Discover Nature and Friends: Senior Walk Groups Await!

The CDC has very clear exercise guidelines for adults over the age of 65: aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. Seniors can also switch things up and engage in 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, ensuring a physician clears them before beginning any type of physical fitness routine.

One of the best ways of getting in shape is through walking. A senior walk can improve overall health while allowing older adults to make new friends and socialize.

Here are some group walking benefits and the best way to connect with other walkers in your area!

Benefits of Social Walking for Seniors

According to data from Mental Health America, it's reported that at least two million older adults experience some type of depression. Many more cases of depression might be unreported, which means countless individuals might be affected.

One of the best ways of improving overall mood is with exercise. Social walking for seniors helps them get out and connect with other community members, exercising in the process.

Regular exercise and other outdoor activities for seniors boast plenty of benefits, including:

A boost in immune function
Improved sleep
Better overall mood
Improved cardiac health
Pain reduction, which can in turn improve mood
Weight management
Improved balance and flexibility
Improved muscles and bone density

If you live in an area with nature trails for seniors, consider starting a walking group to take in the sights. Make it a leisurely stroll to bird watch or pump things up for a calorie burn.

Benefits of Nature for Seniors

Some senior community activities are based on nature, as being outside can help boost Vitamin D. According to Cleveland Clinic, a Vitamin D deficiency most commonly affects adults aged 65 and over, so get outside and enjoy sunlight to help prevent this deficiency.

Nature can also help seniors improve their sleep while promoting a sense of relaxation. They may even benefit from improved mental health, with cognitive benefits including better memory and a better emotional sense of well-being.

Being outside in nature can also help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Seniors need to find outdoor activities, such as walking, that help them relax throughout the day.

When walking in nature, seniors should practice listening to insects and birds, taking in all the sounds they hear. They should also focus on the trees and how the wind blows through the leaves, prompting relaxation. Although these walks are great for socializing, they can also have periods of silence, enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Additionally, older adults can use these walks as an opportunity to build on other skills, such as nature photography, drawing, painting, and more. Take the time to observe the world around you and bask in the calming beauty of nature.

How to Find a Walking Group

Seniors residing in assisted or independent living communities can look for local activities and events that encourage socialization through exercise. This might be on a group message board or an online platform shared by all residents. If no such walking group exists, older adults can create their own walking club to encourage other residents to get out and exercise while making new friends.

Walking groups might be advertised on social media, but it's important that seniors stay safe when navigating these platforms. Don't share personal information (such as name or location) and look for signs of a scam, such as funds being requested.

Seniors interested in finding a walking group can try websites such as Meetup.com but should bring a friend when trying any new group. They should only meet in public areas during peak daytime hours and ensure someone knows where they are at all times.

Libraries and senior centers might have lists of local walking groups, so don't be afraid to check these locations as well.

The American Heart Association also helps anyone looking to start a walking group. It's best to have some help when starting a club, however, as organizing events can be a lot of work. If you have a few friends and want to expand your walking club, encouraging other older adults to come out and exercise, you can create your own group, pick times and locations for walking, and make something positive happen in your community.

Safe Walking Tips for Seniors

Seniors should follow safety precautions when exercising, working to keep them safe while out and about. For example, seniors should:

Walk in well-lit areas
Wear proper clothes and footwear
Hydrate while exercising

Walking in well-lit areas helps senior walking groups stay safe. By walking in a well-lit area, seniors can see their path clearly, especially when walking during the early morning or evening hours. However, it's always a good idea to walk during the day with clear visibility.

It's important to always walk on the sidewalk when possible and to walk against traffic. Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.

Seniors should pick a walking path that's flat, without obstacles that could cause a potential slip-and-fall accident. Active independent and assisted senior living communities boast an active lifestyle for residents, so look for ideal areas to walk within your community.

Hydration is key when exercising, as is taking frequent breaks. Older adults should also listen to their bodies, stopping if they feel any pain or discomfort while engaging in physical activity. It's advisable to consult with a physician before starting any new diet or exercise routine.

Additionally, always wear the appropriate clothing depending on the weather and use sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful UV rays.

Interested in Taking a Senior Walk? Get Moving Today!

Enjoying a senior walk with friends is an excellent way of exercising while socializing. Nature walks are ideal for getting Vitamin D while enjoying the outside world and have plenty of added benefits, including improved sleep and a better overall sense of well-being.

Are you looking to connect with other older adults and enjoy the world around you? St. Andrew's Village has everything you need, including an active social calendar with plenty of outings, classes, and events. We also have beautiful floor plans to choose from within our community, offering something for everyone.