Benefits of Walking Every Day for Older Adults
One step in front of the other is all it takes to start your journey to improve your health. Some of the key benefits of walking every day for seniors are listed below:
- Improves Cardiovascular Health
Walking every day offers several heart health benefits for seniors. Getting your heart rate up daily improves blood circulation in the body. Walking every day also helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol and even helps to fend off coronary heart disease. A s that walking is also associated with a reduced risk of stroke in older men, making it an effective strategy for stroke prevention in older adults.
- Healthy Weight
Another benefit of daily or older adults is that it helps them lose weight or maintain it. Walking a mile can burn about 100 calories and prevent the risk of obesity and related health issues.
- Strengthens muscles, bones, and joints
Despite being a fairly low-impact activity, walking benefits older adults by providing a whole-body workout, keeping muscles, bones, and joints in good health all at once. The motion of walking helps lubricate the joints and strengthen the muscles that need support, especially in the knee and hip areas, which are more vulnerable to osteoarthritis.
- Improves Mental Health
Walking daily significantly improves a senior’s mental health as well as releases endorphins or the “feel good” hormones and helps promote circular breathing. Walking improves self-esteem and cognitive function. Furthermore, walking also reduces anxiety and depression in older adults.
- Lowers Blood Sugar
When blood sugar levels spike in the body after a meal, a 15-minute walk can help reduce the levels of blood sugar in the body. Seniors who rely on insulin may find that walking also increases insulin sensitivity which allows the body to use blood glucose more effectively thereby reducing blood sugar levels.
- Low to no costs
Walking not only benefits your body and mind but also your pocket. Walking every day helps older adults avoid the cost of expensive gym memberships and workout gear. All they need is a pair of comfortable shoes and the drive to be consistent, and they’re good to go.
- Social Engagement
Seniors often suffer from loneliness as they age. An underrated benefit of walking every day is that it allows older adults to spend time outside and foster social interactions, making their time exercising more enjoyable and fruitful. Older adults
- Helps keep diseases at bay
As we age, the immune system in our body weakens. By walking every day consistently, an older adult can maintain a healthy and strong immune system that fights day-to-day illnesses with ease.
Getting Started with Walking
To get maximum health benefits from walking every day, consistency is key. Once you start and gain momentum, results will show. Listed below are some of the most significant things an older adult needs to keep in mind before starting a walking regimen:
- Start small
Even a walk down the block can be instrumental in promoting overall health. It is wise not to push yourself too hard or too fast as you begin. Keep your goals attainable and soon you will build consistency and even enjoy a newfound sense of well-being that will motivate you to keep at it.
- Check the weather
Weather can significantly impact a senior’s mood and motivation to engage in walking. Therefore, it is important to watch out for the weather. If it’s too warm or cold someday, you can try walking inside the local mall or some other indoor facility and get your steps in.
- Consult your doctor
Even though the benefits of walking outweigh any possible cons, if you have a pre-existing chronic health condition like diabetes or arthritis, discuss with your doctor what exercise routine or walking routine works best for seniors and plan accordingly. If you’re looking for effective care from the best primary doctors in Florida, please know that we have some of the best geriatric primary care physicians working on our team. Get personalized care from trained professionals at our center near you. Call +1 888-596-209 to schedule an appointment.
- Set A Time Limit
A fixed time limit or fixed number of steps can make walking more effective. They can feel confident that they have walked a certain number of steps or completed a certain distance. Also, this ensures that they’re back home at a reasonable hour. Use a fitness band or a phone app to keep track of the time and number of steps.
- Take Safety Precautions
Wear comfortable and safe walking shoes to avoid injuries. In addition, carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration, and always wear sunscreen if it’s sunny outside.
Walking is one of the easiest, safest, and most effective exercises for seniors. However, do not worry about the number of steps or the distance covered. Instead, learn to find enjoyment in it. You can even consider walking with a pet if you have one. Happy Walking!