Walking is often not the first thing that comes to mind when we think about exercise. However, walking is a straightforward and effective manner to maintain an active lifestyle. In fact, being physically active is a great way to help maintain emotional and mental well-being.
For older individuals, walking is highly recommended as it brings benefits for both their mental and physical well-being. These incredible benefits can be enjoyed even if you take daily short walks of approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
For those with limited mobility, walking is made possible with the use of personal mobility aids (PMAs), such as rollators, walkers, and walking sticks, which offer incredible support and stability.
In this post, we have highlighted four key reasons why older adults should engage in daily walks.
1. Reduces pain
Walking promotes the production of endorphins that help to reduce their perception of pain. Additionally, because walking helps to build muscles and increase joint mobility and flexibility, elderlies will experience improved pain management.
Walking is a natural remedy that relieves discomfort in major muscle groups, enhancing endurance and strength, especially for older individuals who have arthritis and osteoarthritis-related pain.
2. Boosts mental well-being
Walking is great for improving one’s physical well-being. However, it is also equally important for improving one’s mental well-being. The same endorphins that reduce our perception of pain will also boost our mood due to a shared neurotransmitter.
Furthermore, walking outside and breathing the fresh air will help clear any negative thoughts, encouraging them to adopt a more energetic and positive outlook.
3. Increases social interaction
Engaging in daily walks goes beyond just the physical aspect. It helps older individuals bolster social interaction. Daily walks enable them to maintain involvement with their friends and communities, opening opportunities for them to have conversations with fellow walkers.
Group walk sessions that are designed for elderlies are a great way for them to develop friendships while supporting one another in their journey, eliminating any loneliness or isolation that they might experience.
4. Improves overall health
One of the most obvious benefits of engaging in daily walks is that it boosts their overall physical health and well-being. While not as intensive as running, walking still boosts cardiovascular health and blood circulation.
According to medical research, daily brisk walks can help to increase the heart rate, reducing the risks of developing congenital heart disorders, such as heart attacks and high blood pressure. This is vital for elderlies as cardiovascular disorders are major concerns.
Apart from lowering their blood pressure, daily walks can also reduce their blood sugar. Even taking one as short as 15 minutes can decrease the spike in blood sugar after a meal. Studies have shown that one’s blood sugar tends to spike about 60 to 90 minutes after a meal. Hence, walking helps to reduce that spike.
Conclusion
Daily walks are straightforward and accessible methods to ensure that elderlies are able to enjoy a balanced, healthy lifestyle. It offers numerous benefits to their lives, such as social well-being, mental and physical.
Here at Falcon Mobility, we offer a wide range of walking aids to help your older loved ones maintain a degree of independence and mobility. We also offer electric motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters for elderlies, should mobility be an issue. Feel free to contact us to inquire more!