Changes That Seniors Will Notice If They Walk 8,000 Steps Per Day
Walking is one of the best ways for seniors to improve their health. Seniors only need to clock 8,000 steps per day to notice big changes in their health. One of the great things about walking is that the physical and emotional benefits of walking start almost immediately. Seniors will start to see positive changes very soon after they start taking a daily walk or get at least 8,000 steps per day. In-home care providers can get seniors walking by encouraging them to walk around each hour and go for walks in the neighborhood.
Seniors may need extra motivation to start getting their steps in. Having a fitness tracker will help seniors count their steps and motivate them to move more throughout the day. An in-home care provider can also go walking with your senior parent to make walking safer and more fun.
Some of the benefits of walking 8,000 steps per day that seniors will notice very quickly after they start are:
Better Heart Health
Walking is a cardiovascular exercise that helps improve heart health. Seniors who consistently walk 8,000 steps per day can lower their risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, and they will notice that have an easier time walking without getting winded. Regular walking contributes to the strengthening of the heart muscle, leading to better overall cardiovascular function.
Better Mobility
Walking is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on the joints. Seniors may experience improved joint health and increased mobility as they engage in regular walking. This can be particularly beneficial for those with arthritis or other conditions affecting joint function.
Increased Strength and Balance
Walking engages various muscle groups, leading to increased strength and improved balance. Seniors who walk regularly will have better balance, which can lower their risk of falling. And by strengthening their leg muscles seniors will improve circulation and make it easier for them to keep moving. Walking also strengthens the core muscles, which can help seniors move more freely and recover from injuries faster.
Weight Loss
Even though walking isn’t a strenuous workout it does help with weight loss. Walking 8,000 steps per day can help seniors lose weight, tone up, and maintain a healthy weight. Walking is often recommended for seniors who need to lose weight as a safe way for them to start exercising. Within a few weeks of regular walking, seniors will notice a change in the way that their clothes fit.
Enhanced Mood and Mental Well-Being
Walking outdoors is a fantastic way to reduce anxiety, combat the symptoms of depression, and improve overall mental health. Being active in the fresh air outdoors for most days of the week will provide an almost immediate boost to a senior’s mental well-being and mood.
Better Sleep Quality
Regular physical activity has been associated with better sleep quality. Seniors who walk 8,000 steps per day may notice that they have an easier time falling asleep and that the quality of their sleep is better.
More Energy
The more seniors exercise the more likely they are to have more energy. Walking daily and getting in at least 8,000 steps will give seniors an almost immediate boost of energy. Within days of starting regular walks, seniors will feel more energetic and brighter, which can lead them to try other types of exercise to improve their health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in the Lee’s Summit MO area, please contact the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City, today. Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.
Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.
Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.
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