The benefits of walking for the elderly
We recently blogged about the importance of exercise for the elderly as it reduces health risks and improves strength and flexibility.
But if yoga, pilates or swimming isn’t for you or your elderly loved-one, then another way to get that all important exercise into your daily routine, is to go walking.
A daily walk, even of just 15 minutes, can help keep an elderly person active and improve their social life too.
According to the British Heart Foundation, more than one in seven men and one in 10 women, die from coronary heart disease in the UK, however those who are more physically active are at a lower risk.
Brisk walking can help keep the heart strong by increasing the heart rate.
Regular exercise, such as walking, and a healthy diet can also help reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
Walking can also help strengthen an elderly person’s bones and help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which makes bones more brittle and more likely to break. We also recently blogged some more top tips on improving bone health, you can read more here.
It can also improve your mood and mental well-being by getting up and out of the house every day and getting some fresh air. It can even help with depression and help reduce stress.
Walking can also be great for socialising as you can meet lots of different people also out enjoying walks. Alternatively, walking with a carer or friends is a great way to tackle social isolation.
As part of our service users’ care plans, it can be arranged that our carers can assist you or your loved-one on a walk.
If you are more active and can get out and about on your own, there are lots of walking groups in Wales that you can join in order to get walking and meet new people.
You can also find walks in your areas and different groups at Wales Ramblers.