Walking is a simple and effective way for seniors to become healthier overall. If their doctors have cleared them to start exercising, walking is something that seniors can start immediately without a lot of special equipment or preparation. Starting any exercise plan is easier when it’s built into daily and weekly routines, and senior home care providers can help aging adults to figure all of that out.
Talk About the Health Benefits
Exercise isn’t something that everyone just naturally enjoys. For many seniors, understanding the benefits can help motivate them to start moving and keep doing it. Walking in particular has some big benefits for aging adults. They can improve cardiovascular health, which helps to improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Walking also helps to improve strength and mobility. Regular walking has huge mental health benefits, boosting mood and reducing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Get the Right Footwear
Seniors don’t have to wear special footwear, but they do need shoes that fit well. Shoes that slip off or that pinch can cause pain or blisters, and can even become a tripping hazard. Walking shoes that fit well and are comfortable work best. Senior home care providers can accompany your senior to a footwear specialist that can fit them with proper walking shoes. They can also help with putting on these shoes, socks and other appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
Plan Routes and Routines
There are lots of places for seniors to walk, but it’s important to make sure that they choose a safe location. Local parks, nature areas, and neighborhoods can all be good choices, but it might be a good idea to drive the route and scope out how well it might meet the senior’s needs. Walking at home on a treadmill is another option that seniors might find more appealing. It’s a good idea for seniors to only walk when there’s someone else there, like senior home care providers, just in case something happens.
Start Slowly and Build Gradually
Any time that seniors are starting a new exercise routine, even one as simple as walking, they need to take it easy. They can start out slowly with short walks, gradually increasing duration and distance as they feel up to it. This helps them to avoid injury, but it also helps to ensure that seniors don’t burn out on the idea of walking more often.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Warming up and cooling down is important with any exercise program. Gentle stretches before walking helps to prepare the muscles and joints for exercise. After the walk, cooling down with slower walking and light stretches helps to prevent stiffness later.
Senior Home Care Providers Can Support Walking Routines
Figuring out new routines isn’t always easy and that can make it all too easy to put off starting or to give up. Senior home care providers can help seniors have the companionship they need to enjoy walking and to stay safe while they’re walking. Elder care providers can also help monitor how much progress seniors are making, which can be a huge part of sticking with the plan.
Walking is a simple but really effective way for seniors to get the movement they need. Prioritizing exercise and getting help from senior home care providers can make the process of starting much easier.
Reference
https://www.excellenceinfitness.com/blog/7-benefits-of-walking-every-day-for-older-adults
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Rye/New Castle, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200
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