One of the best ways to stay active and healthy is also one of the simplest. Taking a daily walk is a great way to get outside and enjoy your surroundings, all while promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Related Blog: 6 Healthy Habits for Seniors to Stay Active
The Major Health Benefits of Walking
With year-round sunshine and gorgeous locales, Florida is an incredible place to take a daily walk down the beach, along the water, through nature, or just around your local community. No matter where you choose to go, walking everyday offers many health benefits.
Walking Helps Boost Your Mood and Your Mental Health
There is much to be said about the link between moderate levels of exercise and improvement to your mental health, not the least of which is the release of serotonin associated with an elevated heart rate. Daily walks get your heart rate up and blood flowing which helps your mood, reduces stress and improves mental health.
Boost Your Retention and Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s
A study of 6,000 women, ages 65 and older, performed by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that age-related memory decline was lower in those who walked more often.
Simply walking more often and for longer periods of time lowered risk, promoted brain stimulation, and improved memory retention.
Daily Walks Raise Your Energy Levels
Along with serotonin, walking also releases cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine—all of which are hormones that are known to boost your energy levels.
Coupled with the increased oxygen flow throughout the body, a daily walk might be more effective than your morning coffee!
Not only that, but the increased energy during the day will help you get a better night’s sleep, starting a healthier energy cycle.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Light cardio can do wonders for your immune system, especially in relation to illnesses that involve your upper respiratory system, such as a common cold or the flu.
According to a study from North Carolina, both the severity and length of upper respiratory symptoms were reduced between 40 and 50% in subjects who were active over that of those who led a more sedentary lifestyle.
Exercising Daily Improves Circulation and Joint Pain
Walking helps to ward off heart disease, brings up the heart rate, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart to help provide healthier circulation to the entire body.
Walking also helps lubricate the joints and strengthen the surrounding muscles so that the joints are better supported, allowing them to function smoothly and without pain. Some studies even suggest that frequent walks can help prevent future arthritis by encouraging lubrication and supporting the joints before arthritis sets in.
Moorings Park Communities proudly promotes active, vibrant and healthy lifestyles for all of our residents. To learn more about our three campuses in Naples, FL, visit our website and contact us today.
