There is nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors, especially as the summer months approach. Beyond the major mental health boost, walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise for all ages––but especially for seniors. Walking, even for just 30 minutes a day can have drastic benefits, from improved heart health, to reducing arthritis pain, to promoting an overall healthy lifestyle.

Want to start a daily walking routine, but worried about your safety? For seniors who have experienced trips or falls in the past, Connect Care Medical Alert Button can help you incorporate a day to day walking regime that will keep you safe. Trusted for over thirty years, Connect Care has been helping Canadians maintain their independence, while living at home. For those seeking an active lifestyle, the GPS SAFE device can be taken anywhere to keep you connected and home and on the go. If you experience a fall while out and about, the GPS Safe includes location-based services to pinpoint the user’s exact location, connecting them to emergency services as quickly as possible.

Ready to implement your new healthy lifestyle? Here are the five major benefits of getting your steps in every day:

1. Getting your heart pumping and reducing your blood pressure with just 30 minutes of walking can have a dramatic increase on your overall health. Numerous studies have shown that walking is directly correlated to increased heart health, with over 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke incidents proven to have been preventable with a healthier lifestyle. Remember that any physical activity is better than none, so to help keep your ticker strong, break up your 30 minutes into three 10 minute intervals around the block throughout the day and perhaps invite a friend along to keep you accountable.
2. Improved Bone Strength
   Walking is still considered one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of broken bones, especially hip fractures. Daily movement helps prevent the reduction in muscle mass and bone density, while increasing mobility and stability. Studies have particularly highlighted the importance of walking for reducing pain in the bone for those with arthritis and osteoporosis––while it may seem counterproductive, walking helps alleviate pain and pressure on the joints through frequent use and strengthening of the bones within the foot.
3. Slow Down Mental Decline
   Perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of daily walking is the staggering increase in mental cognition. Any type of cardiovascular exercise––but particularly walking––is known to release endorphins, which produces a feel-good chemical reaction within the body and the brain. The regular release of this chemical can also improve memory, attention span and processing speed, which leads to a lesser risk of dementia or cognitive decline. Not only does walking improve your physical health, but it’s also incredibly powerful for improving mental health and clarity.
4. Promotes Better Sleep
   If you struggle with frequent insomnia or trouble sleeping, there is no better cure than getting outdoors one to two hours before bed with a quick walk. Walking is often attributed to improved sleep quality and helps clear the mind before drifting off to slumber. Better yet, any light form of exercise will help tire out the body physically and exert any leftover strength, which in turn puts the body into sleep mode for a deeper REM and little time spent waking during the night.
5. Increased Weight Loss and Weight Management
   One of the easiest ways to monitor your weight management is with a quick daily walking regime. It doesn’t have to be long, but moving your body a few times a day can be just as effective as running, on average burning around 100 calories per kilometer walked. Particularly for seniors, walking can be the best form of weight loss, while ensuring little strain on joints and remaining relatively safe vs. more robust sports.
   

Here are a few quick and simple tips to get your steps in on a daily basis:

Park your car in the back of the parking lot.

• Catch up with an old friend on a walking date.
• Walk your grandchildren to school.
• Take the stairs.
• Walk your dog (or a neighbour’s dog).
• Wear your pedometer around the house or in the garden for extra motivation.
• Start or join a walking club.

If you’re ready to start your new walking routine safely today, please visit us at connectcaremedicalalert.ca or kindly call us to find the right fall detector device for you at 1.800.665.7853.