Too old at 59?

[jo0267]

I had a heart attack five years ago but am now fine. My anxiety caused a panic attack last time I tried. Am I too old at 59 to try again.

[nowster Graduate]

Age-wise, 59 is not too old.

But, given your medical history, I would suggest getting the OK from your GP before starting any exercise regime.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

59 is certainly not too old , I started at 63, but as nowster has said would be worth a green light from your GP !

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi jo0267 , I also started at 59 and agree with the others: your age is absolutely not a barrier, just get your GP's OK.

You'll find plenty of advice and support on here too

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your intention.

In the guide linked to below you will find mention of an 83 year old graduate..........so if you want to write yourself off at 59, then you are wasting opportunity........said the 65 year old.......you can do this.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

I started at 66 years old in May 2018 following a spinal fracture and am still running, albeit I have just had a 5 day pause with a painful calf; stuff like that is all part of the fun🙄. I managed to reach HM, much to my amazement. So age in itself is definitely not a barrier. It is fun to keep on amazing yourself 🙂

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I started at 59, best decision I've made in years! Do you have a friend you could do it with to maybe ease your anxiety?I don't have any history of heart problems though, perhaps it's worth getting the ok from your doctor?

[Pugwash Graduate]

Short answer - NO! There are many folk who have passed through, or perhaps still log in here with similar stories to your own (and it's the same for parkrun). To my recollection, all of the stories told are of the positive "wish I'd done this earlier" variety.As others have said, getting the OK from your doctor is both a sensible precaution and a reassurance for you.

Running is such a fillip to mental as well as physical health and I've never regretted getting back to it even though, as you might imagine, running on a pirate ship presents some challenges. However, knowing that I can out-pace Cut-Throat Jake cheers me no end

😉☠️.

[Run5000m Graduate]

Check out with your doctor first, but you are absolutely not to old. Keep on checking out this forum, it's great, there are lots of much older people who regularly post. It really gives support and motivation. Good luck. Happy 2021 running.🏃‍♀️

[Wiliphilkinskin]

Once you have your GP in the loop. The anxiety you feel may disappear once you have a week of the plan under your belt...the benefits of walking and running include stress and anxiety reduction...that’s a great reason to take the first step. I hope you do 😊😊😊