Exercising and breaking a sweat can bring a lot of benefits. From children to older adults, experts recommend that we all exercise every single day. But while you can go for a run, take a bike ride, or do another high-intensity workout, walking may actually be better for your health—especially if you’re a senior. From boosting blood flow to stretching out the body, walking for seniors is highly encouraged.
Let’s take a look at the key advantages of daily walking for seniors:
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Walking for seniors can do wonders for cardiovascular health. Several studies indicate that walking can lead to several heart-health advantages, including a lower risk of developing high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Additionally, routine walking for seniors is also associated with a lower chance of experiencing diabetes, stroke, heart disease, or cardiac arrest.
Not able to walk every single day? No worries! In fact, even a walk or two every week can have lasting benefits. Whether you walk around the block or travel miles down a hiking trail, getting out there and increasing your blood flow is exactly what your body needs! As we age, this exercise couldn’t be more important.
Strengthens the Body
Although walking for seniors is a low-impact activity, it can still affect your entire body. In fact, walking can significantly strengthen your bones, muscles, and joints. In order for your joints to work properly, they have to be exercised. And when you do get moving, walking helps to lubricate these joints, helping their performance. Simultaneously, walking for seniors can also help to build bone and muscle strength, which is especially important as we age.
As our bodies naturally become weaker, walking is one way to retain our strength. In fact, some studies indicate that routine walking for seniors can help decrease bone loss during osteoporosis, and it can also help lower arthritis pain.
Promotes a Strong Immune System
Our immune systems help to fight off disease, infection, and many other health complications. When this system isn’t healthy, you may experience several health concerns, including getting sick more often, more aches and pains, and more overall discomfort. To work towards strengthening your immune system, walking for seniors can help. Some studies show that walking regularly is associated with getting sick for shorter periods or catching a sickness less frequently compared to people who don’t work out.
To reap the most benefits, try walking every single day. If that’s not possible, shoot for a walk every other day. Not only does walking allow you to experience some fresh air, but your immune system will also thank you.
Good for Cognitive Health
Regular exercise, like walking, is great for brain health. In fact, studies indicate that those who regularly exercise are at a lower risk of experiencing age-related memory loss, including Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of dementia. It’s important to note that you don’t need to take a lengthy walk to reap these benefits. Experts say that even a 10-minute walk every single day can lead to strong cognitive health. Also, walking for seniors can improve our moods, which can be great for treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Helps Lose Weight
As we get older, it’s important to keep tabs on our weight. If we don’t, we could experience a number of health issues—both mentally and physically. Luckily, even a short daily walk can help you keep those pounds off. But this isn’t a get-skinny-fast technique; it usually takes months to see results. However, since walking for seniors is easier to stick to, you’ll have a greater chance of losing weight compared to someone trying other exercise plans. If you’re able to keep the pounds off, you can experience countless advantages. For one, it can help lower the chance of experiencing certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Boosts Longevity
If you want to live a long life, walking for seniors is a very smart practice. Going for walks helps to keep your body fresh and healthy, including your mind. As your blood flow increases, this helps the function of numerous bodily systems. While your body continues to be used on a daily basis, as it’s intended, this can do wonders for your longevity. If you want to increase the chances of living well into your 90s, going for a walk every single day is a step in the right direction.
Easy to Stick With
If you’ve ever tried those challenging weight loss routines or workout plans, sticking with these can be very difficult. As we age, this couldn’t be more true. However, while walking still provides a long list of benefits, it’s also much easier to maintain. Rather than suffering through an intense workout and being sore for days, walking for seniors is a low-impact, effortless activity that can happen daily.
This is why walking can sometimes lead to better results compared to in-depth workout routines. If you’re a senior that’s serious about staying healthy, walking every day is a system that anyone can stick to.
Exercising can add years to your life. If you want to feel your best, do what’s right for your body, and experience the beauty of the outdoors, add walking to your daily workout regimen.
