To Remain Mobile and Healthy in Old Age, You Should Start Walking

A study from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial concluded that if you want to remain mobile and healthy in old age, you should start walking. Furthermore, it says even if you are already well into old age, it is not too late to reap the benefits.

The 2½ year trial included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89, of whom none had exercised regularly; and all were relatively frail. The study authors say half of the participants took part in a daily exercise plan that included walking in addition to strength and balance exercises. The other half of the group did some gentle stretching routines and took part in healthy aging educational workshops.

Researchers found that those who were assigned to the exercise group were “28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.” The study’s authors believe the results would be even more marked if those in the “healthy aging workshops” had not discovered the benefits of exercising on their own.

Walking is easy to do and does not require special equipment other than a pair of good walking shoes. If you are a senior who wants to start exercising, medical professionals say consult your healthcare provider, and slowly and gradually work your way toward longer distances.

At MorningStar of Pasadena, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Along with our fitness center, residents have many opportunities to exercise and keep moving. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Pasadena, CA offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar of Pasadena proudly provides the very best in independent and assisted living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA offers.

Source:health.harvard.edu/blog/walking-exercise-helps-seniors-stay-mobile-independent-201405287173

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