How to Keep Walking This Winter
Companion care at home keeps seniors walking safely indoors throughout the winter months.
While the thought of putting on layers and layers of clothes and heading out into blustery winds and icy sidewalks may not be the best way for your elderly loved one to keep her walking exercise going this winter, it doesn’t mean she has to stop walking completely. She can still get in her regular walks and be safe, no matter what the weather decides to do outside, and companion care at home providers can help her stay safe.
Health Benefits of Walking
Walking is one of the best exercises around for just about every age, but especially for seniors. The benefits are almost too many to list, but let’s look at some key ones that can really affect your loved one’s quality of life.
Going on regular walks can:
- Improve coordination and balance, reducing the risk of your loved one falling should her balance get thrown off.
- Keep joints flexible so there is less pain with movement.
- Reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration. Walking is a great way to work through emotions.
- Strengthen bones and prevent health conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
- Reduce blood pressure.
- Lower the risk of some diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and colon cancer.
- When done with a friend or companion, it can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Walking in the Winter
If your elderly loved one lives somewhere in the most southern parts of the state, then you know that winter is actually the best time of year to walk. There’s less rain, the temperatures are more moderate, and the sun is less strong.
But the majority of the people in the country have to deal with negative elements of winter like ice, snow, winds, and cold, so keeping walking inside is often the best way for your elderly loved one to get her steps in. If she doesn’t drive, you might need help from a companion care at home provider to assist with transportation.
Companion care at home services can include transportation, and it’s often the best route to go. Unlike a taxi or bus service, where your loved one will have to walk from her door to the ride vehicle, companion care at home providers will come to the door, help your loved one get safely to the vehicle, and then help her get inside at her destination.
Now, let’s look at some safe indoor walking areas:
- Gyms: Gyms are often the first place people think of, and they can be a great resource, but they often require a membership. Also, treadmills can be difficult for some seniors, so look for a gym that also has a walking track.
- Senior Centers: If you’re lucky enough to have a senior center in your area, this is usually a great place for seniors wanting to get some steps in. And as a bonus, she might meet some new people and make some new friends.
- Shopping Malls: Shopping malls are a great place to get some steps in, and many open early specifically for those who just want to walk around inside before the stores open and all the crowds file in.
- Schools: Many schools are also open to those who want to come inside and walk for a bit. A simple call to your local school district can help you find out if it’s possible.
- Any large indoor building: Museums, libraries, and even hotels can provide lots of hallways with plenty of walking space.
If you or someone you know needs help with Companion Care at Home in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 560-4057 for more information.
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