To be really worried about her mobility?

[Celia24]

On a trip with my mother who is early 60s. She needs frequent breaks to sit down while walking, maybe every 10-15 mins.

We have a day trip planned, train leaving at 10 arriving at destination at 12, then back at 6 again. She was really annoyed to hear we'd be on the go for 6 hours and says we'll need to take a lot of breaks. I'm gutted to hear this as I've been really looking forward to seeing the place.

I am shocked at how she seems older than she is when I see her as still young. Are my expectations wrong or am I right to be concerned?

She is basically saying she's unfit. I see it as quite serious.

She’s far too young to be struggling like this. Something is wrong. It may be something quite simple, but she should see a doctor. Perhaps you could try phrasing it that at her age she’s got a lot of living still to do and something is holding her back.

I've thought she has undiagnosed anxiety for years.

Also her friend went on holiday with her last year and friend discreetly told me she flat out refused to do some things that should've been fine. Anxiety could be a factor although I don't doubt she's not feeling capable in the moment.

It's lifestyle rather than age, unless she has a (diagnosed or undiagnosed) condition. I'm 70, I've been very unfit, in the past, much younger than her. Very sedentary lifestyle. I have, reluctently at times, made changes. I now do a 4 mile walk twice a week, with a friend who is 77. I now work in the garden whenever the weather is fit enough. Using a Fitbit and having a calorie target has helped my motivation. My inclination is still to be lazy, but I know that won't help so I make sure I make my calorie target at least 5 times a week - and enough extra on those days that my weekly average meets the target

What about posting on the Travel section here, asking for suggestions for an itinerary for the day trip to suit someone with mobility issues? There may be some good places with lots of seating where your Mum could chill while you looked round a bit more.
Agree with other posters about getting her to GP for an MOT on return home.

It seems like the heat is an issue if she is not like this at home. How is her hydration? If she is not drinking enough that will be fatiguing her.

It probably is worth seeing her GP though.

My daughter really struggled walking for long when her iron was very low. She got tired very easily and laughing for too long made her breathless. She is 20 and very healthy otherwise! Worth looking into.

Absolutely not normal.
I think fitness tapers off more through ill health in 70s. Unless something significant happens before hand.
I have one parent 70 something cant walk to the end of the street, mostly self caused, cant walk to the front of the street.
The other walks 5 miles several times a week and does pilates and over 65 aerobics.
Inlaws do park run. Bowling. Have a dog and are in a running club. Shorter distances now and being more careful on pacing etc.
I think she needs to be investigated as this is far too young. People are working full time till age 68.

My mum (60s) had similar issues. Major iron deficiency. Easily fixed, but impossible to get better without treatment.