Walking is a great way for you and your loved ones to stay active and healthy. It’s low-impact, requires little-to-no equipment, and can be done anywhere. If your home doesn’t have space to include a proper exercise area, you can still incorporate walking into your daily routine by simply traveling short distances. In addition to being an easy way to get some fresh air, walking has numerous health benefits that seniors should take advantage of if they want to remain as active as possible for as long as possible. Here are just some of the many reasons why you should start incorporating more walking into your daily routine.
It’s Good for Your Heart
Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s proven to reduce blood pressure significantly and lower the risk for heart disease. Additionally, walking is also linked to improved blood flow, which means you’ll have more oxygen to your muscles. This is great for people with conditions like hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral vascular disease. If you’re diabetic, walking is also a great way to reduce your blood glucose levels and lower your risk for complications like heart disease and kidney damage.
It Improves Balance and Coordination
Walking improves balance and coordination because it makes you use your muscles in different ways. It requires you to use your core while standing and your arms while walking. This helps prevent falls and injuries as you age, since you’ll be less likely to trip. It’s also a great way to prevent arthritis, since coordination and balance are both factors in preventing the condition.
It Relieves Anxiety and Depression
Getting the right amount of exercise is important regardless of your age, but it’s even more important if you have anxiety or depression. Walking is one of the best ways to combat this as it requires little effort – even pacing around your room counts for something! For people suffering from depression, especially, who find it difficult to even get out of bed, a few hundred steps a day can also make a difference.
It Helps Your Brain
Walking seriously has been shown to improve cognition and reduce the risk of dementia. It’s a great way to keep your brain healthy and reduce the risk of developing cognitive issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
How to Walk Safely
Safety should always be the number one priority while walking. You should also walk during daylight and avoid isolated areas, especially if the location is unfamiliar to you. Ideally, you’d want to walk with a group of friends as there’s safety in numbers. Walking is a great way for you to stay active, get some fresh air, and reduce the risk for a host of conditions. It’s easy to get started and there are plenty of places to walk, so you can easily find a routine that suits your lifestyle. With so many health benefits and no equipment required, it’s easy to see why walking is a great form of exercise and practiced by so many people all over the world.
