It is important that the elderly remain active to maintain good physical health. However, it can be overwhelming to start thinking of going to the gym or strength training at an older age. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to engage your muscles. In fact, regular brisk walking will be enough for the elderly! Here’s more information.
Improves Your Cardiovascular Health
Brisk walking can not only help to improve you and your loved one’s circulation and lower your blood pressure, but it is also able to deter the onset of cardiovascular diseases. On top of this, prominent studies from multiple institutions have shown that just walking a few more miles each day can help with reducing stroke risk as well as lowering blood pressure in women.
Strengthens Your Joints, Bones, and Muscles
Even though it might seem like walking only engages your legs, it is actually a full-body workout that has benefits for your joints, bones, and muscles around your body. Your joints require regular movement for them to stay functional and walking is one of the best ways to do that and lubricate your joints. On top of this, the regular motion will help to strengthen your bones and muscles as well. This has been supported by research where individuals who were or might experience osteoporosis in the future, and who walked regularly, have experienced a reduced loss of bone mass. Not only can walking help reduce and even deter arthritis pain significantly, but it can also help to lower the probability of hip fractures in the future.
Improves Your Sleep Habits
Sleep is a very important bodily process that is involved in helping to repair and heal your blood vessels and your heart. This is because sleep itself is an essential function that allows the mind and body to recharge while consolidating any new information and your memory. Walking helps with this because a study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that it could be easier to sleep at night if you regularly take walks in the early morning. The study in particular found that people who went for walks each morning were less likely to have symptoms of insomnia.
Improve Your Mood
Whether it is a brisk walk or a leisurely walk, leaving the house for a walk is a great way for you to make improvements to your well-being and mental health. In fact, studies have shown that there is a connection between walking and your mood where the more steps you take, the more likely you are to be positive. This is largely because walking and other forms of exercise generally lead to the release of endorphins that lead to better emotions.
Embark on Senior Living with Conservatory At Alden Bridge
If you or your loved one is dealing with chronic health conditions, or have started to look into senior living communities, our professional team at Conservatory at Alden Bridge are here to help you with any questions or doubts that you have about senior living options, our exclusive senior living programs, or our amenities. Contact us today by calling 832.843.9962.
