DECALOGUE FOR SENIOR HIKERS

by ELIO CANDUSSI

Covid marked a watershed, a caesura, a boundary between two historical eras, with “before” and “after”. An “after” that we could call “excesses”, characterized by climate change, extreme, violent, unpredictable phenomena, the retreat of glaciers, the lack of snow, landslides, flooding of rivers and streams and so on. Things that we see every day and that we witness helplessly.

One of the consequences of this is hyper-tourism in the mountains, but not everywhere, but concentrated in some places of great fame and attraction, for example in the Dolomites. And among the new visitors to the Highlands, the Seniors or the “over-65s” are largely noteworthy, perhaps driven by the economic crisis and the consequent phenomenon of early retirement. The problem is that they are mostly naïve about the minimum safety rules in the mountains, an environment that is hostile to its characteristic, which must protect itself from the invasion of “hit and run” tourism, from people who consider the “refuge” as a normal city restaurant that can also offer sea fish on its menu, who reach it with a comfortable cable car or by car for an easy cart track, Dress in regular city attire.

In front of these newcomers to the mountains, new dangers arise, which they do not imagine and therefore blame the “killer mountain”, in the event of small or large accidents they are confident of being able to call 112 or the Mountain Rescue as a taxi, often without a real need, but with very high costs for society. Consequently, the Italian Alpine Club, through the National Coordination of Senior Hikers, has drawn up a Decalogue dedicated to them, ten rules of conduct that we present alongside.

They are basically “common sense” recommendations, considered at first glance trivial because they are also valid for a “normal” trip. In fact, reflections on clothing, equipment, nutrition, itinerary are also made when embarking on a “tourist” tour in any place in Europe; the timetables of museums and public transport will be checked, hypertension pills will be brought and if in winter warm clothes, umbrellas, raincoats, etc. Any emergencies, health or clothing for example, can be solved “on the fly”, in a pharmacy or with a ring from the mobile phone.

And in the mountains??? Same arguments, but the answers are very different, the “common sense of the city” does not work on the Highlands, the pharmacy (for a patch, an analgesic, a sunscreen 50) and the grocery store (against a drop in sugar) are not at hand, the cell phone signal is often weak or even absent, the weather can change suddenly while I am away from the car or the refuge, if I get lost Google Maps not working, etc. The Decalogue addresses these situations and provides suggestions that everyone is invited to read.

But there are often overlooked aspects that are particularly critical for an “over-65”, first of all the physical performance is half of a young person (and therefore the resistance to fatigue) and then the fact that half of the Seniors suffer from a chronic disease (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, lung problems, etc.) with which they live quietly in the city, but which can become serious at 2000 meters above sea level, especially if I get there in a few minutes by cable car. As is the case with hypertension: the dosage of “corrective” drugs must be adapted, calibrated for the height at which I am and for the effort I undertake.

Further information can be found on the CAI website in the notebook “Guidelines for senior hiking”.

Enjoy the reading.

The elderly population in Italy is constantly growing, the over 65s currently represent 24% of it, about 14 million, of which 7 million are over 75.

In the CAI, Seniors (over 65) are about 23%.

1 SOFT AND SLOW. Characteristic of seniors are excursions with limited physical effort and at a slow pace, so as to be able to appreciate the landscape and the company. The excursion is discovered in respect of the nature that hosts us. The important thing is not the goal, but the path to reach it.

2 ITINERARY. A careful evaluation of the itinerary (elevation gain, length, type of terrain, time, altitude), the weather forecast and the avalanche bulletin is necessary. It is advisable to inform the manager of the refuge about the destination of the excursion and the number of participants. The itinerary should also be communicated to a family member before departure. Provide a plan B, in case an early return is necessary.

3 EQUIPMENT. It must be suitable for the type of itinerary, the season and the altitude: in the backpack insert a map of the route, telescopic poles, sunglasses and protective cream, backpack cover, mobile phone with external “powerbank” and “GeoResQ” app, first aid kit, whistle, thermal blanket.

4 CLOTHING. Commensurate with the type of itinerary, the season and the altitude. You will need a change of underwear, socks, fleece and windbreaker, rain cape, gloves, hat/hat/wool cap, sturdy footwear with non-slip soles.

5 NUTRITION. Provide an adequate caloric intake before and during the excursion, with easily digestible and quickly assimilated food, such as energy bars and dried fruit. Pay attention to an adequate water supply. A careful evaluation of the intake of liquids during the excursion is necessary (in the elderly the sensation of thirst can be reduced). Avoid alcoholic beverages. Saline supplements are useful, unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor.

6 CHRONIC DISEASES (e.g. heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, respiratory problems). Precise adherence to home therapy is needed, but adapted to the changed environmental and altitude conditions. It is also advisable to have the presence in the backpack of the drugs usually taken and necessary during the excursion. A medical check-up is recommended at least once a year, or several times in the case of progressive pathologies and/or with one or more exacerbations per year.

7 STATE OF HEALTH. It is recommended to bring a health card with you, which reports any allergies to drugs, insect bites or other and home therapy taken daily. Any telephone numbers to contact in case of accident/illness must be indicated. Pay attention to the vaccinations recommended by the Ministry of Health.

8 PHYSICAL PREPARATION. The performance of an elderly person is significantly lower than that of a middle-aged adult or even more so than a young person. This will have to be taken into account when choosing the route. Training conditions will also have to be carefully evaluated. Constant and aerobic physical activity promotes physical and mental well-being.

9 ACCIDENT. In the event of an accident that prevents the continuation of the excursion (illness, trauma or other adverse event) it is imperative to contact the Single Emergency Number 112 (or 118 if 112 is not active) and scrupulously follow their instructions. In the event of minor accidents (e.g. minor injuries), use the first aid kit, which must contain, among other things, the thermal rescue blanket and specific medicines for your chronic diseases. Keep in mind that calls for “negligence” can incur significant costs.

10 COMPANY. The benefit of an excursion is made optimal if carried out in good company and in good health, in a natural environment and with a favorable climate, always keeping in mind that the excursion ends once you return home. We leave and arrive all together. It is recommended to take your waste home.

For further information, consult the CAI Notebook 12 “Guidelines for senior hiking”

February 2025