Living a healthy lifestyle may help people to enjoy a higher quality of life. It may help extend a person’s lifespan or push off the onset of disease. Going for walks is one of the simplest ways people can get the exercise they need to keep their heart, lungs, and organs functioning at their best. Exercise for older adults does not have to be more complex than this simple action.
Is Going for Walks Enough for Fitness?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that those over the age of 65 get 150 minutes a week (at least) with some vigorous exercise. That’s about a 30-minute walk five days a week. That may mean ensuring you keep a good pace, but this activity may be all that you need to stay fit longer. Going for walks can help in a number of ways:
- It keeps the heart functioning at its best and provides good cardio without strain.
- Sunshine exposure is a good source of Vitamin D, which is critical for healing and overall mental health.
- Walks tend to be less strenuous for many people than running on a treadmill or engaging in other fitness regimens.
- Walks improve cardiovascular as well as pulmonary function. That can help keep your lungs healthy.
- Walks can also help to encourage healthy bones and joint function, reducing risks if a person falls.
Healthy living is about staying active. For older adults, remaining active can be hard to do, especially over periods when an illness or injury is in play. Joint pain can also limit some people from engaging in activities. However, with a doctor’s approval, many people will find that going for walks may improve their symptoms, especially if doing so promotes fitness or allows them to reach a healthy weight.
Is Exercise for Older Adults Like Going for Walks Safe?
It’s a good idea to speak to your doctor if you are unsure if you should go for walks or engage in exercise. In some cases, there may be risks that these experts need to consider. However, it may be what you need to feel confident and healthy again if you don’t have physical limitations or ailments.
Going for walks like this is not only good for physical health, but it can also improve mental health. It can help you engage with others, feel vibrant, and enable endorphins to move through the body. In addition, it can help to burn off stress and aids in clearing anxiety and depression.
Embrace Support from Wickshire Senior Living
When it comes to healthy living, you do not have to do it alone. If you are ready for a bit of support and want a new way of looking at your health goals, let a team at one of our assisted living communites help you. We offer a wide range of programs designed to keep you engaged in your life. You may love having the ability to get motivated and active again.