Staying active as you age is one of the most important ways to maintain mobility. The great thing is that staying active can be as easy as simply walking to the grocery store. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense! There are many benefits to walking for the elderly and other low impact regular exercises that will boost your health—and put a little more “gold” into your golden years.
Regular exercise is the key to a higher quality of life as you age
To maintain mobility and stay healthy, regular exercise is one of the single best things you can do for yourself. Now, most people think of the gym or intense workout routines when they picture exercise, but walking is an incredible way to get regular exercise. No matter your fitness level, walking has many awesome benefits to your health and social life. So let’s get into it!
Top 6 health-boosting benefits of walking for the elderly
The many health benefits of walking for the elderly cannot be understated. From head to toe, getting 15 to 30 minutes of brisk walking can have a great impact on:
1. Improving Heart Health
Walking at a brisk pace to elevate your heart rate daily keeps your heart in shape too. 15 minutes a day can be all it takes to potentially reduce the risk of heart issues like high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
2. Managing Blood Sugar
Going for a walk shortly after eating can help your body manage your blood sugar levels. Not only will a 15 minute walk after a meal help you digest your meal, you’ll be taking advantage of increased blood sugar levels to help your body build muscle at the same time.
3. Managing Joint Pain
Walking for 15 to 30 minutes can feel impossible when you have joint pain, but as a low impact exercise walking may be the best way to keep moving. Moving while feeling joint pain helps keep your joints lubricated which helps reduce persistent joint and arthritis pain. Sciatica and back pain are other areas that are often relieved with walks at least three times a week, as it helps take pressure off the injured area and strengthens important muscle groups.
4. Losing Weight
One of the most well known benefits of regular exercise is managing and or losing weight. Walking for the elderly is an excellent low impact way to prevent weight gain and, when mixed with other cardio and strength exercises such as swimming and resistance band exercises, can even improve your fitness overall.
5. Improving Mobility
To keep your body moving easily and comfortably the simple truth is you have to keep your body moving. Basically, if you don’t use it—you lose it. Going for a walk every morning and/or evening means you’ll be able to go for walks in the morning and/or evening for many years. No matter if you’re comfortable walking for 5 minutes or 50, it all has a positive impact and it is the best way to increase and maintain your mobility as you age. To improve your walk, there are a few exercises you can do to give you more confidence. Get a preview of those exercises with the video below (Buy the full 7 day program here).
6. Social Benefits
Sometimes it’s not about what you’re doing, but who you’re with. You can maintain your health and social life by looking for walking groups in your area. Whether it’s a small group sharing your favorite walking spots, exploring new trails with new friends, or any number of fun activities, you’ll likely forget you’re exercising and still get all those health benefits!
The oldest form of transportation is still one of the best ways to maintain health and social activity as you age. Walking for the elderly doesn’t have to be intense, and it should always be fun. If you want to feel more confident on walks and experience the benefits yourself, try the “ Improve Your Walk” class today!
