Walking for Seniors: Brain and Body Health
Staying as healthy as possible, both physically and mentally, is a massive goal for seniors. Walking is a great way to boost health, but sometimes seniors have physical challenges or mobility issues that sideline them and keep them from walking as much as they might want. For some aging adults, physical therapy services are a way to boost both health and independence by helping them get back to walking.
Physical Therapy Livonia MI – Walking for Seniors: Brain and Body Health
Benefits of Walking for Seniors
Walking is an amazing exercise for seniors. They don’t need any special equipment, other than shoes that fit them well. Walking boosts cardiovascular health, helps with mental clarity, and helps to keep joints and muscles stronger. If seniors are experiencing a lot of stiffness, walking may be a way to help them loosen up and improve mobility. Seniors don’t have to walk a lot to get these benefits. Just a few minutes a day can offer great results.
Physical Therapy and Mobility
When seniors have trouble with mobility, walking can feel beyond them. The problem is that the less they walk, the more difficult it is for them to be able to walk. Some seniors may even find that they completely lose mobility because they stopped walking. Physical therapy is a way for seniors to work with an expert on movement who can offer them a personalized plan for improving their physical function. Physical therapists start where their patients are and make recommendations for improving mobility with a variety of different exercises. Removing fear and anxiety around movement helps seniors to feel more comfortable regaining some mobility.
Building Walking Strength with Physical Therapy
If seniors are experiencing trouble walking, physical therapy can help quite a lot. Physical therapists first assess where seniors are having trouble. Balance problems, muscle weakness, and gait issues can all be part of the problem. Working with a physical therapist helps seniors gain a better range of motion and build stamina while also strengthening joints. Eventually, they may find walking much easier. Rushing this is never a good idea and physical therapists help seniors to make progress without straining or overexerting themselves.
Tips for Walking More as a Senior
When seniors are ready to walk more, how should they start? Starting slowly and in small ways helps to keep the overwhelm at bay. Short walks are great at first, especially when seniors don’t have the best stamina. Focusing on good posture helps to reduce strain. If seniors need assistive devices like a cane or a walker, they should use them. These tools help to maintain balance and can make it easier for seniors to keep moving. Physical therapists can offer detailed tips to help their patients get started walking safely and easily.
Using the tools physical therapy can provide makes it a lot easier for seniors to become stronger and maybe even start a regular walking practice. Spending time walking can offer huge rewards for both brain and body health, which is a big part of ensuring that seniors can continue to age in place the way they want to.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Physical Therapy Services in Livonia MI, please contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Health, LLC today. 734-259-4200
Connecting Families with Compassionate & Quality Home Health Care In Wayne, Oakland, Livingston & Washtenaw.
- Understanding Frozen Shoulder Syndrome in Seniors - December 16, 2024
- Walking for Seniors: Brain and Body Health - December 5, 2024
- Considerations to Add Skilled Nursing to Seniors’ Support Team - November 20, 2024
