I was a street skater for many years and lived in a third floor walk-up. I always walked backwards on my toestops when I descended the stairs. If you fall, it's much better to fall up than fall down.

What is a street skater?

Thank you, Alisande.

They x-rayed these 95 year old knees the other day, as I've had to deal with some discomfort when I move certain ways, and sometimes the right one wants to refuse to carry the weight.

So far I haven't heard a response from my doctor.

As I need to negotiate some stairs to exit the house from either back or front doors - maybe it will be a good idea to put your suggestion to use.

So far, it hasn't shown up while I'm hitchhiking. Or carrying a couple of bags of groceries home fom the store(s).

I try not to be backward about trying new things - especially when they may be helpful as I negotiate daily living.

Just tried it, usefully, as I carried some onions and potatoes sitting on a step that were to be taken back to the basement - and avoided tripping over anything else on the stairs.

Being rather forgetful - on the return upstairs sort of forgot whether I was to be upbound or downbound ... so went back down, figuring that extra practice wouldn't hurt.

Thanks, again, Alisande.

ole joyful

Elmer, a street skater is just as it sounds, although actually it was more sidewalk than street. For my first 7 years living in NYC, a city with fabulous concrete, I pretty much lived on my roller skates. I even had a couple of jobs where they let me wear my skates. Many days I'd put them on in the morning and take them off when I went to bed. I barely spent anything on transportation, wore a lightweight backpack and shopped all of Manhattan for my groceries. I wore wrist guards and fortunately, never lost more than a little skin, tore my pants knee or broke my Walkman. Then I started a business that involved traveling around the city and carrying a heavy sample case. I realized that a broken limb would put me out of business, and I gave up the skates. I miss skating. But now the sidewalks are filled with idiots looking at their phones so it's just not as safe as it used to be. Also, my bones aren't what they used to be either.

I often go down stairs on an angle, with my hips and feet at about 45 degrees. Much easier on my knees.

This reminds me of descending a ladder, which is always pretty much backwards.

P.S. Everyone here backs out of parking spaces. What is nice about here (as opposed to Los Angeles) is that the parking spaces are very large in comparison, and the streets are very wide and have little traffic.

Thanks, jupidupi, that term was unfamiliar to me. So too mostly what you describe.

I don't know about going backwards down stairs. Luckily I live in a single story home. When traveling or out and about, if there's a ramp I usually take it instead of stairs. My knees are bad and have been for years. I've fallen multiple times on the right one. Last time I remember was in front of a little hole-in-the-wall coffee shop and they were tall concrete steps. Not good for a short, clumsy, old lady like me.

When my knee acts up where it's painful to navigate the stairs I've turned sideways and gone up and down one step at a time. I'll try this way next time.

Jupidupi, so a street skater is someone who gets around town by skating. I get around town by walking, but I sure wouldn’t want to be called a streetwalker! 😄