Senior living at Bonita Springs is about living each day to the fullest. This means engaging the mind and the body with rewarding group activities including our walking club. Did you know walking is one of the best exercises for older adults? And walking in groups is even better. In addition to providing increased mental and physical health benefits, senior walking groups are just plain fun. So if you’re looking to get outdoors and get active, here’s everything you need to know about group walks and the benefits for seniors.
Improve Mental and Physical Health
As you age, engaging in certain physical activities becomes harder. Luckily, that’s not the case with walking. Walking is a low-impact exercise, meaning it’s easy on your joints and bones, but still provides a boost to your mental and physical health. Regularly walking can also:
- Improve lung strength
- Improve muscle strength
- Balance your weight
- Strengthen your bones
- Increase balance and coordination
- Prevent stiff joints
- Increase confidence and outlook
- Decrease chance of anxiety or depression
Spend More Time Outdoors
It’s no secret that spending time outdoors is good for your health. And going on regular walks is a simple way to spend more time outside. Studies show that increased exposure to greenspaces can decrease the likelihood of issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, spending time in nature has been linked to:
- Improved blood pressure
- Lower risk of depression
- Improved cholesterol
- Overall improved quality of life
Stay Socially Connected
Participating in group walks is an easy way to foster new friendships and connect socially with your friends and community members. Humans are naturally social creatures–so, having a regularly scheduled group event that gets you out of the house and chatting is vital. Additionally, joining a walking group keeps you more motivated and accountable.
Reconnect With Nature
Group walks are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. On your walk, don’t hesitate to stop and admire the wildlife around you. Embracing nature in this way has been linked to:
- Positive emotions
- Increased ability to trust and work with others
- Increased dopamine levels in the brain
Experiencing outdoor activities is an essential aspect of care for the memory care community at Bonita Springs. Studies indicate that increased time outdoors can have positive impacts on people with dementia including improved sleeping habits.
Safety in Numbers
Walking in a group provides seniors with an increased level of safety. You never know when an accidental slip or fall could happen–having your walking partners around you ensures that someone will always be there in case of an emergency.
Senior Living at Bonita Springs
Residents in the Inspired Living at Bonita Springs community receive the support they need to remain as independent as possible. Through activities such as walking groups and guided stretches, residents have every opportunity to nourish their mental and physical health. So if you or a loved one is considering dementia care, Bonita Springs is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a tour.
