About 80% of chronic conditions affecting seniors can be managed or prevented with physical activity, according to the CDC.
However, joining a gym as an older adult can be intimidating. Most other people at the gym are young and energetic, which can make you feel like the odd one out. You are likely to struggle to keep up with them.
Moving to a senior assisted living community can help you overcome this challenge. The community offers a broad range of senior fitness programs, like easy walking. Read on to uncover the benefits of joining senior outdoor walking clubs.
Promotes Physical Health
According to Medical News Today, adults should aim for 8,000-10,000 steps daily for general fitness. Outdoor walking:
- Boosts cardiovascular health
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps with weight management
- Enhances bone density
- Improve density
- Improves balance and coordination
- Increases stamina and energy levels
Besides, walking outdoors exposes you to fresh air and sunlight, which provide vitamin D. It helps improve sleep quality and regulates your internal body clock. Senior outdoor walking clubs pick easy routes that are ideal for beginners.
You’re likely to have a wonderful experience after each walking session. Walking helps you keep fit without the intensity of running or weightlifting. You most likely have the option to walk at a friendly pace.
Improves Mental Health
A sedentary lifestyle can magnify the risk of mental health issues such as dementia and depression. When you spend long periods inactive, your brain gets less stimulation, which can lead to cognitive decline over time. This leads to heightened levels of anxiety and stress.
Besides, it can cause massive mood swings, which is why most seniors feel low most of the time. They feel bored and don’t feel like doing anything.
One of the health benefits of walking is reducing the risk of mental health problems by keeping the brain active. Frequent movement increases blood flow to the brain, providing more oxygen and nutrients. This assists in enhancing memory, focus, and cognitive function.
Outdoor walking through scenic routes helps reduce stress and anxiety. Spending time outdoors is a great way to unwind and relax. Choose a senior living community where you can join a supportive outdoor walking group to boost your mental health.
Promotes Endurance
Many seniors cannot engage in high-intensity workout activities like weight lifting and running due to age-related factors. Joint pain, reduced mobility, and arthritis can make rigorous exercises difficult and uncomfortable. In addition, some older adults have chronic health complications like diabetes or heart disease that require them to avoid strenuous activities.
Also, seniors may hesitate to participate in intestines exercises due to fear of looking weak in front of others. They worry that others will laugh at them if they cannot do certain activities. For instance, it can be embarrassing in a large group where everyone else can lift a certain weight, but you can’t.
Easy walking offers a perfect solution for older adults seeking to stay active. It provides a low-impact exercise option that can be adapted to individual fitness levels. Walking is comfortable on joints, making it ideal for seniors to add to their routines.
It allows them to build strength and endurance without the pressure of high intensity. So, even as a beginner, you’re less likely to feel overly fatigued or muscle sore the following day.
Offers Socialization Opportunities
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 34% of older adults 50 to 80 report feeling isolated. Most of them are retired and spend their time alone at home. Others have lost their partners, close friends, and relatives.
They lack social opportunities and can’t seem to find things to do with their time. Walking can offer a wide range of social benefits for seniors. It provides a supportive environment for older adults to meet new people and form meaningful connections.
When walking, a senior will interact with other older adults, learning about their lives and interests. They’re likely to find several individuals who share their passions, which helps with bonding. Socialization can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Besides, the best community for older adults offers a broad range of outdoor activities for elderly. Join a senior assisted living community and enjoy several social benefits for seniors!
Opportunity to Explore New Areas
Senior outdoor walking clubs usually rotate their routes, allowing members to discover new parks, neighborhoods, and trails. The rotation keeps walking interesting, breaking the boredom of a monotonous routine. It offers a great way to enjoy local attractions and scenery you might not have experienced alone.
Each new environment provides fresh sensory experiences that can uplift your spirits. The sounds, sights, and scents of nature can be invigorating, promoting a deeper connection with the world around you.
Besides, exploring new areas adds a sense of adventure to your easy walking routines. These explorations promote your physical health and emotional well-being. Find a senior living community with an outdoor walking club and other incredible amenities.
Access to People to Keep You Accountable
As a senior, you may have tried becoming more active several times in the past. You might even have signed up for a gym membership only to quit after a short period. Joining a senior outdoor walking club can help you overcome these challenges.
The clubs have other enthusiastic members who’ll motivate you to keep showing up. Most of them are as old as you; they can keep you accountable. They can challenge you to keep moving on a walking trail, even if you feel exhausted.
Older club members can guide you on easy walking challenges to expect as a beginner and how to overcome them. They can share practical recovery tips you can apply after a long day of walking.
Join an Easy Walking Club to Boost Your Health
Adding simple, enjoyable physical activities to your daily routine, like easy walking, can improve fitness and lower the risk of chronic conditions. At Morada Midwest City, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier lifestyle through fun senior fitness programs.
Our broad range of activities and amenities are perfect for enhancing your well-being. Contact us today at Morada Midwest City to help you live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
