Walking for Exercise has Many Benefits for Seniors

Experts agree that walking is beneficial to seniors’ health as it can stop bone mass loss, strengthen leg and abdominal muscles, and improve circulation by helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for heart disease.  Walking can also lead to weight loss or maintain your weight, help you sleep better, increase your mental sharpness, and improve balance and stability.  It can even increase your lifespan.  However if you have not exercised in a while, doctors recommend you start slowly and only gradually increase your distance and pace.  

If you let your health care provider know you are going to start walking, they can help you determine a safe starting point.  From the onset you may only be able to walk a short distance, but over time, you will be able to go farer and should start noticing benefits fairly quickly.  Additionally experts say even if you need a cane or a walker to safely move about, don’t let that stop you from walking, just take it with you.  Also wear properly fitted comfortable shoes that provide good arch support.   If you have foot problems, talk to your doctor about orthopedic shoes.   

Remember do not overexert yourself.  Walk at a safe pace and keep in mind that the most important thing is to just get started.  For your safety, tuck your cell phone into a pocket that you can easy get to if the need arises and stay hydrated.  To help keep you motivated, walk with a buddy or join a walking group.   

At MorningStar of Billings, we wholeheartedly agree that walking is great exercise for seniors and we have walking paths for our independent living and assisted living residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful senior living community, activities and programs, and our wide range of amenities.   

Please consult your health care provider before starting any type of exercise. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

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