Walking is an exercise that most of us can do. It is easy to perform and can be included in our daily routines, without too much to worry about. Add to that, there are also proven benefits of walking, not just for the young ones, but more so for older individuals. If your loved ones have already stopped walking the same way they used to when they were younger, now is the time to revisit these benefits and explain things to them.
Before even listing these benefits, let us reiterate how walking can be embraced as an exercise. A lot of older people will seem adamant about the idea of walking or exercising for that matter. Questions like whether the body can be damaged or joints tending to wear out will come to mind at the thought of walking. Walking, when done right will definitely get rid of knee pain, arthritis, and other related illnesses.
# 1 – Walking Makes the Body Stronger
Spending less time sitting is an effective way to get yourself exercising every single day. Walking gradually is a good start, whether it be with a team member in a senior living community, or with a loved one at home. While you are concerned with keeping your body fit by engaging in different forms of exercise, walking will build a good foundation for a stronger body. The more consistent you are when doing this exercise, the better your body’s condition will be.
# 2 – It Helps Maintain Your Ideal Weight
Whether you want to lose weight or you want to maintain your current weight, daily walks will definitely benefit you a lot. Walking is as effective as running if you want to burn calories. Senior living communities design walking as part of their fitness and wellness activities for residents. Some recommend certain distances or paces, depending on the needs of each individual.
# 3 – It Improves Heart Health
Older adults are prone to health issues like high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. A lot of studies have already proven that walking can help improve one’s heart condition. Walking for about 30 minutes each day can also lower the risk of cardiac arrest, stroke, and diabetes.
# 4 – It Boosts the Immune System
Walking has its way of helping older adults avoid sniffles, flu, and sore throat. Since walking is among the low and moderate exercises recommended to help fight these conditions, you can be sure that including it in your daily activities will help you fight off all infections, thus boosting your immune system.
# 5 – It Improves Mobility
Hip fractures are common in older adults who have stopped performing daily exercises and are stuck to the habit of just staying in their rooms. If you walk around half an hour a day, you will be able to prevent bone loss, reduce body pain, and improve your overall mobility. This can help improve your overall stability and flexibility too.
There are yet other benefits that you are sure to enjoy when you include walking as part of your daily activities. Your body will thank you a lot when you do so.
