Walking is Effective for Seniors
By Greg Bechard
Regular walking, a favourite exercise for seniors, is one of the most effective forms of activity that delivers substantial health benefits and improves heart health, the American Heart Association has said. The latest addition to the American Heart Association’s tools for persuading people to exercise is MyWalkingClub.org – walking clubs, which are being formed across Canada and the United States.
Walking is easy to start and continue, and it has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. By joining an American Heart Association Walking Club, participants can connect with others who share their goals, lifestyles, schedules and hobbies – and do it for free. We are making it fun and easy to get your heart healthy with our Walking Clubs. To get started, just sign up and search for a Walking Club based on location and similar interests.
According to an American Heart Association survey, only 15 percent of North American adults achieve the association’s recommended level of moderate aerobic exercise, which is 150 minutes per week. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day will improve circulation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and promote weight loss.
Additional Benefits of Walking:
- Lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol)
- Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol)
- Lower your blood pressure
- Reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes
- Manage your weight
- Improve your mood
- Stay strong and fit
Be sure to bring along a friend for the walk. This is a great way to socialize while getting some exercise. Walking partners can make the walk seem very short and enjoyable. The same goes for pets. Take the dog for a walk each day. The pet will benefit, and so will you!
The office of Home Instead in the Guelph, Cambridge, Caledon, Orangeville area can find a caregiver who will walk with your senior or help him or her find a walking club. Our professional CAREGivers also help with light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders.
Home Care Guelph, Cambridge, Caledon, Orangeville helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home.
Call us at (226) 486-2407 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver, every day, to families in Guelph, Hillsburgh, Orton, Erin, Inglewood, Rockwood, Cambridge, North Dumfries, Puslinch, Moffat, Eden Mills, Ariss, Orangeville.