On October 21st, I experienced a tumble while riding my bike, landing awkwardly on my left elbow and hip on the hard pavement. A few days of persistent pain led me to seek medical advice for my aching arm and elbow.
However, the physical discomfort from the fall was soon overshadowed by the unexpected reaction of one of the doctors. His disapproval of my continued cycling at the age of 80 resonated more deeply than the diagnosis of a minor fracture in my forearm.
From the moment he entered the examination room, his demeanor was noticeably stern. His unspoken question hung in the air: “What were you doing on a bike at your age?” I recounted the incident, explaining how a slightly too-fast U-turn had led to the fall, acknowledging my awareness of the need to adjust my cycling habits with age.
As he concluded the consultation, he suggested, with a hint of admonishment, that “there are some activities you can do both inside and outside” and implied I should confine myself to indoor pursuits. Taken aback, I instinctively responded, “I’ll always be outside,” reaffirming my deep connection to the outdoors and the simple pleasure of riding a bike.
Was the Doctor’s Advice Ageism, or Genuine Concern?
“I’ve witnessed some truly severe injuries from bicycle accidents,” the doctor stated, his tone cautionary.
While his concern for my well-being was evident, I felt unheard and somewhat dismissed. This encounter sparked a period of reflection. I sought perspectives from fellow cyclists and friends, curious about their reactions.
“Inappropriate,” “Insulting,” “Ageist,” “Disrespectful” were among the responses. The overwhelming consensus was that the doctor had overreacted to what was, in essence, a minor mishap. As one cyclist in her 70s aptly put it, “Life happens.”
Determined to understand the doctor’s viewpoint, I wished I had been more assertive in articulating my own.
Cycling is more than just exercise for me; it’s vital for my mental well-being and offers a unique perspective as I journey through different landscapes. Like swimming, the thought of giving it up is disheartening. Throughout my life, I’ve maintained an active lifestyle, constantly evaluating the balance between risks and rewards.
My childhood bike rides to school instilled in me a profound sense of freedom. Rediscovering cycling in my 40s rekindled that feeling, and I’ve never looked back.
A senior woman enjoying the freedom and health benefits of riding a bike outdoors.
The Cyclist’s Creed: Riding a Bike Makes Me Happier, Healthier, and More Social
Cycling evolved into my preferred outdoor activity, enjoyed with a careful and responsible group of friends. Weekend bike rides filled me with happiness, improved my health, and enriched my social life. I began road cycling with the Charles River Wheelers and the Appalachian Mountain Club, and enhanced my safety knowledge through a workshop with the League of American Bicyclists, whose motto, “Life is better for everyone when more people ride bikes,” deeply resonates with me.
In my 50s, a colleague and I, both Cambridge residents, once cycled to work in Quincy, a 20-mile commute each way. Departing in the early hours, we followed Boston’s scenic Emerald Necklace, passing through Jamaica Plain and Dorchester to Milton’s Blue Hills and finally Quincy. We relished these adventurous bike rides.
During weekends and weekday evenings, my rides extended to 40, 50, and even 65 miles. In my 60s and 70s, I consciously reduced the distances. Now, I typically ride between 14 to 25 miles, up to five days a week during the summer and early fall. I’ve transitioned from roads to safer bike paths, with only brief road detours. My average speed is around 10 mph. Safety is paramount; I always wear a helmet and equip my bikes with headlights, flashing red taillights, and cyclometers.
Reader Insights: 9 Inspiring Stories of Seniors Defying Age Limits: Biking, Running, and Living Life to the Fullest
This Wasn’t My First Bike Accident
Bike accidents are, unfortunately, part of my cycling history. About 20 years ago in Plattsburgh, New York, while riding in a designated bike lane, a driver overtook me and then abruptly turned right, crossing my path. I collided with the side of her car, resulting in bruises but thankfully no serious injuries. In 2018, a more severe fall occurred when I encountered improperly placed steel plates during road repaving. A gap between the plates was just wide enough to trap my front tire, throwing me sideways off my bike. This resulted in significant hip bruising, but again, no fractures.
Reflecting on my extensive cycling experience, I regret not engaging in a more proactive conversation with the doctor who expressed disapproval. I wish I had better articulated the importance of cycling in my life and addressed his concerns more directly.
Serendipitously, just two days after my appointment, I came across a recent blog post from Hebrew SeniorLife titled Empowering Older Adults: How to Advocate for Yourself in the Doctor’s Office. This article reinforced the importance of patient advocacy, particularly for seniors.
