Walking is one of the best activities for senior health and wellbeing – whether alone or in a group. All that is required is a good pair of walking shoes and during the summer – some water! Walking with friends as part of a daily routine provides an effective low-intensity workout that won’t hurt your joints as other cardio activities can.

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8 Ways that Walking Benefits Seniors

  1. Heart health: Taking a walk every day can lower your blood pressure, reduce body fat percentage, and help keep your blood sugar regulated – all of which is great for your heart.
  2. Weight loss: Establishing a walking routine with friends will increase motivation to continue – and will help you to maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Immunity boost: Moderate physical activity like walking can provide valuable support for your immune system. Walking has been proven to minimize the risk of developing many types of chronic illness, including some kinds of cancer.
  4. Longer life: Walking for exercise has been associated with living longer and enjoying improved overall health.
  5. Stronger bones, joints, and muscles: Walking is a total-body, low-impact workout. Research has shown that a walking routine can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, minimize the chances of hip fracture and significantly reduce (or even eliminate) arthritis pain.
  6. Better sleep: Women between the ages of 50 and 75 are far less likely to suffer from insomnia if they take daily walks.
  7. Decreased chance of dementia: Seniors who walk regularly are statistically less likely to experience mental decline and dementia.
  8. Encourages mental health: Physical activity releases endorphins, resulting in a sense of well-being and a more positive, happy outlook.

Five Tips to Get You Started

  1. Take your time: If you haven’t been active for a while, don’t be too ambitious. Allow yourself to gradually add distance and intensity to your workouts, and to increase the frequency of your walks.
  2. Invite some friends: Finding a walking partner or joining a local walking club can keep you motivated, and make the workouts all the more enjoyable as you cultivate friendships and connections.
  3. Prepare properly: Walking is great because it does not require expensive equipment or memberships, but you should get supportive walking shoes and dress in appropriate clothing. Always have a bottle of water on hand to avoid dehydration.
  4. Find the right trail: It is important for seniors to find the right place to walk depending on their needs. Even ground (such as a sidewalk) presents less of a risk of falling but can strain knees and joints. Dirt or sand surfaces are easier on the joints but beware of holes and roots that can trip you.  Walking and running tracks use a soft, springy rubber-like material but may not provide much scenery. Once you find your spot, consider adding hills or stairs to build fitness levels.
  5. Listen to your body: You should expect to feel a little soreness when you start an exercise regime. But if you feel too uncomfortable or you don’t feel well, take a day off.<

When you live at an assisted living facility, there are often plenty of opportunities to walk the grounds. If you are looking for a beautiful senior residence in the Venice area, we would love the opportunity to show you our campus. Come learn more about why A Banyan Residence is a wonderful choice for your next home.