Walk for Life: Advice to Get Seniors Moving
BYJUDITH DELIS, ADMINISTRATOR, SEMINOLE SHORES LIVING CENTER, NORTON SHORES
Now that the snow is finally behind us for another year, it’s a great time to head outdoors and get moving again.
Older adults often see the numbers on the scale creep up during winter months as they avoid going outdoors during a Michigan winter for fear of falling on the ice and snow. A less active lifestyle often results in weight gain.
Walking has both physical and mental health benefits, as well as the added benefit of helping you safely drop those extra pounds.
Summer is a great time to improve your health by walking!
Here are a few tips on how to get started with your own walking program.
• Always check with your physician before starting. They will likely encourage you to begin slowly and build up your endurance.
• Invest in a good pair of walking shoes that support the structure of your foot. It may be worth a trip to sports store at your local mall to have your foot measured and fitted.
• Set manageable goals for yourself. Unless your physician has indicated otherwise, you might want to start out with a daily 10-minute walk. Add 5 minutes at a time until you are up to about 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Be sure to stretch and warm up your muscles before you head out.
• A pedometer or sports watch that measures heart rate and distance can help you track your progress.
• As your physician may have shared with you, the rule of thumb on how fast to walk is referred to as a “walking pace.” That means you have elevated breathing but can carry on a conversation.
• Watch your posture as you walk. Keep your head up and your shoulders back and relaxed. Your arms should hang comfortably at your sides.
• Find a buddy or two to walk with you. It is safer and more fun!
• If you are walking alone, be sure to bring your cell phone and a photo ID with you and to avoid walking in isolated areas.
After you’ve been walking for a few months, you can reevaluate your success and talk with your physician about increasing the distance or pace of your walking if you feel like you need more of a challenge.
At Seminole Shores Assisted Living, Norton Shores’ premier senior care community, our residents enjoy stretching and exercise opportunities every day, no matter the weather; and we are always looking forward to enjoying the beauty of nature and the great outdoors!
For more information about assisted living or volunteer opportunities at Seminole Shores, please call (231) 780-2944.
At Seminole Shores Assisted Living in Norton Shores, our residents and families depend on our dedicated team of caregivers to continually monitor the health and well-being of our residents. Serving seniors and providing top-quality care in a luxurious residential setting is what makes Seminole Shores Norton Shores’ premier provider of assisted living services. For more information or a tour, call (231) 780-2944.
Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center, located in Norton Shores, Michigan, gives seniors the opportunity to be independent while knowing that assistance is available to serve them whenever they need it. The center offers housekeeping, laundry, medication management, 24 hour care, three home-cooked meals a day and a full activity and event program. A pet-friendly community, Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center is owned and operated by Heritage Property Management Inc., located in Grand Haven, Michigan. Heritage Property Management Inc. is a family-owned company that operates eight assisted living homes and five independent living homes across the state of Michigan. Learn more at seminoleshoresalc.com and call (231) 780-2944 for a tour.
