As often as you can, you like to stop by and check in on your dad. You want to see how he’s doing, make sure he has the household items he needs, and help with household chores. Have you ever considered making a walk part of this routine?
Walking is a great exercise for your dad as he ages. Here are eight ways it benefits him.
It’s Good for His Mental Health
Taking a daily walk, especially a walk in nature, helps ease stress and anxiety. It gives him a chance to clear his thoughts and forget about the things at home that were frustrating him.
It Helps Ease Arthritis Pain
While arthritis pain can be excruciating and make your dad want to sit down and not move, it’s actually better to be up and active. It helps strengthen the muscles around the joints and gets the joints loose and fluid to help ease the pain.
It Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
A brisk daily walk gets the blood flowing, which exercises the heart. Plus, there’s the added benefit of lower stress levels, which also benefits the heart.
He May Lose Weight
With daily exercise, your dad is burning calories. If he’s expending more calories than he’s consuming, he’ll lose those extra pounds he’s been struggling with for years.
He’s More Social
Getting outside and talking to neighbors gives your dad the socialization he needs for his mental health. He doesn’t have to talk for long, but even a quick hello is enough to give him some of a boost.
He Lowers His Risk of Diabetes
Your dad can lower his risk of diabetes with weight loss and daily exercise. If he walks 30 minutes a day, it can make a big difference.
His Blood Pressure Improves
As your dad lowers his stress, loses weight, and exercises, his blood pressure improves. The American Family Physician reports that daily walks lower systolic pressure by around 4 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 1.79 mm Hg.
He Gains Vitamin D
The sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. Your dad needs vitamin D and calcium for strong bones, so a half-hour walk can give him the vitamin D he needs for strong bones. Ideally, he wants to get outside and leave some skin exposed to absorb enough.
As there is the risk of skin cancer with sun exposure, your dad does need to time how long he’s outside without sunscreen or long sleeves. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes and then go back in and put on sunscreen.
Does your dad need someone to walk with? If you’re too far away or work long hours and can’t be with him as much as you’d like, hire a senior home care aide for companionship.
Your dad’s caregiver can join him on walks, take him shopping, and get him outside for fresh air. Call a senior home care advisor to make the necessary arrangements.
Sources:
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0100/p22.html
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Laurel, MT, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Billings today. 406-839-2390
