Walking Tips For Seniors}

Submitted by: Joyce Bogdon

Let us start by looking at the health reasons for starting a walking program.

1. Reduces chances of a heart attack

2. Improves bones and muscles

3. Helps people with diabetes

4. Can help memory

5. Possible weight loss

6. May help with depression

7. Can reduce blood pressure

8. Can reduce aches and pains

9. Can reduce stress

10. Low impact exercise

11. May slow down the aging process

12. Reduces risk of disability

13. Lowers bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol

14. May meet new people at the mall-improves mental attitude

Let us get started now that we know why it is good for seniors to have a walking program. Get an okay from your doctor before you start. Your doctor can give you advice on how long and how much you can do at the start. Get comfortable walking shoes. Are you going to be walking indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, you need to layer your clothing so that as you heat up or if it becomes warmer, you can adjust the amount of clothes you have on. If indoors, the temperature will be comfortable. You could join a walking group. There are plenty of walking groups or walking clubs in most cities. It is easier to walk with a friend or group of people than to walk alone. However, they should be at the same ability as you so that everyone will be able to walk together. There is also safety in numbers.

Set your goals on what your walking program will accomplish for you. Make up a walking program schedule and tape it to your refrigerator door. This is the one place where you will see the walking program schedule every day! Set up a three to six days a week schedule based on you health. Don’t put a duration time as your body will tell you when to quit. Start slowly. As your ability increases, increase your pace and or distance traveled. Do not wear headphones. You need to be aware of your surroundings. Also, do not walk on uneven terrain. The risk of falling goes way up. If you are walking alone, I recommend that you go to the mall. The temperature is always comfortable and there are people around for safety concerns. If someone where to have a medical emergency, there would be someone to call for help. Many seniors are bothered by arthritis or knee problems that normally will be lessened in the mall. A Big Warning, avoid the food court. You want to lose or maintain you weight, not gain weight. Most items in the food court are high in calories or contain insane amounts of salt or both. Do not go shopping until after your walking program is finished for the day.

The most important thing is to start and continue to do your walking program. Your body and heart needs the exercise! Exercise helps the entire body and it also helps the mind. For more information and more senior walking tips go to www.diamondlinkmarketing.com/walkingtips

About the Author: Joyce Bogdon has developed a passion for walking and fitness at age 59. Her benefits from walking has led her to writing several articles about walking for fitness. For more information and more walking tips, go to

diamondlinkmarketing.com/walkingtips

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