How Do Walks Benefit The Health Of Seniors?
Walking is the last thing that comes to mind when discussing exercise. On the contrary, it is one of the most effective forms of exercise for older people and the best part is you can also use walk time to interact with others. Thus, walking not only keeps you physically fit but also gives you a sense of community and belonging. With rising concerns over the importance of mental health, routine walking is seen as the best therapy for elders. Walking encourages them to step outside their house and connect with their surroundings. All you need is 20 to 30 minutes of walking to enjoy a healthy, balanced and happy life.
Eat, Sleep, Walk, Repeat
No matter how much someone brags about their workout session in the gym, it isn’t practical for most people, especially older adults. So, yes, you don’t have to spend two to three hours to stay active. Health care professionals often suggest walking as your secret weapon to fight a sedentary lifestyle. They also advise young people to include walking in their morning/evening routine as per their convenience. A perfect balance of healthy food and walking can improve your physical as well as mental health.
Benefits of Walking for Seniors
Older adults are left behind because we live in a world where a nuclear family is preferred over a joint family, increasing the chances of them getting depressed. Walking is a way to connect with your body as well as your soul. Health care doctors giving health tips usually suggest walking to seniors to escape loneliness.
Here are some of the chief benefits of walking:
1. Improves Your Heart Health
Cardiovascular concerns increase as people get older. Brisk walking can effectively lower blood pressure. Walking reduces the heart problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack and the risk of diabetes. Walking daily or a few times a week can effectively improve your heart health. You can say goodbye to cardiovascular disease with routine walking.
2. Fights Pain By Strengthening Your Muscles And Bones
Walking is one exercise that can benefit your muscles and miracles at once. There are chances that older adults might avoid walking due to joint pain but encouraging them to walk for a few minutes can help reduce the ongoing pain. Walking for a few minutes daily can result in the strengthening of muscles in older adults, and they make muscles last longer.
3. Say Goodbye To Insomnia
According to research conducted by health centres worldwide, walking daily in the early morning can positively affect your sleep cycle. According to the study, people who did not do early morning walks were more likely to experience insomnia.
4. Improves Your Immune System
As people get older, the immune system weakens. Walking daily can improve your immune system, and it reduces the chances of falling sick, which is a blessing for older adults. Walking must be a go-to plan if you have a weaker immune system.
5. Walking Means Social Engagement.
Similar to how walking can improve your physical health, walking in a local park can also have a positive effect. Regular walks in the park nearby can help you better understand your neighbourhood. You can also join local walking clubs to establish connections. It will bring a sense of belonging. You are more likely to experience less loneliness if you interact with others while walking. It can boost your physical health and make you happy.
6. Affordable Than Gym
Walking is not only a practical and healthier choice; it has a low cost too. Many people give a tremendous amount for gym memberships, but as the motivation level drops, they turn to their couches. But that’s not the case with walking. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes, a little motivation, and you are good to go.
7. Set Realistic Goals
Do not put too much pressure on yourself; one step at a time is perfect for getting started in a healthier direction. Like any other exercise or workout routine, you must set relevant goals for yourself without tiring yourself too much. You can set small goals and reward yourself once you achieve them, giving you much-needed motivation.
Conclusion
No matter how many candles you have blown, it is never too late to make walking your best friend. Older adults need motivation and walking with their friends, or loved ones can make exercising more fun. It’s a safer choice and helps them build friendships. Walking is the best exercise for older adults that has many health benefits. All you need is to become a little more creative to encourage and motivate them.
FAQs
How far should seniors walk to maintain good health?
An average healthy older adult can walk between two thousand and nine thousand steps to stay active.
Which is better, walking faster or walking longer?
Walking faster is better than walking longer. Brisk walking results in a reduction in death risk to about 10%. It is a suitable exercise for someone who wants to lose weight without spending money on a gym membership.
How can one increase the benefits of early morning walks?
It is best to walk in the early morning on an empty stomach. It helps in increasing your metabolism. Walking on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can help you burn more calories throughout the day.
Is it okay to sleep after walking?
Sleeping after exercising help in muscle recovery. During sleep, growth hormones are released that are essential for your muscle growth.
Is it okay to drink water before walking?
Yes, drinking water has many health benefits. You can prevent dehydration due to exercising. To avoid feeling nauseous and fatigued, it is best to drink plenty of water.
