Did you know that walking is a perfect way of maintaining a healthy weight? Even better, senior walking is ideal for slowing the progression of bone loss while strengthing a person’s bones, according to the Mayo Clinic.
This is why a walking program for seniors is so important. Walking groups not only help older adults stay healthy, but they also offer opportunities to connect with friends in the community.
Anyone who loves nature will enjoy getting out and taking in the sights as they explore new areas with their senior walking groups, and this article explains how to connect with a walking group.
Benefits of Walking for Seniors
Senior walking groups are known to improve cardiac health while providing opportunities for older adults to make friends.
Other benefits include:
- Lower blood sugar
- Building strong bones
- Improve muscle strength
- Reduce a decline in cognitive impairment
- Help with aches and pains
- Improve mood
- Improve sleep
- Engage socially with peers
- Improve immune health
Here’s how some of the benefits of walking can affect a senior’s overall health.
Heart Healthy
Walking is ideal for improving a person’s blood pressure and overall circulation.
According to the CDC, adults over the age of 65 should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise.
Reduce Blood Sugar
Walks play an essential role in reducing blood sugar, especially when seniors get out and more about after a meal. Walking can even manage type 2 diabetes in older adults.
Combat Cognitive Decline
Walking may protect against the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It can also work to improve overall cognitive function in older adults.
In addition, it can improve a person’s overall mood, something imperative for seniors who may experience depression, loneliness, or anxiety.
Better Sleep
It’s said that, with age, older adults struggle with sleep. But a daily walk can help them to fall asleep easier.
Walking tips for seniors include exercising with a friend. Everyone will benefit from improved sleep while socializing.
How to Find Local Walking Programs
One of the best ways to find local walking programs is through websites like Meetup.com. Seniors can type in their location and find local walking groups ready to get together.
Local libraries and township municipal buildings also have lists of social events, including walking, so older adults should check in these areas as well.
Seniors who are comfortable with social media can look for online walking groups in their area. Not everyone is comfortable with websites like Facebook, however, and may prefer to have walking groups referred to them by other members of the community. In this case, it’s always a great idea to ask around, especially when out and about.
For seniors who are comfortable using the Internet, they can use Google to look for specific local walking programs that best fit their exercise needs, especially if their goals are to get out, make friends, stay in shape, and most importantly, have fun.
Tulsa Galloway Training Program
According to the Tulsa Galloway Training Program’s website, their walking group is a great way to make friends and get fit. The group celebrates the low-impact nature of walking and is eager to get out and explore the great outdoors while forming new friendships.
The great thing about this walking group is that seniors can easily join, as it’s geared for all experience levels. Even better, the group meets in the morning and evenings, with a flexible walking schedule to accommodate all walkers.
America’s Walking Club
American’s Walking Club is dedicated to promoting fitness and friendships through walking. Older adults looking to find a walking group near them can use the website to navigate walking events in Oklahoma.
The great thing about America’s Walking Club is that it prides itself on being inclusive and non-competitive, making these group walks ideal for people of all ages and ability levels.
She RUNS This Town
Besides American’s Walking Club and the Tulsa Galloway Training Program, there are other clubs for older adults looking to get out, exercise, and connect.
For example, She RUNS This Town is geared for women and has locations all over the country. Although it’s a running club, it welcomes women of all skill levels and is a great way to get out, stay fit, and have fun with new friends.
Alternatives to Senior Walking Programs
Older adults looking to exercise daily might find that walking programs only meet on certain days and times throughout the week. This means that they’ll need to find other means of exercising when not with their walking group.
One of the best ways of staying in shape is walking with a pet, especially for older adults with a dog. Dog walking is a great way for seniors to stay active and bond with their pets. They can even turn this into senior socials, asking a friend (or more! to join them on their walks.
For healthier aging, seniors should walk at least 2.2 miles per hour (IDEA Fit), although speeds vary by age and ability level. What matters is getting out and enjoying the fresh air with friends.
Besides walking outside, seniors can find other ways of staying healthy when they can’t explore nature due to inclement weather. Seniors can invest in treadmills, stationary bikes, recumbent bikes, or pedal exercisers to stay healthy. Pedal exercisers also work on tabletops, strengthening arm muscles.
Any older adults who have access to a pool can exercise indoors when walking outside isn’t an option. What matters is finding ways of exercising and socializing.
The Best Walking Program for Seniors
When looking for a great walking program for seniors in Tulsa, OK, it’s important to consider their ability level, choosing beginner walking groups if necessary. Look for programs that meet at flexible times and that welcome walkers of all ages. Some groups are geared towards women, so always check websites beforehand.
Seniors who love to walk, even without a group, can take full advantage of Country Club at Woodland Hills. There are plenty of wonderful amenities for residents to enjoy including health and wellness programs.
To learn more, contact us today, and let a member of our dedicated staff explain our exclusive programs.
