Walking is a good exercise for older adults because it can bring energy into your daily life and great benefits to your mental and physical health. Although walking may not be thought of as a rigorous form of exercise, it’s one of the simplest ways to add needed movement to your day. It’s a terrific non-impact activity that allows you to stay active at your own pace regardless of your degree of mobility—and even just 20-30 minutes a day is beneficial.
According to The National Institute on Aging, aging adults maintain their strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance by frequent walking. In addition to the physical benefits, walking also gets you outside and helps you socialize with friends. Read more to discover other reasons walking is a great exercise for older adults.
How can walking boost your health?
Healthy weight management
Burn those calories! According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, and it states that a 150-pound person walking a mile in 20 minutes will burn about 80 calories. Staying physically active can also support a healthy heart, improving blood pressure, and blood cholesterol because it keeps the body at a healthy weight and also by reducing stress hormones that can be a burden on the heart.
Helps boost your mood
Waking can help get those endorphins moving! Just by moving a little bit a day gets your blood pumping and gives you energy which, in turn, makes you happier. Plus, who would say no to getting a mood boost while getting some sun, fresh air, and mingling with friends?
Improve your sleep habits
Walking can help you get a good night’s sleep! According to John Hopkins Medicine, people who exercise for at least 30 minutes may have improved sleep that night. This may be because light exercise can stabilize your mood and decompresses the mind.
Reduce pain
Older adults can experience unwanted muscle and joint pain. By moving, you are not only helping lower arthritis pain, you are also decreasing the chances of an unwanted flare-ups of new pain.
Strengthens muscles, bones, and joints
Walking is a great way to move the major muscles and joints in the body and can make your bones feel less stiff. Most of the cartilage in joints receives no direct blood flow– it receives nourishment from the joint fluid that moves around as we move. Walking causes the cartilage to move and compress, allowing oxygen and nutrients to enter the region quickly.
Promotes social engagement
Going for a stroll increases your chances of meeting new people, whether it be by joining a walking group in your community or simply striking up a conversation with a neighbor as you pass by. Walking also allows you to get things off your mind and talk with your friends about your day.
How to get started: Every little bit helps!
Walking is not a race and can be done at your own pace. Walking is a free activity and can be done anywhere! If you set your mind to a goal of walking a few times a week to get started, you will be taking daily walks in no time, and it will become a part of your routine.
Safety precautions to remember
- Avoid walking in intense heat and find other safe ways to get your steps in, including a mall, or save your walk for the next day.
- Always wear a pair of tennis shoes to avoid falling or other serious injuries.
- Start small. Remember that walking is supposed to be fun and relaxing.
- Always stay hydrated and wear sun protection on those hot summer days.
- Give yourself peace of mind and walk with a friend.
Immerse yourself in one of the many walking paths of Sun Health Communities!
At Grandview Terrace, La Loma Village, and The Colonnade, residents enjoy being part of a friendly and inviting environment. It’s easy to take advantage of the many perks depending on which community you choose. The walking amenities include an indoor walking track and beautiful outdoor walking paths with a view and scenic surroundings. We even have a dog park if you want to walk along with your dog as they play!
We hope the information in the article provides you with the knowledge of why walking is a great exercise for older adults. At Sun Health Communities, we want you to stay motivated, have fun, and get walking!
