We all know the importance of exercise in our lives and incorporating some form of movement into our lives has been advice repeated to us many times over the years. However, as you grow older, the value of exercise becomes even greater in your life because of how it can holistically help to improve the quality of your life. Hence, if you are considering walking as a form of exercise to get your daily steps in, read on to find out more about the benefits of walking for seniors.
Improves Your Heart Health
As you get older, it becomes important to consider your heart’s health more carefully because cardiovascular problems become more rampant at this age. Walking can help your heart health as brisk walking will cause your heart rate to be elevated. Therefore, this reduces the risk of any heart problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart attacks. You don’t need to be walking every single day to reap these benefits and even trying to walk thrice a week can greatly improve your risk of any heart conditions.
Lowers Your Blood Sugar Levels
After you eat a meal, it is common to experience spikes in your blood sugar levels. Walking is great because it helps to naturally bring down your blood sugar levels and studies have shown that even taking a 15-minute walk after eating can help to reduce the spike that individuals experience after consuming food.
Reduces Your Pains
If you’re someone who experiences chronic pain, you may feel as though your joints hurt too much for you and prevent you from walking. Even though exercising may feel counterintuitive, it is actually a great way for you to get back into the groove of moving your joints. This is a form of low-impact movement that allows the joints in your knee and back to be lubricated well so that chronic pain can be alleviated.
Improves Your Mental Health
Any form of exercise is good for your mental health because of the endorphins that are released from physical activity. Even if you do not have any mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, this can be a good way for you to have a more positive perspective on life and a healthier mental health
Gives You an Opportunity to Be Socially Engaged
Senior loneliness is a very real struggle that many older adults can struggle with which is why we believe in the importance of being well-socialized. Even though walking seems like a solitary activity, it can also be an opportunity for you to make new friends! When you go on regular walks around your neighborhood, you begin to recognize familiar faces and can strike up conversations with them. If you’re a more social creature and do not enjoy walks alone, you can also join walking groups to find like-minded friends.
We organize many different social activities that allow our residents to interact with the other residents so that they can make new friends. Contact us today to find out more about our various programs in our retirement community.
