Posted on Sunday, 26th May 2024 by

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I modified the lyrics from Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 song to emphasize a point. Walk don’t run to maintain and improve your health. Especially for the aged, a group that I am fully intrenched in at the time.

Walking on A Cloud – Asics Cumulus 25

Walking is an integral part of all we do, pre- and post-retirement and exercise is essential to the level tolerable and if recommended by your doctor.

This daily activity strengthens the heart, lowers blood sugar, eases joint pain, boosts our immune functions, increases energy, enhances mood, and extends life. For so simple an activity, it offers huge benefits for those of any age.

Running provides similar benefits but over time damages our joints, feet, and backs. Tom, a good friend, ran 5 to 10 miles a day up to his early 60s. He looked forward to his daily runs, golfing, and other outdoor activities. In his 60s he had both knees replaced and I believe, or at least hope, he reverted to walking after the surgeries. I know he still enjoys golf.

Finding the Right Fit

One of the problems we all face over time is finding a shoe that is comfortable and doesn’t aggravate sore tired feet, arthritic knees and hips, and fallen aches, a lifetime pursuit for many. Over the years I’ve tried about every shoe brand and variation imaginable and last fall I discovered Asics shoes at a local Pro Bike+Run store in Robinson Township, PA. They have six locations in and around Pittsburgh, PA.

We purchased Sketchers’ Go Walks for many years. Mary still swears by them and won’t buy anything else. Their slip-ins, not slip-ons, are also convenient, especially for older folks. They are far better than many other brands when it comes to a softer sole that cushions your feet from daily abuse.

Prior to that, New Balance was all the rage during my 40s and 50s, at the time they seemed a better fit for my activity level but today they are too firm and have little cushioning for worn joints and tired feet.

Ascis Advantages

This brand offers shoes for all major sports activities, from golf and pickle ball to running and walking, and everything in between.  They also offer shoes for pronation, neutral, under and over. I chose the Gel-Cumulus 25, a running shoe, because of the deeper cushioned sole. They also have a Nimbus running model.

If that sounds familiar, in school they taught us about Cumulus-Nimbus cloud formations. These shoes provide the sensation of literally walking on clouds from my personal perspective.

If you have stability issues, their walking shoes may be a better option. Mary and I walk over 10,000 steps a day, many are on a track at our home where I walk for two 30-minute periods, one in the early morning and another in the afternoon. Mary’s step count frequently exceeds 15,000 steps a day!

Visit the Asics site and check out their inventory; if you are in Pittsburgh visit one of the Pro Bike+Run stores where you can try them on to ensure a perfect fit.




Insoles & Comfort

I use insoles to moderate tired flat feet and non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain. Typically, I use Dr. Scholl’s custom inserts, their Custom Fit (CF 660) model. Visit their online kiosk or one of their fitting stations located at various retail outlets to find the right fit for you.

Before finding Dr. Scholl’s inserts I tired many over the counter inserts and opted for a full custom-made pair in 2017 that costs $300. It was too hard and ended up stored in a bag full of other inserts I’ve purchased over the years.

To use third party or custom inserts, the shoe you purchase should have removable inserts. Many of the top brands including Ascis have removable inserts, Sketcher’s are glued in.

Summary

Walking in comfortable shoes, as simple as this sounds, makes a huge difference in our lives and allows us to participate in activities and events we would otherwise avoid.

If you find good walking shoes and insoles, there isn’t any excuse for not walking to improve your health and to take on activities that you long since abandoned. If you haven’t exercised or walked regularly for a while, check with your physician and start slow, 5 to 10 minutes at a time and build up from there.

What prompted this article was my desire to replace my Sketchers’ indoor walking shoes. Their Easy Walk’s sole tends to catch on hard surfaces, creating a trip hazard. The Ascis shoe has a curved sole front to back that offers a toe to heel cradle so to speak that propels you along during your walk/run and eliminates the occasional trip that I experience with Go Walks.

Cautionary Note

Before starting a new indoor walking routine remove any trip hazards that are in your path and when walking outside beware of the surface you’re walking on: raised or cracked sidewalk sections, potholes, debris in the streets, etc.

My cousin Margie tripped in the street and hit her head on the curb last December causing a brain bleed. Be careful and go slow, falls are one of the major reasons for emergency room visits, especially for those advanced in age. Notice I didn’t say elderly, don’t like that term now that I’m old enough to know better.

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, investment, and benefit information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties for assistance including OPM’s retirement center.

Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The information contained herein should not be considered investment advice and may not be suitable for your situation. This service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Last 5 posts by Dennis Damp

Posted in LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SURVIVOR INFORMATION, WELLNESS / HEALTH | Comments (0)


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