At some point, all older adults would have received the recommendation of exercising more or moving more to stay healthy. The first thing that comes to mind is rarely walking, but it is actually an extremely easy and productive way to get some movement into your life. Adults who are older, in particular, can get many benefits just from walking 20 to 30 minutes a day. Our experts here at Regency Pointe By Discovery Senior Living have compiled a simple guide to the benefits of walking, read on to find out more!
Lower Blood Sugar
By taking a leisurely walk after your meals, not only will it help with digestion, but it might also help with your blood sugar levels. Especially for older adults with diabetes, the body can sometimes have a spike in blood sugar after you eat. By walking after you have consumed something, it helps to lower blood sugar by using those extra nutrients to move and strengthen your muscles instead. If you are currently reliant on insulin to manage your blood sugar, this will make it easier for you to maintain dosages and it might possibly help the hormone function better as well.
Reduce Pain
This benefit might seem like a hoax, after all, exercise tends to create aches and pains rather than reduce them. This is especially so for individuals who already suffer from different joint pains, lower back pains, or even arthritis. However, a leisurely walk can be a low-impact way to get in some gentle exercise and encourage the body to lubricate its joints. Another way walking can help is that it will help to strengthen and build muscles around the joints that you use, reducing pressure on them.
Improve Mental Health
Exercise for older adults has been shown to boost their moods. This is because physical activity can lead to the release of endorphins that make you feel better. Not only will this reduce anxiety, but you will generally feel better even if you do not have a mood or mental disorder. For many people, it is easy to stay cooped up in the house all day. Having a change of scenery, fresh air, and some sunlight can encourage a more positive outlook and introduce something to look forward to each day.
Low Cost
The best part about walking is that there is little to no costly investments! All you need to do is get a comfortable pair of shoes and you can get started on your first walk. This is very different from most other forms of exercise where you have to pay for courses, memberships, or equipment. All it takes is some dedication and you will be able to slowly build a routine.
At our senior living community at Regency Pointe, we truly believe that remaining active is an important part to leading a healthy and happy life. This is why we have exclusive senior living programs that provide our residents with continual access to different fun and exciting activities. To find out more about what we can do for you and your loved ones, contact us today.
