Not Too Late to Get into Cycling – Start with These Basic Tips

Most of us rode a bike when we were younger. However, once we get older and enter the workforce, many of us forget our bikes. Cycling is an excellent activity for those over 40 looking for a way to have fun, exercise, and help maintain health.

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Not Too Late to Get into Cycling – Start with These Basic Tips
4 Min Read October 16th, 2020 Updated:February 7th, 2022

Physical activity is integral to maintaining good health, even as you become more advanced in age. While you may not be able to play the same intense, impact-heavy sports you used to; there are still hobbies you can pick up to add exercise into your routine. 

An enjoyable one to consider is cycling. Riding a bike allows you to spend time outside while also working out your heart, lungs, and leg muscles. Here are some basic tips for getting into cycling you can use to start today.

How's Your Technique?

Before fully committing to long, rigorous biking sessions, it is a good idea to work on your technique. That way, you will reduce the chances that you will injure yourself in the future. Spend some time cycling over short distances and reacclimating yourself to being on a bike. Know that you should gradually slow down when approaching turns rather than suddenly braking so that you do not disrupt your balance. If your bike has handlebar brakes, remember that the front brake will bring you to a halt more quickly than the rear one.

Make Sure Your Bike Fits You

After becoming more comfortable with pedaling and braking, you may want to upgrade your current bicycle or purchase one of your own if you have been using someone else's. Figure out your preferences and needs and consider the landscape of your neighborhood before settling on one. 

Since you probably don't want to get too dangerous with your cycling, a lightweight road bike might make for a good choice due to its smooth feel on the pavement. However, if your area doesn't have the neatest roads and has many hills, an all-wheel-drive e-bike might be better. This will give you better traction over bumps and cracks, and the onboard motor will assist you as you pedal up challenging inclines.

Safety Measures

Safety should be a priority every time you use your bicycle, so a basic tip for getting into cycling is to take proper safety precautions. Always wear a helmet to protect yourself in the event of a fall or collision. Note that helmets lose their effectiveness over time, so if you have one that is rather old (over five years old), you should replace it with a new one. 

Additionally, you should stay on top of bicycle maintenance, making sure to keep the tires at the right pressure and keeping the chain lubricated. Furthermore, never wear earbuds or headphones, as these can reduce your awareness of nearby vehicles. At present, health experts advise that you maintain social distancing and cover your face while biking as well.

Health and Bike Riding

You probably rode a bike at ten-years-old just fine. However, while the skills are the same, your physical ability may have changed as you got older. There is a good chance you are not as physically fit today as you were when you were a kid. No matter how well you take care of yourself, we all have changes in our health and body as we get older. 

You might have some back problems today. Maybe you have arthritis, and your hip and knees hurt a little - or a lot. Some people suffer from more serious health issues like heart disease. While you may have some health challenges, it doesn't mean you can't ride a bike and enjoy the health benefits that come with riding. 

Be sure to speak with your doctor and make sure they have no problems with your riding. With the right equipment and technique, you can enjoy the time outside with your bike in the great outdoors. 

Looking at advancing to bike racing? How do you make sure you are preparing for a cycling race and will be performing to your best ability on the big day? If you are getting into cycling for fun or competition, it will help you stay healthy and active.

Health and Longevity Require Planning

Since we are all living longer take proactive steps to improve your health is a good idea. Physical activity like bike riding is one of those positive steps you can take. However, age will catch up with us no matter how fast we ride! Being proactive with planning for the financial costs and burdens of aging will help you enjoy your future or current retirement without the anxiety that often comes with getting older.

Ideally, when you are in your 40s or 50s, you should be finalizing retirement plans. One of the most important steps to take for many American families is putting an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy in force. 

The problem with longevity is long-term care. As our health changes and hour bodies and mind decline, we need the resources to pay for future long-term health care without draining income and assets and placing stress and burden on our family. This is both a cash flow issue and a family issue. Preparing family and finances is essential to overall peace-of-mind.

Start your research by using the many tools available on LTC NEWS. Find all these resources by clicking hereThe Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is a good read to start your research.

Good luck with bike riding, and good luck with longevity.

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About the Author

Mallory Knee is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things beauty and fashion. She particularly enjoys writing for communities of passionate women who come together for a shared interest and empower one another in the process. In her free time, you can find Mallory trying a fun new dinner recipe, practicing calligraphy, or hanging out with her family.

LTC News Contributor Mallory Knee

Mallory Knee

Contributor since September 25th, 2020

Editor's Note

Long-term care is a cash flow problem but also a family problem. Be prepared for the consequences that aging and declining health will have on you and your family. Being prepared will reduce the stress and anxiety on your family, give you access to your choice of quality care options, and safeguard income and assets from the ever-growing costs of care.

If you want to address the consequences, you need a plan. For many American families, affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution. You remain in control and avoid being dependent on others. You maintain your choice of care services and preserve your lifestyle and legacy.

However, you cannot delay deciding until your health significantly changes. Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten, and every insurance company has its own criteria. Generally, you must have reasonably good health to obtain coverage. You need the help of an experienced and qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who works with the major companies to guide you in the process.

Today, most people obtain coverage in their 50s.

Seek Professional Guidance

Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, premiums vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same coverage.

Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.

A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS

You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis. 

To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:

Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.

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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.

Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations. 

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LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with your Long-Term Care Insurance policy. 

You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News

Benefits of Reverse Mortgages 

Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.  

Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement. 

Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages. 

- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.

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If your parent or loved one needs care now - or soon - you will need to find the appropriate care in the right setting depending on their needs.

Take a moment and read - 

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