As people spend more time indoors, it can be challenging to be at peak physical and mental health, especially for older adults.
But as Hippocrates once stated, “walking is man’s best medicine,” and it still holds today. Walking is a universal light exercise activity that is easy to do alone or with friends in a group. For more information on the benefits of walking groups, click here.
Not only does it have obvious physical benefits, but it can also be a key factor in increasing energy, decreasing stress, and even helping prevent chronic disease, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
To reap the full benefits of walking as an exercise, the Government of Canada recommends that adults over 65 should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense activity, including going on an indoor or outdoor brisk walk.
Let’s review some of the benefits of walking for an older adult’s mental health and why you might want to consider working into your or an older loved one’s lifestyle.
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Benefits of walking for an older adult’s mental health
Regarding mental health, walking may not be the first thing to come to mind. But did you know that 30 minutes of walking a day can significantly promote happiness and manage stress in older adults? That’s right – this simple and accessible activity can work wonders for promoting positive mental well-being.
So, exactly why is walking so great for mental health? For starters walking gets your body moving, and any form of light exertion is beneficial for reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Walking also offers a great way to connect with friends and loved ones, helping to prevent feelings of isolation.
However, we’ll go into more detail about how walking is excellent for mental health.
Walking boosts energy
Are you looking to increase energy levels throughout the day? Movement doesn’t have to be complicated for an older adult to see immediate benefits. All they need to do is to step out the door and go on a walk. This stimulates the muscles and puts the brain in workout mode, which clears the mind and increases blood flow to the muscles and brain, which helps the body to feel energized. And because walking is a low-impact activity that can fit into any type of daily schedule, indoor strolls work just as well!
Boost cognitive function
Walking can also help stimulate the parts of the brain where memory and learning happen because it helps to keep blood moving to the brain.
Consistent walk schedules can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and many individuals report feeling focused and sharper after a good walk.
Walking reduces stress and anxiety & boosts overall mood
Going on an outdoor or indoor walk isn’t just beneficial for thinking more clearly; it’s also been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. This is because walking helps the brain release endorphins, a chemical known to make people feel good and one that also promotes pain and stress relief.
Older adults that take regular walks tend to feel more relieved and optimistic as they go about their daily routines. Even a 15-minute walk can produce enough endorphins to have lasting effects.
Reduces the risk of depression
Just as endorphins decrease pain and stress relief, they are critical to preventing or alleviating the symptoms of depression. This is especially true when walking outside on a sunny day with pleasant weather.
Exposure to the sun increases serotonin, which can fight the effects of seasonal affective disorder, especially in the winter when there is less light. This means it can be a good idea to take outdoor walks even during the colder months, as long as you’ve bundled up and it’s sunny!
Improve body confidence
A consistent walking schedule results in the same health benefits and weight control (if that is a goal) as intense exercise. This is because both activities burn calories; a brisk 30-minute walk a day can burn around 150 calories, significantly impacting some individuals.
This means that for those older adults looking to get in shape at a gradual pace, walking is one of the best options to start with.
Build a community
Finding time to get together with friends and family can be challenging. However, setting a consistent walking schedule can help promote social time with loved ones.
Whether it’s taking in nature or engaging with the local community when taking a stroll through the neighbourhood, walking is an excellent opportunity to catch up with acquaintances while getting in a good daily step count.
Improve sleep quality
Who says an older adult has to choose between getting things done and getting a good night’s sleep? Older people can have the best of both worlds when it comes to walking.
Walking not only increases a person’s energy levels during the day to push through their errands, but it also helps promote a deeper sleep at night. When waking up, individuals feel refreshed, have even more energy, and are ready to tackle a new day.
Prevents chronic disease
Sticking to a regular walking schedule can help reduce the risk of several health conditions that older adults might face. With the potential to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia, walking can effectively stay healthy and improve overall well-being.
Regular walking sessions can improve heart health and overall fitness levels by increasing one’s heart rate and building muscle and stamina.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Since the body and mind are connected, increasing physical health promotes a healthy and happy mind.
Takeaway
In conclusion, walking isn’t just a way to get a person from point A to point B. It is a basic movement for nurturing happiness and reducing stress for older adults. Plus, walking is an accessible activity for most older persons of any fitness level and can be done in a group. This helps to develop long-lasting relationships and social interactions.
If you are feeling down or just looking for ways to reduce stress, a stroll around the community can work wonders. For anyone looking to enjoy any of the various benefits here, it’s time to grab a jacket, step outside and have a walk today!