SENIOR LIVING: HOUSING, HEALTH AND RECREATION.
Walking has become the most popular form of exercise, according to the American Heart Association. Indeed, walking in a group has some key rewards, helping you stick with your health and fitness goals.
“Buckner Parkway Place realizes the specific importance that walking can offer our residents. Therefore, we take our weekly walking seriously; adding fun and innovative activities to their routine such as popsicles in the park, where residents can come after their walk and grab a treat,” said Kat Alvarado, lifestyle and wellness director at Buckner Parkway Place. “We also talk about it, engaging our residents in the education side of it for a win-win experience. We educate residents by asking them questions about their own workout routine and sharing with them the benefits walking has for their health. Parkway Place helps them form a routine based on their capabilities and personal health.”
Buckner Parkway Place has a walking club, Alvarado said, where weather permitting, residents walk outdoors as often as possible. Otherwise, they stay indoors and enjoy a hallway walk to maintain an exercise routine. Rain or shine, they are out and about, walking.
Other communities have learned residents enjoy this form of healthy activity and exercise.
“Walking is very popular at Eagle’s Trace. Residents can take advantage of 72 acres of green space in a secure setting for activities like walking, and even jogging and cycling,” said Pamela Burgeson, director of sales for the west Houston community developed/managed by Erickson. “There is also a lake with a sidewalk next to it to provide a scenic view for an evening stroll.”
Burgeson said that when it rains or it’s too hot outside, their residents can walk inside their community buildings as they are all conveniently connected to each other via walkways.
Walking also has proved to be interactive. Loneliness can sometimes be a factor for older adults to deal with, so joining a walking club offers an exercise benefit as well as the opportunity for socialization.
“Studies show that walking is a terrific way to improve cardiovascular health, but we’ve also seen how much residents enjoy the socialization that comes from walking together,” said Burgeson. “It’s always fun to see new connections made.”
Health experts recommend walking in groups, since groups are safer, and walking club members help each other keep up with their walking goals. Many of these groups are informal, while others have a leader who organizes times and places to walk.
There are many models available today, and wearing an exercise monitor can show you how
many steps you’re taking daily, among other things. It could even stimulate you to walk a little more each day, to reach preset goals. Some walking clubs have friendly competitions among members, such as having the most steps per week or being the most consistent walker.
Overall, walking is a wholebody experience that can improve your health. It’s an energy booster, can improve your immunity, help you sleep better, and can lower your risk for chronic disease.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that all levels of walking — even levels below the recommended guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week — were associated with lower mortality risk, compared with no leisure-time physical activity.
Before beginning a walking regimen, there are a few things to remember:
Start slowly if you haven’t exercised in a while and consult with your physician.
Always stretch before and after walking to lower the likelihood of getting injured.
Stay hydrated.
Aside from maybe having to buy walking shoes, walking costs nothing and can be done in all types of environments. Being out in the fresh air can be invigorating, too.
For more information, go to www.mayoclinic.org.