Read about the different ways walking benefits your health, especially as you age and your fitness requires a little more attention to be adequately maintained.
Walking is an activity that is accessible for any person able to walk safely and comfortably. It is free and you can do it anywhere you can stand up, which means it is an excellent option for moving your body long term for excellent fitness. It has many benefits for both your physical and mental wellbeing. In fact, being outdoors is so highly thought of as a healthy activity in Japan, the Japanese government actively endorse forest bathing as an official form of treatment for mental health disorders.
For older people, walking is highly beneficial and is able to boost wellbeing in lots of different ways, helping to maintain independence. Just some of the benefits of walking for a fitter later life include:
- The ability to walk within groups of people of a similar age and with similar interests
- Maintaining muscle mass
- Strengthening muscles
- Keeping your weight down
- Reducing the risk or effects of mental health problems like depression or anxiety
- Mood boosting
- Helping to maintain independence
- Lowers the risk of a wide range of health conditions and risks such as heart disease and diabetes
- Strengthens the bones
- Improves energy levels
- Helps regulate sleep
- Helps keeps joints flexible
- Reduces your risk of falling (around a third of those over 65, and half of those over 80 fall at least once a year)
- Improved confidence
Walking can be a key indicator of independence and often those who are able to walk for exercise are usually better able to get around the home independently.
Getting Started
Before you start walking for exercise you should consult your GP to check that you are healthy enough to exercise in this way. Once you get the all clear you can equip yourself with some clothing and accessories to make walking comfortable in any weather. You may wish to purchase:
- Some comfortable walking boots or trainers designed for walking
- A good waterproof jacket
- A fleece jacket or pullover
- Gloves
- A walking backpack or bag
- A water bottle
- A pedometer
If you use walking aids you may wish to look into hardier outdoor versions if you plan to do alot of walking.
Once you have everything set up it is a good idea to start small, walking in your local area or choosing routes in your local parks and nature reserves that you like. Once you have started getting the hang of it you may wish to join a local ramblers group or perhaps get a friend involved and start planning longer or more challenging routes. At the very least a 30 minute walk and a chat with a friend is fantastic for your health, at the most, a long ramble through the UK wilderness with friends ending in a pub lunch is exceptional for your health and bodes well for your health as you move into later life.
Do You Need Some Help Walking?
It may be that you have some mobility issues that are causing you problems getting around your home, and getting out and about independently. Home care providers can provide you with a carer who will be able to help you with tasks you struggle with. Most importantly they can help you maintain your independence, ensuring you can remain in your own home as long as possible. Home care services will also be able to help you start walking or exercising in a way that is the most beneficial for you. Sometimes, having a live-in carer is something needed for recovery from an injury, and can help smooth the recovery process, getting you out and about walking in no time. Speak to your GP about getting a care assessment and take a look at The Live-in Care Hub for more information about live-in care assistance to help you with walking and other important tasks that will help you maintain your independence.
