You probably already know that your elderly loved one should be exercising. However, there might be many exercises that are just too rough on their body. With this being said, your elderly loved one might be able to walk regularly. This could be enough exercise to help maintain their health status. Research shows that there are numerous benefits of walking for senior citizens. Share these with your elderly loved one and their elderly care providers today.
Reducing Disease Risk
Did you know that if your elderly loved one walks regularly it could drastically reduce their risk of suffering from various diseases? All that your loved one needs to do is walk every day for at least 15 minutes. This can boost their immune system which helps them to fight off diseases. It also helps to prevent strokes and diabetes, as well.
Boosting Bone Strength
As people age, their bones often become weaker. However, this doesn’t have to happen to everyone. If your elderly loved one walks every day, for at least 15 minutes, it could help to improve their bone strength. Bone strength is important for your elderly loved one’s overall health. The stronger your elderly loved one is, the less risk there will be of an injury if they fall. In addition, the stronger they are, the less of a chance there will be that they will fall in the first place.
Improving Overall Mental Health
If you get your elderly loved one to walk every day, it could greatly improve their overall mental health. For instance, if your elderly loved one currently suffers from anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues, walking daily could help to reduce the symptoms they experience. In some instances, daily walking has even helped senior citizens to completely get rid of a certain mental health issue.
Weight Management
If your elderly loved one’s doctor has recommended that they lose some weight, daily walking can help. Research shows that regular walking can help someone to lose some weight. This will need to be combined with at least a decent diet. However, if your elderly loved one can do this, it could help them to reach a healthy weight.
Conclusion
These are some of the many benefits of walking for senior citizens. If your elderly loved one can’t do many exercises, but they can move around a bit, have them walk for at least 15 minutes a day. You or their elderly care provider could go for a walk with them to ensure they are staying safe.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Arlington, MA, please contact the caring staff at Visiting Nurse & Community Care today. (781) 643-6090
Sources
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/