Advocate for What Matters Most to Your Well-being
“As a geriatrician, I am always appreciative when patients are prepared to advocate for what is important to them,” writes Dr. Matthew Schuster.
He emphasizes the value of preparation before medical appointments and highlights “age-friendly care,” which includes understanding a patient’s personal health goals and priorities.
“Considering these questions before your appointment can guide your conversation with your physician. Even if what matters most to you isn’t health-related, it can still provide clinical value to your doctor,” Dr. Schuster explains.
My follow-up medical visit, fortunately, began on a much more positive note with a younger female doctor. Her approach was markedly different. She expressed admiration for “someone who is 80 and still riding a bike” and encouraged me to share the details of my cycling accident.
‘I Want to Meet Someone Who is 80 and Still Rides a Bike’
I recounted how the fall happened in an instant. One moment I was leisurely cycling along a peaceful beach road in Falmouth, taking a brief detour from the Shining Sea Bikeway. I admired the empty osprey nests and the sunlight reflecting off Buzzards Bay. As the road ended, I initiated a U-turn. I realized I was turning slightly faster than usual when my right foot seemed to catch on the pedal, and I lost my balance.
After the fall, I immediately checked my left hand and arm for mobility. Reassured that nothing seemed broken, I remounted my bike and called my friend to cancel our walk. I then cycled the five miles back to my car, still feeling relatively 괜찮다. It wasn’t until after lifting my bike onto the car rack and driving an hour home that pain and stiffness began to set in, particularly in my left elbow and forearm. Upon arriving home, I applied ice packs and took anti-inflammatory medication.
When recounting this story to the first doctor, I mentioned my awareness of needing to reduce my speed while cycling as I age. She acknowledged this and ordered X-rays of my forearm and elbow. She then left the room and returned with the older, supervising doctor in his 70s.
While most people I shared this experience with felt the older doctor’s reaction was overly negative, a couple understood his perspective, highlighting the spectrum of opinions on seniors riding bikes.
What Age is Too Old to Ride a Bike? That’s the Wrong Question.
This incident prompted me to ponder the question: At what age is someone “too old” to Ride A Bike or engage in other sports?
I posed this question online and received an AI-generated response:
“Age 80 is generally not considered too old to ride a bike, provided the individual is physically capable and adheres to necessary safety precautions. Cycling can be a highly beneficial exercise for seniors when practiced appropriately, with many older adults enjoying this activity well into their 80s.”
A British blog, Inspired Villages, directly addressed “How old is too old to ride a bike?” and asserted that “cycling is often perceived as an activity limited to children or dedicated sports enthusiasts. However, cycling is actually a sport perfectly suited for everyone, including individuals over 60!”
Additional online advice reinforces this: “It’s an excellent form of exercise for older people… Cycling is an exercise that can be tailored to individual needs and abilities, is low-impact, and can be very social when you ride with others.”
Valid Reasons to Reconsider Riding a Bike as You Age
However, there are also cautionary viewpoints: “If you have health issues or physical limitations that make biking challenging or unsafe, it might be time to reconsider.”
“If you experience unsteadiness or are prone to falls, evaluating your cycling habits is advisable.”
Conversely, my personal belief remains: “If cycling still brings you joy and happiness, there’s no compelling reason to stop.”
My primary care physician recently affirmed, “The best thing you can do to slow down aging is to maintain your exercise routine.”
A friend’s reaction further validated my approach:
“It’s an understatement to say that you are doing the right thing by being active and staying active despite a minor setback. I wholeheartedly support your actions! You are a remarkably diligent and disciplined person. I am confident in your recovery. In the meantime, this is an opportunity to explore new muscles, new places, and new forms of exercise!”
Advice from a 95-Year-Old Cyclist: ‘It’s Your Decision to Make!’
Finally, I sought advice from my cycling friend Joanne Staniscia, of Franklin, who, at 95, cycled until the age of 90. Her strength and passion for cycling throughout her 80s were an inspiration to many. Joanne eventually stopped riding after another fall at 85, where she broke her wrist. “You all continue the ride without me,” she announced at the time. Despite this setback, she returned to cycling two years later, and even at 88 and 89, she would outpace me on hills with her remarkably strong legs.
No one ever suggested to Joanne that she should stop riding outdoors.
“I simply decided at some point that it was time to keep my feet on the ground,” she advised. “It’s not for someone else to dictate. You’ll know when you want to stop. It’s your decision to make.”
For now, I am focused on allowing my elbow to heal completely, regaining full range of motion, and eagerly anticipating the return of spring and the joy of riding my bike once again.
Reach Sue Scheible at [email protected].
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