For seniors in Zanesville, OH, a town close to Columbus and Cambridge, a walking club helps them stay motivated as they exercise, connecting with other residents as they get in shape. Walking clubs are part of senior wellness activities that encourage socialization to combat isolation while offering an inclusive activity for everyone.
Imagine this: it's raining out, but you're determined to exercise. You just need a little motivation and maybe some conversation. This is where walking for healthy aging comes into play in the form of a senior walking group.
You don't need any fancy equipment -- just grab a friend, some comfortable walking shoes with good grip, and your water bottle, and get ready for some Zanesville retirement engagement!
Walking isn't just about moving your body; it's a mindset that leads to overall health. This includes core benefits such as:
What's great about all of these is that they can work to prevent seniors from falling and becoming injured. Although walking has plenty of physical benefits, it's also a key factor in a person's emotional wellness.
You might not even have to walk for that long-something as simple as 20 minutes a day can make you feel better and more focused. Moderate walking and group movement are great for releasing endorphins. You might even feel, after you walk, that you're calmer or happier.
Yes. A gentle stretch before walking is ideal. This helps to loosen your joints to prevent injury while exercising.
It's also great for increasing overall flexibility. When you stretch before walking, you may reduce the incidence of straining yourself or having any type of discomfort. If you're unsure how to stretch, ask a staff member for help.
You can start with:
You should also stretch when you're done exercising.
You can put on your sneakers and enjoy outdoor fitness for seniors. When you do this with a friend, you're getting out and creating a sense of community.
You're connecting with other residents, talking, and sharing stories, all while getting your daily steps in. The sky's the limit with what you can talk about -- you might want to connect about your family, upcoming activities, or even a trip you're planning on taking.
You can also celebrate milestones. When you have a sense of belonging like this, it works to help you maintain your health. This is something especially important for seniors who feel isolated or even depressed.
One of the main factors of exercising is safety. When you join a walking club, routes are designed to keep everyone safe.
These walking routes also have accessibility in mind. This means that paths are smooth and well-lit.
There are also many benches along the way for you to sit and rest if you need a break. You might find that staff members from your community accompany you on your walk.
They're there to support you and help encourage you every step of the way -- literally. If they notice that somebody needs assistance, they're there to help.
Another great thing about a walking club is that it's the kind of thing you can do consistently. From here, you can try seasonal challenges or maybe friendly competitions. You may want to take a themed walk depending on the time of year.
It's understandable that motivation can wane when walking, especially if it's cold or rainy out. This is when something like an indoor walking club comes into play. Something as simple as a common area or a hallway suddenly becomes a makeshift walking route.
Walking clubs are perfect for helping residents set personal goals. They also help residents track their progress.
You might work with a team that will coordinate a walking plan with your specific care. This means if you need a route adjusted or the pacing altered, they can do so in accordance with your mobility aids or if you have any chronic conditions.
When walking doesn't feel like a chore, residents are more likely to keep exercising, which works to maintain their independence and confidence.
A walking club focuses on a person's physical and social wellness. Although the goal is to walk and get in shape, it's also about connecting with friends and enjoying good conversation to boost mental wellness.
You can walk with other residents and pick different routes when exercising outdoors. It's about being consistent in a low-pressure setting.
Times for activities vary, but most clubs meet in the morning. They usually meet a few times a week.
This works to keep things consistent while also avoiding the hottest part of the day when walking outdoors. You can walk daily or a couple of times a week-it depends on your schedule and comfort level.
It's recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, so if you can comfortably walk for thirty minutes five times a week, that's ideal. However, even 10 to 20 minutes is perfect.
Absolutely. Keep routes accessible and ensure that everyone can safely participate.
It doesn't matter whether they're walking on their own or using a cane, walker, or wheelchair. What matters is making walking inclusive so everyone can enjoy this activity.
When the weather is bad, you can walk inside. This means that if it's too hot, cold, rainy, or snowy, you can just take your exercise indoors in accommodating floor plans. You can play music and enjoy a good conversation.
If you're ready to exercise while making friends, then a walking club is a great way to have fun and get healthy. At Clay Gardens Place Assisted Living, we understand the importance of making new friends while prioritizing your health.
This is why we offer lovely pathways for light exercise and an active social calendar that doesn't just include walking -- it includes art workshops so you can nurture your creative side.
Contact us today and ask to see our available floor plans!