The Underlying Health Benefits of Walking for Seniors

May 5, 2020 0 Comment Category: Assisted Living

Walking offers plenty of benefits to seniors. The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend seniors to walk for at least 30 to 60 minutes for no less than five days per week. This simple aerobic exercise can amazingly boost the overall quality of life in seniors. That is why assisted living communities encourage their residents to walk as much as possible. Below are some of the underlying benefits of walking for seniors.

It is Good for the Brain

Elderly people, who follow a regular physical workout regime, are less likely to experience many of the common psychological health conditions that are related to aging, such as memory loss, dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Studies say that a 10-minute brisk walk per day can be beneficial for the brain and keeps its functions sharp. This can also reduce the chances of the age-related shrinking of the brain cells that are responsible for memory.

Besides, walking can help to maintain the endorphin levels in the body as well by stimulating the brain cells. This works to regulate mood and keep seniors happy. Walking is also beneficial for the heart, and can help to avoid many heart conditions. Regular aerobic exercises are known to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, and can even regulate high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

It is Good for the Bones and Muscles

While many seniors presume that walking can have a negative impact on their joints, it actually does the opposite. Walking is a low-impact exercise and it does not result in any kind of injury. Moreover, it can also help to ease arthritis pain and even prevent the condition to some extent. That is because walking can help to lubricate the joints and strengthen the muscles.

It is also seen that walking regularly strengthens the bones, which can help to avoid conditions like osteoporosis. Besides, the simple aerobic exercise can also strengthen abdominal and back muscles, which help to decrease chronic back pain. Seniors who walk on a regular basis are even less prone to develop a physical disability when compared to those who do not engage in physical activities much. A daily walk can also reduce anxiety.

It is Good for the Waistline

Seniors find it very difficult to lose weight. One of the common reasons for that is because seniors cannot continue with a physical exercise routine for long. However, walking is not strenuous at all, and it will not make seniors feel exhausted or tired. This allows them to maintain a regular walking exercise schedule easily.

While walking does not cause quick changes, it surely works to burn excessive calories and gradually leads to lasting weight loss results. This also helps to avoid obesity-related health issues in seniors, such as type 2 diabetes. Besides, walking regularly also boosts the immune system in the body, which helps seniors to fight against infectious diseases. It even improves energy levels and increases stamina in seniors.

It Promotes Social Engagement

Assisted living facilities believe in a physically and mentally active lifestyle, which can be achieved by engaging in community activities. When seniors interact and build relationships with like-minded individuals in the assisted living facility, they are more likely to stay happy and contended.

Walking can be a simple way to meet with others and communicate with them. No matter whether seniors join a walking group with friends or socialize with neighbors in the assisted living community during their daily walking routine, it will surely boost their mood and psychological health. Meeting people every day also motivates seniors to follow the walking exercise schedule properly and enjoy the environment in a much better way.