The change of season brings an abundance of sunshine and the perfect opportunity to get outside. On March 30th, we’re encouraging everyone to celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day by enjoying the natural beauty around them. Pack a water bottle, sun hat, and a picnic lunch, then make your way outdoors. If the gorgeous scenery, the chirping birds, and smiling people aren’t enough to convince you, we invite all seniors and caregivers to consider more reasons why you should enjoy Take a Walk in the Park Day.
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Take a Walk in the Park
1.) Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises to strengthen the body and mind for a senior. Walking has been linked to improved health in many studies throughout all stages of life.
2.) If you like to indulge in sweets, you should know that you will have to walk at least the length of a football field to burn off just one M&M candy.
3.) Walking is a recovery workout. Walking is an excellent way to keep your body limber while healing if you have recently had surgery or are on restricted movement.
4.) You don't have to worry about dressing up! Regular tennis shoes can last for up to 500 miles; just make sure they're still comfortable.
5.) People who see more trees are calmer and more focused than people who don’t.
6.) Studies have linked walking to the reduced onset of dementia simply by maintaining a walking routine to stay active and mobile.
7.) Other studies say that walking 6,000 steps a day can help you maintain your health and even improve it. To lose weight, on the other hand, you should average around 10,000 steps a day.
8.) Walking doesn’t require any special equipment. Even people who require assistive technology for walking don’t need anything other than what they regularly use every day.
9.) Spending the day in the park is an excellent way to enjoy a picnic with your caregiver in a different setting. New scenery in large areas that are less restrictive can feel more freeing and natural for conversation and interaction.
10.) Walking is free! While some places might charge admission, like larger national parks or zoos, walking in the local park is free. It costs nearly nothing to take a lap or two around the local greenery and reset yourself for the rest of the day.
Encourage your seniors and caregivers to Take a Walk in the Park this year on Wednesday, March 30th — we hope you will. For more information about Home Helpers of Drexel Hill, contact us today.