Why Your Senior Loved One Should Be Trying to Walk Every Day

Whether or not a senior is just walking around their house, their yard, or the neighborhood, they should be trying to move every single day. Seniors who enjoy walking as much as possible may have greater health benefits than those who don’t move around. When a senior is choosing to age in place they are choosing this because of the freedom it allows them. A senior can maintain that freedom by walking and doing more things on their own. Elder care services are a great tool for seniors to have while aging in place and these professionals will help create routines that involve exercises like walking to help promote independence.

Walking Is Good for Mental Health

Happy African American mother and daughter jogging together against blue sky

Mental health is so crucial for a senior to focus on. Many seniors who choose to age in place or even live in a nursing home are at risk for developing depression and anxiety even if it is something they have never struggled with before. Finding ways to stay mentally healthy will look different for everyone, but if your senior can move around well, they should try walking every day. Elder care can help them create a morning routine that allows them to get up, eat, and go for a walk. Walking will not only keep a senior mentally healthy but sticking to the same routine every day can also help promote a healthy mindset and a deeper focus on mental health.

Movement Helps Keep a Senior Flexible

The more flexible a senior is, the less likely they are to be in pain or inflamed, and the more they can do on their own. Walking is easy on the body unlike running and it can help lubricate the joints and keep them activated which can surprisingly reduce inflammation. Other low-impact exercises can include things like yoga which can be just as good. Your senior loved one will need to find ways to keep moving because it will help them stay independent while aging in place. Elder care is there to help but these professionals will always encourage seniors to do as much as possible on their own.

Exercise Can Help Boost a Senior’s Mood

There are so many ways walking can promote a mood boost. Your loved one will likely be walking outside which in itself can be a huge mood boost. On top of being outside and connecting with nature your loved one will get a natural boost of serotonin which is released throughout the body when moving around. This is a naturally made happy chemical and one of the ultimate reasons why people, including seniors, should be working out every day. It’s the best way to naturally beat a low mood.

Walking Can Help Boost Heart Health and Lower the Risk Of Cancer

Your senior will need to focus on heart health the older they get. Working out is one of the best ways to keep blood moving around the body and pumped throughout the heart. The more a senior moves the healthier their heart will be. This is also a good way to maintain weight and limit the risk of developing cancer.

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Elder Care Services in Ridgewood NJ, please get in touch with the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.