering your lower bunk to an older person who may have come into the albergue after you.

 

[alaskadiver]

I unintentionally irked the over 70 crowd. My sincere apologies. My statement was intended to state that 60 isn't old. Obviously, plenty of over 70 people have proven that neither are they . Which makes me happy. I too will be 70 one day. Unless I get thrown off a mountain by a 70 year old pilgrim before then

 

[jmcarp]

I unintentionally irked the over 70 crowd. My sincere apologies. My statement was intended to state that 60 isn't old. Obviously, plenty of over 70 people have proven that neither are they . Which makes me happy. I too will be 70 one day. Unless I get thrown off a mountain by a 70 year old pilgrim before then

Gosh, if you were referring to my post, I was not responding to your comment--just to the highlight one of the reasons lower bunks are preferred by people in their "golden" years. But I do beg to differ with you on one point: 70 is the new 50, not 60

 

[Old Koot]

I unintentionally irked the over 70 crowd. My sincere apologies. My statement was intended to state that 60 isn't old. Obviously, plenty of over 70 people have proven that neither are they . Which makes me happy. I too will be 70 one day. Unless I get thrown off a mountain by a 70 year old pilgrim before then

Hey there Alaska, might you be familiar with the acronym "RED" made famously topical by the movie starring Bruce Willis. Keep it in mind should you unintentionally age into the ranks.

Notwithstanding, the best defense against doing so is to be in complete and total denial, eh!

Enjoy the six course peligrino meal in Salas and the five star hotel albergue in Tineo

Cheers

 

[Coleen Clark]

"..and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find,
and not to yield."

Ulysses,
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

What I used to do all day now takes me all day to do.

 

[domigee]

Finally one came to me and asked if I would mind telling them how old I was. I said sure

How very, very RUDE of them! I would have sent them flying. But then I am not as nice as you are, by all accounts

 

[Micah26]

When I first thought of walking the Camino ( haven't yet) at 54 I thought gee I'm going to be too old to walk 500 miles! I figured all these h.s and college kids would be the majority! I'm glad I joined the forum to get more information! According to above calculations if 70 is the new 50 then I'm in my 30's yippee!

BTW my mom celebrated her 92nd birthday yesterday. Her great great grandson said gee that's old huh? No honey old is Yoda ( he loves Star Wars) Gremma has a long ways to go to catch up to him! Cutest IChat conversation ever!

Yup age all in eye of beholder not what's in your heart or spirit!

 

[Irenek]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

Coleen,
I did my Camino in May 2016, and I am already starting to feel the way you just described it: I am being uncomfortable in my comfort. I also miss that feeling and find myself watching videos on Youtube that will bring me back to those fantastic (and blister painful) days. I am happy for you, that you will be walking again soon. I will be interested in reading about how the feelings change (if they do at all) the second time around.
Buen Camino!

 

[peregrina2000]

How very, very RUDE of them! I would have sent them flying. But then I am not as nice as you are, by all accounts

Oh, I didn't think it was rude of them to ask me my age, I thought it was rude of them to tell me they thought I was ten years older after I told them.

 

[Walk with Ernie]

My mother would love to walk the CF with me. She is 83. I think she would laugh at this entire post. All of her friends are years younger and in wheel-chairs. My mother and I have walked a lot of miles together. The only reason he is not coming, she hates(afraid) to fly. She says she is not old nor is she elderly, she just has a good collection of birthdays. She would climb onto the top bunk.

 

[domigee]

Oh, I didn't think it was rude of them to ask me my age, I thought it was rude of them to tell they thought I was ten years older after I told them.

Ok. Rude (imo) AND badly needing glasses!

 

[VNwalking]

Here, asking one's age is the question that comes after "What's your name," and "Where are you from?" Here, elders are loved and deeply appreciated, rather than being shoved into a corner because they (we!) aren't so pretty anymore. If you are older, you get respect--and the words people use to address you depend on your age relative to the speaker. So knowing how old someone is is an important part of polite speech.
I have no doubt that Burmese people would be fighting to give up the bottom bunk.

That said, how great if it's possible not to make a big deal of it. Ernie, your Mom sounds like someone special!:

She says she is not old nor is she elderly, she just has a good collection of birthdays. She would climb onto the top bunk.

 

[Coleen Clark]

At the age of 73, I have run marathons and walked many long distance trails. I was used to people saying "oh you can't be that old" On the Camino, last October, I had some constant pain in one foot which altered my gait and affected my hip. One morning, in a cafe, someone asked if I minded revealing how old I was. When told, he said "my and you are doing so well". Advancing years don't take the toll on our perception of self to the same degree as they do on our bodies. We go from: "you can't be that old" to "well aren't you cute"

Well you probably are cute.

 

[Coleen Clark]

Coleen,
I did my Camino in May 2016, and I am already starting to feel the way you just described it: I am being uncomfortable in my comfort. I also miss that feeling and find myself watching videos on Youtube that will bring me back to those fantastic (and blister painful) days. I am happy for you, that you will be walking again soon. I will be interested in reading about how the feelings change (if they do at all) the second time around.
Buen Camino!

As soon as I decided to walk my soul became quiet. It is as if I am already walking the walk when I talk about the Camino. I did a service in church before and one after the last Camino, and have convinced 6 others to walk. Now I have been asked to do another service before I go. How do you tell people how powerfully life changing the Camino Experience is? Those who feel it never lose it.

 

[Coleen Clark]

To me, the bottom bunk isn't always the best. I hate it when you can't sit up without hitting your head!

