Many people associate growing older with being frail, but seniors may achieve healthy aging by taking proactive steps – with a physician’s approval, of course. Healthy aging is comprised of daily activities that can assist in reaching optimal health. Activities should be chosen based upon what each senior enjoys and is physically able to do, or else the process will be too challenging and likely. One of the favorite activities for many seniors is walking. Walking can significantly contribute to healthy aging because it offers many benefits while being easy to adjust to the individual’s capabilities.
- Helps cardio health: The heart is one of the main areas of concern for aging seniors. Growing older can cause a decrease in blood circulation, which can make the heart struggle for oxygen. If this occurs, stroke or cardiac arrest may be the result. Walking helps the heart to moderate circulation, as it burns calories and excess fats and allows the bloodstream to work more efficiently. In fact, in people over 50, lower stress exercises are preferable to high-intensity activities, which can cause stress, injury, and fatigue.
- Reduces muscle pain: Muscles are used every day, but as seniors get less active, muscles can get weak and frail. However, walking is a low-impact way to regain muscle strength in the legs and help the body’s aging process to slow down. In conjunction with a healthy diet, walking can distribute the minerals and vitamins to the right areas of the body – instead of them being flushed through the body and down the toilet. Walking also causes carbohydrates to burn, which assists all of the body’s physiological systems to work properly. If someone is used to daily aches and pains when simply walking around or getting up from a chair, a daily walk outside will begin to loosen muscles and relieve minor pain.
- Improves mental health and social interaction: Finding a walking partner is a great way for seniors to stay motivated in their walking routine. Exercise should be a daily exercise, but doing so alone can get boring. If you live close by your loved one, a daily walk is a great way to stay connected and keep them healthier.) A daily walk not only strengthens muscles, but allows for fresh air, vitamin D from sunshine, and is a great way to stay engaged with other people. Whether chatting with a companion to talking to those they meet along the way, a daily stroll can keep people mentally alerted and socially fulfilled.
- Here’s a Tip: If your senior has a dog, a daily walk is a great way to get in some needed exercise while providing a sense of responsibility and purpose. If they live at home, a short stroll around the neighborhood benefits both humans and canines. If they live at an assisted living facility and are capable of caring for an animal, you may want to ask the administrators about their pet policy.
A Banyan Residence is dedicated to the overall health and wellbeing of all our residents – from exercise to nutrition, to mental health! If you or a loved one is looking for a compassionate and professional assisted living facility in the Venice area, we’d love to give you a tour. don’t forget, we provide expert memory care as well.
