Some time ago, I wrote an article for this blog about how a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that your walking speed is a predictor of longevity. The faster you walk, the longer you may live
I don’t really know whether that’s true or not. I’ve seen it reported numerous times in articles in newspapers and magazines.
Regardless of whether walking speed is a predictor of longevity, it has been well demonstrated over the years that walking is good for your overall health and wellness. If you make walking a part of an overall exercise program, you should be substantially more healthy and fit than if you don’t. Makes sense.
Walking has often been called the “Universal Exercise”, particularly for seniors. Much of the benefit that younger people get from running, seniors will get from walking, without most of the accompanying chances of joint injury, foot problems and other challenges associated with running.
And as an added benefit, many Senior walkers report a feeling of “flow” much like the well known “runners high”, a sort of “altered state” or “hypnotic trance” that is sometimes associated with steady, consistent, undistracted movement.
How much walking is best? I haven’t seen any sort of standard answer. I’ve read that several 20 to 30 minute walks a week will keep seniors healthy. My wife and I walk around 40 minutes twice a week (most of the time), along with our visits to the gym.
If you are physically able, I suggest that walking a couple of times a week is the best way to start a new exercise program. You can build from that. But whether you choose to expand from simple walks or not, it’s in your best interest to get in some walking during the week.
You swing your arms. You exercise your legs. You breathe deeply. If you have a local park or trails, you can even get a feel for the joys of nature.
Right now, if your local or State Government hasn’t shut you down, walking is probably as “good as it gets” for a pleasant distraction. If it’s not allowed in your locale, then some other form of exercise may be the distraction and stress reducer you are likely in need of.
And later this afternoon, my wife, grandson and I, plan on going on one of those walks on one of the many nature trails in our town. We walk relatively fast. Will it make us live longer? I’ll bet it will help.
Maybe we’ll run into some of you there.
Thank you for reading.