Spring is almost here and you should be thinking about getting in shape after a long cold winter. Are you ready to discover the fabulous
world of walking? Well, hold onto your walking sticks because we’re about to
unravel the secrets of this magical activity that’s tailor-made for the golden
years.

First off, let’s talk about the perks of
walking. It’s the frugal superstar of Exercise – it’s free! And let’s be
honest, after a lifetime of budgeting, who doesn’t appreciate freebies? Walking
is simple; it’s like putting one foot in front of the other, which, let’s face
it, we’ve had plenty of practice with. Plus, it’s gentle on those creaky
joints. You won’t hear them complaining!

Now, here’s the fun part. Did you know that
walking can turn you into a lean, mean, body fat-fighting machine? A study from
the University of Tennessee discovered that women who strut their stuff have
less body fat. You’ll be strutting your stuff in no time!

And here’s a bonus: while you’re out there
strolling, your calf muscles are doing their best impression of a Venetian
gondolier, pumping blood back to your heart and keeping those pesky blood clots
at bay. It’s like a cardio cruise for your legs!

But wait, there’s more! Walking isn’t just
good for your heart; it’s a bone-strengthening superstar. Dr. Michael A.
Schwartz even says it can put a stop to bone loss. Imagine, you could be the
next superhero with unbreakable bones!

Now, here’s a real head-turner: regular
walkers in their fifties and sixties are 35% less likely to shuffle off this
mortal coil in the next eight years. And if you’ve got some health quirks, that
percentage shoots up to 45%. That’s like a senior discount on the Aging
process!

But the goodness doesn’t stop there.
Walking is a natural mood booster, thanks to those delightful endorphins. The
more you walk, the happier you’ll be, just like a kid in a candy store, but
with healthier snacks.

Feeling sluggish? Fear not! A brisk
30-minute walk can torch 200 calories. It’s like taking your metabolism for a
spin. And while you’re at it, your leg and abdominal muscles get toned. Who
knew you could sculpt your way to greatness while strolling through the park?

Now, for the best part – walking can even
help you Sleep like a baby. Forget counting sheep; start counting your steps,
and insomnia might just be a thing of the past!

Remember those joints that have been with
you through thick and thin? They need some TLC too. When you walk, you give them
a little squeeze, sending oxygen and nutrients their way. It’s like a spa day
for your joints!

And here’s the sciencey bit: walking
increases your breathing rate, which means more oxygen zipping through your
veins, flushing out waste, and boosting your energy. Think of it as your
personal fountain of youth on two legs.

Oh, and let’s not forget your brain. A
study from the University of California found that walking keeps your memory
sharp. It’s like having your own memory palace on the move! And for the
gentlemen, walking more than a quarter mile a day can cut your chances of
dementia in half. That’s a pretty good deal, don’t you think?

So, my seasoned pals, what are you waiting for?
Grab your walking shoes and hit the pavement. The world is your oyster, and
with each step, you’re adding pearls to your golden years. Walk on, you
magnificent legends! 

Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/

Royce Shook Blogger

I served as a teacher, a teacher on Call, a Department Head, a District Curriculum, Specialist, a Program Coordinator, and a Provincial Curriculum Coordinator over a forty year career. In addition, I was the Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a professor both online and in person at the University of Phoenix (Canada) from 2000-2010.

I also worked with Special Needs students. I gave workshops on curriculum development and staff training before I fully retired