Walking is one of the simplest and enjoyable exercises especially for seniors as it doesn’t require much effort and can be done even if you have crossed the century mark. Walking is not only done to get an exercise, some people walk for raising awareness while some do it for earning sweatcoins. Well, no matter what your motivations are, as an older adult you should always focus on staying safe during the walks to ensure that you don’t fall or hurt yourself. Remember that mending bones when you are a senior is a particularly painful and grueling experience. So, you should better avoid it.
If you are a senior and you are looking for some advice on how to make your walks safer, then you must read 5 ways for seniors to stay safe on daily walks that are mentioned right here.
- Create a Walking Program
When you are a senior, you can hardly do anything without talking to your doctor about it. Walking comes under that category too. You should ask your doctor to design a walking program with you so that you can start lightly and increase the distance of walking with time. Be honest with your doctor and tell him or her if you often experience pain in any part of your body after walking for let’s say half an hour. It will help the doctor to create a more achievable walking program. Also, remember that there is a difference between pain and discomfort. If you haven’t been walking for a while, you may experience some discomfort that will go away on its own once you start walking regularly. Do not confuse it with pain.
- Invest in Good Equipment
Many websites like Halo Healthcare specialize in offering footwear that would help you to walk regularly on your own. So, be smart and look for such footwear to aid your walking. While picking up any footwear online or offline, again consult with your doctor as your doctor would point out the problem area and recommend a suitable option. For instance, if you have swollen feet, diabetes or arthritis, you may need to buy special shoes that are created to offer you comfort when you walk.
- Have Some Company
If you think that walking is tedious and time-consuming, then it is advised that you walk with someone you know. It can either be your next-door neighbor or your grandson. Doing so will ensure that walking doesn’t seem tedious anymore as you can focus on talking to your walking buddy rather than taking one step after another. Having a walking buddy will also keep you safe because the walking buddy might see the upcoming obstacles and warn you. A walking buddy will also offer support if you hit your foot on something and are about to fall. You can use your walking buddy’s hand or shoulder to prevent from falling.
- Use a Walker or Cane
Many seniors have a problem in walking on their own as their legs are not as sturdy as they used to be. If you also come under that category, then you should consider buying a walker or cane. Such equipment would help you to walk on your own even if it’s for a few minutes and help you to stay active. It might also help you walk enough that your legs get strength again and you get to move on your own.
Though some of you might wonder how embarrassing it will be for you to be seen with a walker or cane, you should realize that the awkwardness will go away within a few days. In a few days, you will feel such independence and pleasure while walking that you won’t care if people stare at you. The add-on benefit, the right walker or cane would never let you fall.
- Be Cautious
Walking often gives such a pleasure to seniors, especially when there is a slight breeze and the flowers are blooming that they often forget their prescribed limit and overdo it. You should not make the same mistake and avoid spending more than recommended time while walking by wearing a watch and even setting the alarm on it.
Remember, you might feel excellent when you walk an hour rather than half an hour for a set day, but you won’t feel that good if the overexertion prevents you from walking at all for the next few days. It is also advised that you tell someone, be it a family member or a neighbor about your walking plans so that they can know where to look for you if you don’t come back when expected. Also, carry a cell phone with you so that you can call for help if needed and don’t just lie there in pain if you fall accidentally.