Health Tip: Seniors Who Walk for Exercise

While walking is great exercise for people of all ages, it can be especially beneficial for seniors. Walking for exercise has a low injury rate and lends itself to an adaptable pace, depending on your fitness level.

While walking is great exercise for people of all ages, it can be especially beneficial for seniors. Walking for exercise has a low injury rate and lends itself to an adaptable pace, depending on your fitness level.The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these better-walking tips:- Warm up before you walk, and cool down afterward. Stretching improves circulation and decreases the buildup of lactic acid, which is the chemical byproduct that causes muscles to ache.- Buy the proper footgear. – Changes or pain in your feet or ankles aren’t normal and could indicate a serious foot ailment or circulatory problem. If you experience any unfamiliar symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.- If possible, walk on grass or dirt paths that are flat and even. With age, the natural shock absorbers in your feet deteriorate.- Avoid walking outdoors in cold weather, which causes numbness and limits your ability to detect injury to your feet.(Source: American Podiatric Medical Association: Forbes: Felicity Stone: Juen 2004)