The Benefits of Walking for Exercise

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 block, but over time, you will be able to go farther 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 to 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, we wholeheartedly agree that walking is great exercise for seniors and we have a Walking Club at many of our communities.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful new community opening this fall in Arvada, Colorado.

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

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to visit to see for yourself our exceptional community for independent and assisted living.