learning to ski at 68

Question
My mother in law who is 68 is wanting to join us skiing on a family ski outing. She has never ski'd before,is accident prone, overweight, in poor physical shape, and has copd of some sort - she is on oxygen at night. While most people would realize this is a bad idea, she has little common sense - but I do love her! I have fears that she will hurt herself - any thoughts on how to dissuade her from actually trying to join us on the slopes?

Answer
hi and thanks for the question.

firstly - i would encourage [if not demand] that your mother in-law speak to her doctor or specialist in relation to her COPD and exercise.  the first day or 2 on skis can be exhausting and she may put herself at risk of complications.

Overweight and poor physical shape will exacerbate her condition and its obvious the accident prone is not going to work in her favour either.

If she insists this is what she wants to do - because afterall she still needs to find something to enjoy, then you will need to get her a private lesson. Ask at the ski school if they have instructors trained in special needs. You may also want someone with first aid knowledge as there could be a high risk of her becomeing quite breathless and this will panic not only her but also the instructor if they are not sure what to do.  During the lesson it would be a very good idea if a family member could be close by with the oxygen [if it is safe to do so]. She may need a few puffs every 10mins or so if she is in poor shape.

Cold air is difficult to breath in- and the altitude will also decrease the amount of oxygen available to her.  She will notice this more if you currently live at sea level.

But with all this in mind - the oldest person i have taught was a spritly 92yo lady. She was happy to feel the sensation of sliding and to make a little snow-plow stop at the end.  Perhaps this is all she too would like to experience and is not looking to actually keep up with you when you go out skiing??
Ask her what she would like to achieve and her goal and see if it is realistic?

I would love to know how you get on and if she is able to have a go.

Good luck and all the best

lisa willis, RN