Walks Can Be a Wonderful Activity for Any Senior, Including Those at Assisted Living

April 14, 2020 by ·

For millions of people around the country, walking is a significant form of exercise. It’s not just the physical benefit a person can gain by walking regularly, it may also lift their spirits, give them an opportunity to spend quality time with another individual, and simply feel refreshed.

At assisted living, it’s easy to assume residents don’t get much valuable exercise or an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors by going for walks. Not all assisted living facilities are the same, so it is certainly possible that at some places, seniors have limited options, but overall there should be ample opportunities to enjoy this simple and generally safe activity. 

 

Why are walks so beneficial?

Assisted Living Satsuma, AL: Seniors and Walks

As people get older, their physical abilities will decline. They will lose muscle, no matter how much they work out or exercise. Yet, to slow down the progression of muscle loss, it’s important to stay physically active. 

Some people in their 70s go out and play golf every day, whack a fuzzy yellow ball around a tennis court, or even go to the fitness center or gym. Those are all wonderful things, but so is walking. 

Taking a nice, casual, leisurely stroll down the block, around the grounds, or at a local park can help an aging senior feel refreshed and rejuvenated while keeping their legs as strong as possible. 

 

Will an assisted living facility provide opportunities for residents to go walking? 

They absolutely should, so long as it is safe for that senior to do so. If they require a cane or walker to get around, it may be advisable for that individual to go walking with somebody else, whether it’s a staff member (if feasible and available) or another resident. 

It’s also important to understand the health limitations of the person. For example, somebody diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia would not be ideally suited for going on walks by himself or herself. That doesn’t mean they can’t do this beneficial activity, but they should always do it with another person. 

Many facilities do have walking areas around the facility, even in major metropolitan regions. Maintaining safety and being diligent about it should always be the priority, not just of residents, but the facility itself. 

As we turn the corner away from winter and head deeper into spring, the desire to get outside and enjoy the refreshing, warming air with a simple walk will be stronger. As long as seniors can do this safely, they should be encouraged to stay as active as possible. 

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Satsuma, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017. 

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Satsuma AL, Seniors and Talking Walks · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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