Take a Walk and Add Years to Your Life

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-02-23 10:39:07.485215-05:00

The word is out: walking can slow the aging process and keep you feeling great! So you want to be healthy, energetic, and vibrant? Look at all the ways walking can enhance your life:

  • Heart Health. The cardiovascular system naturally weakens with the years. Walking strengthens your heart and gets it pumping. A study at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania showed that people, who exercise at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week, actually slowed the general decline in heart health.
  • Weight Management. Everyone's metabolism tends to slow over time. This can lead to weight gain. Walking burns calories and fights unwanted pounds. A healthy weight limits your chances of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
  • Strong muscles and bones. As we age, our muscles and bones tend to weaken. We're more apt to get things like osteoporosis or arthritis. But if you keep moving and stay active, you can be mobile and flexible.
  • Positive Mind. Regular walks are an escape from mental stress. They give you time to process your thoughts and release negativity. This creates an optimistic outlook which keeps you from feeling depressed or anxious. A positive attitude also can improve your immune system.

Keep Walking

Make a commitment to walk every day—even if it's only for 10 or 15 minutes. In fact, if you're a beginner, it's best to start small. Walk for short distances and times, then gradually work your way up. Try these tips to invigorate your walks:

  • Grab a Friend. For companionship and extra motivation, ask your spouse, friend, child, grandchild, or neighbor to join you.
  • Take time to smell the roses. For a more inviting experience, select scenic paths, routes, or trails.
  • Walk when you like to walk. If you ' re a morning person, get up a half hour early and take a walk. If you ' re more energetic later in the day, work in some steps in the afternoon or after dinner.

Take advantage of AARP's programs to help you keep walking part of your daily routine.

AARP's Physical Activity Programs

Step Up to Better Health
This inspiring program helps you increase the number of steps you take each day, no matter how active you are now. Each day, clip on a small counter that records every step you take. Then log your step totals online to track your progress along famous American routes—Lewis & Clark Trail, Alaska Military Highway, Appalachian Trail, or Highway 50.

Get Fit on Route 66
This is a fun, nostalgic trip down America's most famous highway—The Mother Road, Main Street of America—from the shores of Lake Michigan to the California coast. Choose from 66 activities—including walking. Your exercise minutes are converted to miles along the highway. Visit our Route 66 Diner for recipes or try the Backseat Driver feature where friends can opt in to see each other's progress.

AARP Resources

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