Benefits of Walking for Arthritis

October 14, 2015 by

Elderly Care in Toronto

Walking has numerous benefits; it lowers body fat, strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves your mood. Not to mention how easy this aerobic exercise is to do. Another benefitsElderly-Care-Toronto to walking everyday is the fact that it will lessen the affects of arthritis, yet many people with arthritis are not physically active because they are worried it will cause pain or make their symptoms worse.  If you are providing elderly care for a loved one with arthritis, encourage them to get moving in order to reap the following benefits.

Improves circulation
Walking has been proven to lower the risk of blood clots since it helps pump blood from the feet and the legs to the heart. The results is a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

Stops the loss of bone mass
Osteoporosis is a major problem among older adults and can lead to hip fractures or life-threatening injuries if the elder were to fall. By walking for about 30 minutes a day, the loss of bone mass will be stopped, which will strengthen their bones and reduce the chances of hip fractures.

Leads to a longer life
Studies have found that adults between the ages of 50 and 60 were 35% less likely to die in the next eight years compared to those older adults who do not walk.

Strengthens muscles
Walking will help strengthen and tone the leg muscles, shifting weight and pressure off of the joints, relieving arthritis pain your loved one who is receiving in-home care may be feeling.

Improves sleep
If your loved one is having a difficult time sleeping, walking may be the perfect solution. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle conducted a study, which determined women between the ages of 50 and 75 who walked an hour every morning were more likely to relieve their sleep problems compared to women who do not walk.

Supports the joints
Joint fluid and oxygen circulate as we move, improving the health of your joints. Those who do not walk may have their joints deteriorate much quicker than those who get moving on a regular basis.

Slows mental problems
If your loved one has a condition that is affecting their memory, such as Alzheimer’s, memory decline may be greatly reduced through this form of exercise.

Lowers the chances of being disabled
The chances of becoming disabled will be reduced through aerobic walking and resistance exercise programs.

Seniors who are in pain due to arthritis should get moving for their health and pain relief.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care services in Toronto, contact the caring professionals at Staff Relief Health Care 24/7 at 905.709.1767.

 

Source
Arthritis Foundation. “12 Benefits of Walking.”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Addressing the Nation’s Most Common Cause of Disability at a Glance 2015.”

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