Encourage Your Senior (Or Yourself) To Take Mood-Lifting Walks

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It’s a lot harder to stay healthy as we age, but there are ways to stay healthier and without a gym or complicated equipment. Walking can be the best exercise of all. You don’t have to get in the car, or buy expensive treadmills. You just have to step outside.

There are so many benefits to talking walks. Experts have found that not only does it help keep your body in good shape, it also stimulates your brain. Having a strong body can keep you from falling, and the intense light from the sunshine is an immediate mood lifter.

Walking is good for everyone. Whether you’re a senior or just taking care of an aging loved one, both of you can benefit from taking walks. My friend Karen’s mother takes her German Shepherd out every morning, and sometimes just before dark. She’s always telling me about the funny things he does and how he keeps her moving. I must say, she’s the strongest 77-year-old that I know.

It’s really good to have a buddy when you walk. Having someone to chat with is just one of the benefits. The other is that even when you don’t feel like going, someone is counting on you. If you do walk by yourself, take your cell phone with you for safety.

The only equipment you need is a pair of good fitting shoes. Make sure they offer you good support around your ankles. Choosing the right pair can make a huge difference for your feet. Lace them up well and make sure the laces cannot come undone, which might cause you to fall.

Even in poor weather, you can usually find a place to walk. Some seniors love meeting at the local mall so they can window shop while they trot! If the weather is really bad, try putting on some music and just stepping in place. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes to give you some good energy for the rest of the day.

Walking can help you to sleep better. It’s also good for your digestion. Exercise stimulates our body functions without the need for supplements and medications.

Many senior centers and assisted living communities now include a walking group. They are some of the most popular ways for seniors to stay healthy while enjoying each other’s company.

Make sure to stay hydrated. Invest in a good water bottle that you can clip onto your waist. You’ll need to take in extra fluids even after you’ve come home. You might not be as thirsty in the winter, but your body still needs those fluids to function well.

During the summer months, it’s a wonderful treat to try water walking. You get a great exercise and don’t have to be afraid of falling. If you have arthritis, it can be the best exercise of all. If you’re blessed with access to an indoor pool, you can water walk year round.

So, what are you waiting for? Get those shoes on and enjoy the beauty of nature while doing something wonderful for you.

For more info about caring for yourself or your elderly, please contact me at (949) 289-1534.  Or call and join me for lunch and a tour of our facility. San Clemente Villas by the Sea is located at 660 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673. Phone: | Fax: (949) 234-0081. Contact: Aileen Brazeau, Co-Owner of San Clemente Villas by the Sea. www.SanClementeVillas.com.