Got my hair caught in the upper bunk springs once. It only takes once.

 

[Lmsundaze]

OK I am going to play devils advocate here.

Surely if you are fit enough to walk a camino then you are fit enough to take a top bunk?

(runs away with head covered by hands)

Not necessarily -- different muscles for climbing into a bunk than walking. My issue is that I need to use the bathroom 4 or 5 times the night. This wasn't true 10 years ago. Another issue for me is osteoperosis -- falls are more serious. I didn't ask people to move for me -- I stayed in private accommodations because of my issues, but not everyone can afford to do this. I could not sleep in a top bunk. (Age 71, young at heart, with arthritis, osteoperosis, and bladder issues)

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Gosh, if you were referring to my post, I was not responding to your comment--just to the highlight one of the reasons lower bunks are preferred by people in their "golden" years. But I do beg to differ with you on one point: 70 is the new 50, not 60

Is it the "golden" years, or the "silver" years...looking in the mirror, since I let nature have its way, I see silver.

 

[peregrina2000]

All this talk of getting up and down to the top bunk reminds me that every year I see people coming down from the top bunk facing forward. That is a recipe for disaster, no matter whether there is a ladder or not. I'm sure that all of us "more mature" pilgrims already know how to reduce risks coming down, but just a heads up for those who may never have been in a bunk before. It may be less elegant but it is much safer.

 

[Anniesantiago]

One year, while on a top bunk in Leon, I awakened to the fellow in the bottom bunk having an all out war on bedbugs.
I think I posted a photo of him a few years back on another thread.
He had (literally) a pile of dead bugs that he had killed in his bed that night.
I hadn't seen one bug on the top bunk.
Since, then, I've loved top bunks!

 

[jsalt]

Annie, you beat me to it . . . . I was just about to post that I will continue to take a top bunk for as long as I am able, as bed bugs can’t fall on you up there
Jill

 

[Jim Miller]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

Careful, I walked last year from Leon to Santiago and will be going back to do the front 300 miles.....I'm 77.

 

[Penny Kingma]

I walked for the first time last year from St Jean to Santiago. I'd plead for the bottom bunk...many more times refused then not. Twice falling from to the floor trying to get down.... Why ? I have Multiple Sclerosis. So age, abilities doesn't get the bottom bunk. Still I survived a little bruised but never defeated.

 

[Michael fletcher]

I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get

70 ELDERLY !!!!!! I am walking The Camino Levante in April solo and will celebrate my 74th birthday on the trek.

 

[Penny Kingma]

70 ELDERLY !!!!!! I am walking The Camino Levante in April solo and will celebrate my 74th birthday on the trek.

Michael Fletcher
Small world...my maiden name is Penny Fletcher and I have a brother Michael.
Have an awesome walk !

 

[tpmchugh]

Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.

Not so bad being elderly if it gets you the bottom bunk . I am just 68 years young and I not only got bottom bunks all but one night, I even managed to get beds on occasions. In one albergue, I was a bit late in and there were only top bunks left. The young guy beneath me without any prompting from anyone offered to swap but only after we had all showered and as long as I put the sheets and pillow cases on as he did not want to do that twice. Came back from my shower and he had made the beds and moved all my stuff from top to bottom then took me for a drink and he did not even partake of alcohol. So enjoy being classed as elderly, it can be fun and the youngsters can be great company

 

[Camino Chrissy]

70 ELDERLY !!!!!! I am walking The Camino Levante in April solo and will celebrate my 74th birthday on the trek.

Yeah! Good for you! It gives me hope that many of us over 60 may still have lots of Caminos waiting for us to plan in the years to come!

 

[trecile]

She says she is not old nor is she elderly, she just has a good collection of birthdays.

I love that! I hope to collect many more birthdays.

One year, while on a top bunk in Leon, I awakened to the fellow in the bottom bunk having an all out war on bedbugs.
I think I posted a photo of him a few years back on another thread.
He had (literally) a pile of dead bugs that he had killed in his bed that night.
I hadn't seen one bug on the top bunk.
Since, then, I've loved top bunks!

The only time I saw a bedbug last year was in the bunk above mine, and one crawling on the wall nearby.

 

[Coleen Clark]

Can we get Sam Elliott in there somewhere?

Sam Elliot is up behind the curtain with me, keeping a running commentary in that Sam Elliot Voice we know and love.

 

[offtrail1]

I have walked twice, once from SJ & once from Leon, at ages 75 & 76. When I get old, I hope some future pilgrim will save me a bottom bunk!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have walked twice, once from SJ & once from Leon, at ages 75 & 76. When I get old, I hope some future pilgrim will save me a bottom bunk!

Love this! You really made me smile with those words!

 

[AbbyDee]

One year, while on a top bunk in Leon, I awakened to the fellow in the bottom bunk having an all out war on bedbugs.
I think I posted a photo of him a few years back on another thread.
He had (literally) a pile of dead bugs that he had killed in his bed that night.
I hadn't seen one bug on the top bunk.
Since, then, I've loved top bunks!

now. that I will remember.

 

[poogeyejr]

70's not elderly....80 is

And the 80 year old replies . . . "Maybe 90, I'll tell you when I get there!"

Agree. For me, any "significant bending" of my knees (particularly the right one) creates problems that mere walking does not. Climbing stairs is easy; climbing ladders is not.

The ladders are the worst! I can't turn around to go down backwards and have to go down face first. Edit: facing outward!
Always a moment of terror!