Walking is a low impact exercise that holds great benefits for seniors. It also holds numerous advantages that enhance both our physical and mental health. Here is why walking is a great exercise choice and how it will improve a senior’s quality of life.
Health benefits of walking for seniors:
-Improved Cardiovascular health: Walking helps strengthen the heart and improves circulation. Senior Services of America states that the CDC recommends that adults 65 and older walk at least 150 minutes per week.
-Lowers blood pressure: After a meal, there is sometimes a spike in blood sugar and walking naturally reduces blood sugar levels. <a href=”https://www.excellenceinfitness.com/blog/7-benefits-of-walking-every-day-for-older-adults”>Excellence in Fitness</a> states that: “Just a 15-minute walk shortly after a meal allows your body to digest your meal, as well as to use the increased blood sugar to help strengthen your muscles instead. And if you rely on insulin, you may find it works better, too.”
-Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility: As we age, our mobility and flexibility become challenging. Walking helps keep the knees and hips flexible, which are areas that suffer from arthritis and stiffness in older adults.
-Improved mental health: Endorphins that are released during exercise can provide a positive change in mood. Endorphins can fight feelings of depression and anxiety, which can be common in seniors.
-Socializing: Being out and interacting with our friends and family can enhance social connections, reduce feelings of loneliness, and improve our overall well-being.
-Community Engagement: Walking around our neighborhood or in local parks helps seniors stay connected with their community, which leads to a sense of belonging.
-Reduced Pain: By engaging our knees and back, walking can reduce some of the pain from arthritis. It also strengthens the muscles and joints, which puts less strain on joints and works major muscle groups.
Immune System Health: Research has shown that people who walk on a regular basis are less likely to get sick than those who do not exercise. Walking can protect our bodies from day-to-day illnesses.
There are many health benefits of walking for seniors. Walking strengthens the heart and improves circulation. It also keeps our knees and hips flexible, helps fight feelings of depression and anxiety, and reduces pain.
