Exercising at 77

By Mike7664

1 min read

Last updated: August 2021

My family is telling me to exercise. I am 77, I am very tired and on a new medicine. I know exercise is important. Also cooking, bathing, driving a car, all the things you do every day, I have trouble with these things. I was told I had COPD about seven years ago. Now I am in stage 4 and have to bathe with oxygen and I am on oxygen 24/7. I have been so active, this is hard to take. My husband passed 6 yrs ago and I took care of him 24/7. I let my health go.

Exercise and COPD Awareness

3 comments

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
HI <inline-mention username="Mike7664" user-id="4213144"/> - we hear you! It can be challenging managing this condition - you have certainly come to the right place to voice your concerns. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband - please accept my sincere condolences. Your family is, no doubt, looking out for your health! As they've suggested, staying active is such an important aspect of managing this condition. Perhaps you could start out slowly (maybe a short walk, to begin), and gradually work you way up over time. Do you think that might work for you? If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
Janet Plank Moderator
Hi <inline-mention username="Mike7664" user-id="4213144"/> I'm so sorry about all that you are going through. Losing a spouse is so hard. Then, dealing with "life" can get overwhelming. Are you on social security? If so, contact their office or best might be social services. Maybe you can get someone in to help you for a few hours a week or whatever would work best. They also have meals that they deliver to your house. Here, it's called meals on wheels. Leon had very good recommendations on exercise. When you are up to it, you could talk to your doctor and see if he/she would would recommend you for pulmonary rehab. Some small hospitals might not offer it. It might be worth checking out. This would also be good if you are concerned about exercising at home alone. I understand what it's like to be active, then you find it difficult to do those very things. It's hard. Is there something that you can do and feel good about? That might be a good place to start. Do you have family or friends near you? A support system is so very important. I want you to know that we are here for you. We do understand some of the things that you are going through. Check out the stories here. You might find something that helps. Hoping that you have a restful night. Janet (site moderator/COPD.net)
beverlydemarco Member
I WAS ALWAYS TRYING TO HIDE HAVING COPD, I HAD IT SINCE 1993, I WAS A WAITRESS THAT WORKED IN THE SMOKING SECTION IN A RESTAURANT FOR OVER 35 YEARS, DURING THOSE YEARS I LOST A LOT OF COWORKERS FROM COPD BUT I STILL CONTINUED TO SMOKE AND WORK THERE IN THAT SECOND HAND SMOKE, WELL IT FINALLY CAUGHT UP TO ME, I AM IN STAGE4 COPD AND I REALLY AM SUFFERING FROM STAGE 4 COPD, I TRYED MANY TIMES TO QUIT BUT IT WAS SOOOOO HARD AND THEN I WOULD SNEAK SMOKING CIGARETTES AND TELLING MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT I GAVE IT UP. WHEN I LOST MY HUSBAND IN 2005 I REALLY GOT SO DEPRESSED AND STARTED SMOKING AGAIN, HE WAS ALWAYS AFTER ME TO GIVE UP SMOKING, HE GAVE THEM UP ABOUT 40 YEARS AGO BUT I COULDNT DO IT. I LOST A LOT OF FRIENDS TO COPD AND I HAVE MANY FRIENDS THAT STILL SMOKE AND DONT HAVE COPD. I KNOW MY DAYS ARE NUMBERED NOW AND ITS TOO LATE TO FIX MY LUNGS, I AM ON OXYGEN 24/7. I CANT DO A LOT OF WALKING , I NEVER GO OUT OF MY HOUSE , ONLY TO DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS. I WAS ALWAYS SO ACTIVE AND NOW I'M BEARLY LIVING. I ONLY HAVE MYSELF TO BLAME AND I TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME..
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> Hi again, Beverly, and thanks so much for candidly sharing so much of your COPD-life story here with the community. If I may suggest - try not to 'blame' yourself - try to look forward and cherish each day, as I know you try to do. We value all your many and varied comments here in our online community and appreciate your consistency as a contributing member! As always, if there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
2. vikki2151 Member
 <inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> oh hi and I am so sorry for you. You sound like my husband tho. As far as the leaving the house goes anyway. I am trying to learn ways to help him. Exercise is the biggest obstacle we face. He wont exercise at all! I keep trying to talk to him about it but it has got to the point he just gets mad. I wish you all the best! I am here if you ever need to talk or to vent! thanks, Vikki
krozy1944 Member
Do you have a portable unit so you can take a short walk. I'll be 77 in November. Doctors want me to do 30 minutes on treadmill. Before I was diagnosed,I had a hard time walking from a back injury. So like you I know I need to do something. I seldom need oxygen. Have you seen the exercise machine with pedal like a bike but you remain seated?
tomboyer46 Member
Leon, We have touched on this lightly a couple times, really bugging me. Stage 3, 40% lung capacity, blood/oxygen levels usually above 90-92. Question is why after like 20 ft of walking slow am I short off breath? Does anyone have an answer for that? I know that when I bend over I "crunch" what is left of my lungs and that causes short of breath big time but just walking?? Thanks in advance. Tom 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> Hi Tom, so good to 'see' you here and also, to hear from you. You bring up an interesting point and yes, we have touched on this lightly in the past a few times. The pulmonary system can be very complex, even when everything is normal. Add COPD to the mix, and everything, especially gas exchange - ventilation/perfusion matching - can be even more complex. So many have expressed concern as to why their oxygen saturation levels are normal (at 90-92%, in your case), and yet they become short-winded with the slightest effort/exertion. I do hope you find this information is helpful in a practical way. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator)
roscoe Member
I have 2 questions I need to ask. 1. Why does my nose run constantly when I'm up and walking around. It does stop when I lay down. 2. Has anybody seen those ads for gummie bears that treat Copd? I'm sure that's a 100% fake ad but just wondering if anybody else saw this on FB and tried them?
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="roscoe" user-id="2448521"/>, many of our community members struggle with a runny nose and i'm sure they will chime in with their own experiences. All the best, Sam S. (Team Member).

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