A recent study in JAMA Neurology finds that seniors who accumulate more steps per day by walking, may be associated with a decrease in the risk of the onset of dementia.
Another recent study of more than 2,000 adults reported by Dr. Michael Daignault, reports that taking at least 7,000 steps per day reduced mortality by 50% to 70% compared to those who took less steps. The average age of study participants was 45, and they were followed over an 11-year period.
Obesity, Diabetes and Hypertension are common diseases that often develop as seniors’ age. Overweight individuals are more prone to develop diabetes, hypertension, cancers and heart disease. Walking paves a path towards lowering weight, blood pressure and blood sugar. If we tally the pros for walking, it becomes a lifestyle imperative.
Poor Mobility
Walking consistently on a daily basis will provide more benefits than most activities or habits one does in a day. However, walking can be difficult for those with mobility and joint issues. A good physical therapist can offer exercises, stretches, rehab, and adaptive devices to make walking possible for many. Good fitting shoes with orthotic devices, braces for joints, wraps for legs with poor circulation can make mobility easier.
Motivation
Many people, as they age, slowly give up activities for various reasons. Pain is a deterrent. Retirement offers a slower pace. Without a schedule to work from, many people fall into the habit of procrastinating those things that are not urgent. An, “I can walk tomorrow” attitude can be a slippery slope into a sedentary easy-chair lifestyle.
Lifestyle Trends
Urban living is not conducive to a lifestyle that supports walking. To get to the store, jumping in the car is the common choice. Most don’t live close enough to walk for groceries. Therefore walking takes a proactive plan with consistency built in. Turns out, it is a well worth step in the right direction.