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Incredible medicine for aging well: Walking!

Posted by robertwills @robertwills, Dec 3, 2024

I want to share something that I have practiced almost daily for many years and the difference it has made is astounding. It's simply walking for 1 hour a day! It is truly an incredible medicine. The benefits: for me have been

1. Relaxation
2. Better, deep sleep
3. Breaks up the day
4. Turns negative thoughts to positive
5. Balances appetite - I eat well, not to excess (like on days I don't walk) and gravitate to healthier foods for some reason
6. Perfect vitals like blood pressure. No health issues
7. Great muscle tome all over
8. Much more stamina
9. Look far younger than my age
10. Get fresh air
11. Sense of adventure
12. With the right shoes each foot strike feels wonderful
13. Just plain fun!
14. Potential to meet new people with the same mindset, if that's your thing]
15. Normal BMI (body mass index). Mine is about 21
16. No cost to get started but I recommend good walking shoes when you finally "get it". Good shoes add a whole other dimension
17. Many internal benefits that you are totally unaware of, such increased blood volume, more efficient oxygen transport, more pliable blood vessels. Keeps you healthy!

So there you are. I hope this encourages someone to at least try it out. Then when you get "into it" you can search for good walking shoes. Excellent ones can be found online for anywhere from $50 to $150. Stick with the major brands and only buy shoes made for walking. I will recommend the Brooks Omni Walker, as a start. Also excellent, the famous Brooks Addiction Walker. They got that name right!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

janchan | @janchan | 5 days ago

I used to enjoy walking so much. When I lived in Colorado, I loved taking my dogs for walks and climbing to the highest point then reflecting upon the beauty of the universe from that vantage point. It isn't easy to walk much any more and it seems like the doctors are hellbent on making it impossible. Between a hospital messing up my records really bad (and of course, everyone gravitates to the worst records, even when they don't make any sense and aren't even sourced and refusing me surgery that would enable me to walk again because they think the risk is too high, I'm feeling so discouraged I don't want to live any more. What's the sense of it if all you're doing it waiting to die what the doctors tell me will be a slow, painful death? I love reading about those who can get on with their lives. Keep it up! And may you never be caught in the medical maze I'm in right now. Bless you all.

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2 replies
petrullo | @petrullo | 4 days ago
In reply to @janchan "I used to enjoy walking so much. When I lived in Colorado, I loved taking my..." + (show)
@janchan

I used to enjoy walking so much. When I lived in Colorado, I loved taking my dogs for walks and climbing to the highest point then reflecting upon the beauty of the universe from that vantage point. It isn't easy to walk much any more and it seems like the doctors are hellbent on making it impossible. Between a hospital messing up my records really bad (and of course, everyone gravitates to the worst records, even when they don't make any sense and aren't even sourced and refusing me surgery that would enable me to walk again because they think the risk is too high, I'm feeling so discouraged I don't want to live any more. What's the sense of it if all you're doing it waiting to die what the doctors tell me will be a slow, painful death? I love reading about those who can get on with their lives. Keep it up! And may you never be caught in the medical maze I'm in right now. Bless you all.

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all us. seniors. hear you

REPLY
clau1117 | @clau1117 | 4 days ago
In reply to @janchan "I used to enjoy walking so much. When I lived in Colorado, I loved taking my..." + (show)
@janchan

I used to enjoy walking so much. When I lived in Colorado, I loved taking my dogs for walks and climbing to the highest point then reflecting upon the beauty of the universe from that vantage point. It isn't easy to walk much any more and it seems like the doctors are hellbent on making it impossible. Between a hospital messing up my records really bad (and of course, everyone gravitates to the worst records, even when they don't make any sense and aren't even sourced and refusing me surgery that would enable me to walk again because they think the risk is too high, I'm feeling so discouraged I don't want to live any more. What's the sense of it if all you're doing it waiting to die what the doctors tell me will be a slow, painful death? I love reading about those who can get on with their lives. Keep it up! And may you never be caught in the medical maze I'm in right now. Bless you all.

Jump to this post

I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a tough time. It's understandable to feel discouraged when facing health challenges, especially when they impact activities you once loved. Remember, there are people who care and resources available to help you navigate this difficult situation. It's important to reach out for support, whether from friends, family, or professionals, who can assist you, what about a second opinion?Your feelings are valid, and seeking hope and connection can make a difference.

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luhn | @luhn | 3 days ago

I've been a walker for 45 years and good shoes make such a difference! I was using a brand that unbeknownst to me caused me knee pain every day. Finally I switched shoes and pain is gone! This year I added some trekking poles and they are wonderful. (I had a month's episode of vertigo so felt these would be prudent to use in case a new onset occurs when walking). The poles are improving my posture, strengthening my arms and also using 45% more energy (i.e. burning more calories 🙂 If you haven't tried them yet, please do. I believe you will be very pleased with the results.

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1 reply
robertwills | @robertwills | 3 days ago
In reply to @luhn "I've been a walker for 45 years and good shoes make such a difference! I was..." + (show)
@luhn

I've been a walker for 45 years and good shoes make such a difference! I was using a brand that unbeknownst to me caused me knee pain every day. Finally I switched shoes and pain is gone! This year I added some trekking poles and they are wonderful. (I had a month's episode of vertigo so felt these would be prudent to use in case a new onset occurs when walking). The poles are improving my posture, strengthening my arms and also using 45% more energy (i.e. burning more calories 🙂 If you haven't tried them yet, please do. I believe you will be very pleased with the results.

Jump to this post

Lots of walkers in Europe use the poles Far more people walk in Europe than in America. And they walk for necessity, like to work and shopping and for leisure and exercise. You can see live webcams of various places throughout Europe and what you'll see is lots of people walking and almost everyone is thin and fit. I walked for an hour outside today and it felt wonderful when walking and when I got back! And soon my sleep will be wonderful, too.

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Scott R L | @scottrl | 3 days ago

Despite the cold and a biting wind, Grumpy Scott went for a walk at a park yesterday.
I need more exercise like that.

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