Health Benefits of Walking for Seniors

Studies have shown that walking is good for you, and it's especially beneficial for seniors. In fact, walking can improve both physical and mental health. Among the many health benefits of walking for seniors are improved cognition, less arthritic pain, and a strengthened immune system. Whether you use a cane for mobility, balance, or just for style, establishing a regular, "daily constitutional" walk_ walk will make you feel better and possibly even live longer. Carbon fiber walking canes are strong but lightweight, making them a good choice for your walking regime. Like our other canes, these can be fitted with a tip suitable for outdoor walking and cut to a specific length to fit you. The Black Triple Wound Carbon Fiber Mini Folding & Adjustable Fritz Handle Walking Cane is a particularly great choice due to its lightweight portability!

Aside from your cane and a good pair of shoes, walking requires no special equipment or costly gym membership. It's free, fun, and a great activity to pursue with friends. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect to gain from walking.

Physical Benefits

Walking improves the entire cardiovascular system, not just the heart. Studies have shown that walking decreases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, and stroke. Researchers have even found that walking can reduce the effect of obesity-related genes, reduce cravings for sugary foods, and help control blood sugar after a meal. There is evidence that walking can improve the immune system, tooâ€â€_x009d_regular walkers get sick less often. And while it may seem counterintuitive, walking actually decreases arthritis pain by improving muscle tone and encouraging the body to deploy natural lubricants to knee and hip joints.

Cognitive Advantages

Walking can help fend off dementia. Even those who already have mild cognitive impairment showed improved processing speed and a lower incidence of Alzheimer's and dementia. But aerobic exercise, including walking, can also improve executive function in healthy people. Sticking with it is key-regardless of the type of aerobic exercise, studies found that the total, cumulative exercise time over a six month period was a significant factor. Fortunately, committing to walking is easier than resolving to get to the gym. Walking also has been shown to release beneficial neurochemicals that can boost one's mood and maintain neurons in the brain.

Social-Emotional Factors

Walking gets people out of the house and along familiar routes where they may run into friends or neighbors for a nice chat. Walking may also help you sleep better. Getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge as we age, but walking can reduce daytime fatigue and insomnia-which will work wonders on your emotional state.

So, grab some friends and elders, a cane or walking stick, pick a familiar route free from hazards and obstacles, and avail yourself of the health benefits of walking for seniors.