If you are not Walking For Senior Health it’s time you considered starting especially if you’re a senior. Your doctor might just give you a prescription for walking rather than pills. A former director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Dr. Thomas Frieden believes that walking benefits senior health and that it may be the closest thing to a wonder drug.
When you walk correctly you’ll be gaining a lot of very powerful health benefits. Some of these are weight loss along with reducing dementia & cardiovascular risks.
There are many benefits of walking for senior health, along with all others and you’ll find the most important ones below:
10 Benefits of Walking For Senior Health
- The immune system is given a boost.
Harvard Health did a study of 1,000 men & women that walked a minimum of 20 minutes a day 5 days a week. They found that these people had 43% less sick days than the ones that walked or exercised just once a week or less. Because walking is mostly done outdoors, the fresh air and sunshine likely have a helping hand in the boosting of the immune system.
- Joint pain is eased.
Walking supports your joints by supplying them with oxygen & other nutrients according to the Arthritis Foundation. Life-giving fluids are supplied to the joint which might decrease deterioration of the joints the Foundation says. Walking also provides the exercise a joint needs to eliminate pain over time.
- It reduces the risk of Breast Cancer
A study by the Cancer Society determined that women walking 7 or more hours a week had 14% less risk of breast cancer development than ones that walked 3 or fewer hours. Keep in mind that walking benefits senior health but also benefits women of all ages.
- It resists the action of the genes that promote weight gain
Harvard researchers studied the promotion of obese genes in 12,000 obese people & discovered that the ones that walked at a brisk pace every day had the effects of the genes slashed in half. Walking is a great way to eliminate obesity as well as staving it off.
- People with dementia had a boost in brain function.
A breakthrough study by researchers at the University of British Columbia found that people with dementia who walked 1 hour 3 times a week not only lowered their blood pressure but their brains also had improvement on cognitive tests. The conclusion was that the walker’s brains were more efficient with better thinking skills than a control group. I imagine walking in the fresh air, sunshine and seeing new and interesting things may have a positive effect on dementia.
- The risk of cardiovascular disease is lowered.
The American Heart Association (AHA) concluded that a brisk pace of 150 minutes a week lowers levels of cholesterol in the blood along with lowering blood pressure readings. For senior’s health, a brisk walk is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
- Life longevity is increased.
The AHA estimated that life expectancy may be increased 2 hours for every hour of walking briskly. It’s true that walking for senior health is the main purpose of this article, but be assured it’s good for all ages. This is some great news! I’m planning to live to be a 100 (now 84) so the 1 1/2 hours of walking I do every day is going to be a great help. Longer life is something seniors can aspire too, so get out there and walk. If you can’t walk briskly don’t worry about it as any type of activity can help your longevity.
- Walking beats osteoporosis.
American Bone Health states that bone health activity is crucial for healthy bones. The term is “osteogenic loading” which means the bone cells utilize more calcium & other minerals for increased bone density. A longer stride in walking also helps prevent osteoporosis. This is something seniors should keep in mind while walking for senior health.
- Depression & anxiety are also eased.
An Australian study says that exercise of moderate-intensity like walking bettered the life quality of women of middle-age. 1 in 10 adults suffers from depression with women 70% more likely to be depressed than men. Walking normally gets you outdoors where there is a chance you’ll meet people who may help brighten your day. Just being out in the fresh air and sunshine as well as seeing new things can help a person get rid of depression and anxiety.
- Your longing for sweets is controlled.
The University of Exeter showed in a study that 15 minutes of walking could reduce the longing for chocolate & even lessened the amount of chocolate eaten in a situation that was stressful. Walking reduces your longing for sweets is a double benefit as it can help you lose weight and benefit your overall health.
Nordic Walking
Nordic walking with poles is something you should try if you would like more of a workout than what you get with just walking. It not only makes walking easier but also gives you a full body workout. Many people take it up when they want more of a workout but can’t do a regular workout. Below you will find a video on how to get started Nordic walking that you should take a look at.
In Summary
Be sure to have a good pair of walking shoes. If your feet hurt when walking you are probably undoing a lot of the good walking is doing for you.
I believe Gravity Defyer’s walking shoes are the best ones for seniors. Not only are they good for walking but also help alleviate any foot problems you may have. Learn more about Gravity Defyer’s walking shoes and how they can stop all types of foot pain.
If the facts in this study didn’t convince you that walking for senior health and there are many benefits for the physical & mental health of all ages.
I walk after every meal every day which not only increases my metabolism, for weight control but helps me stay away from sweets. I’m 84 and plan to live to at least 100. I believe walking will be a big help for that. Look back at “Life longevity is increased” to see the reason for this.
You don’t have to walk for miles to get the benefits. Just start out with a short walk & increase it a short distance from time to time. Also, keep in mind that briskly walking does the most good for your health any type of walking is beneficial. Do your walking on a regular basis and before you know it you’ll be a first-class walker.
Even though walking is beneficial for all ages, older people should do it on a regular basis, as walking benefits senior health as well as increasing their longevity.
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