Walking For The Elderly
Benefits Of Walking For The Elderly: 
Exercise id good for everyone. The elderly get these benefits from it as follows :
- Improved metabolic function
- Better sense of balance
- Improved medical status
- Improved mental well-being
- Positive effect on bone density.
What To Watch Out For When Walking:
Walk in a safe zone. A park is a good option, but if you don’t have one near your place, the colony road, early in the morning, is a good place to work. Wherever possible, keep to the pavement rather than the road.
- Take along a friend and be responsible towards each other.
- Make sure you carry water, sugar, some loose change and a baton to ward off street dogs. If you use a mobile phone, carry it with you.
- Do tell the family where you will be so they do not worry.
- Time yourself, it is as much about increasing intensity as it is about socializing.
- Take one day off from your walking routine to sit out and chat with your friends, or with your family.
- Don’t walk in unlit areas after dark. Chances are you may overlook a pothole or puddle of water.
- Don’t walk on a wet surface as you may slip. If it has rained, try to do some stretches at home or stay active by pitching in with house work.
- Sit in the sun for at least half an hour a day, of course, only in winters.
- Eat light meals so it does not come in the way of exercise.
- Wear adequate warm clothes in winter. Cover the head and the ears as well as the rest of the body. Do not remove woollens even if you start sweating.
- Carry a walking stick if you feel your balance is poor.
- Walk at a comfortable pace.
- Stop if you feel dizzy or have palpitations, or are disoriented.
Note: Consult a doctor before you undertake this or any other exercise programme.
