What is Walk with a Doc?
Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. This chapter of Walk with a Doc is provided by Sixty & Better, a non-profit agency which focuses on empowering older adults to live with purpose, independence, and dignity.
Each monthly walking session starts by taking a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare provider, then the group will spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking at your own pace and distance. Talk to your doctor if you have health conditions, concerns, or haven’t been active for a while.
Walking Benefits for Older Adults
As an aging adult, walking can be a part of your regimen to improve your health and wellbeing and can help you to live independently for longer.
Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Walking can:
- Strengthen your muscles.
- Improve your energy levels and increase your stamina.
- Keep your joints flexible.
- Improve your balance and coordination and decrease your likelihood of falling.
- Lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, colon cancer and diabetes.
- Strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
- Help reduce blood pressure.
- Increase your confidence and mood.
- Reduce anxiety or depression.
Walking simply helps you feel better all-around and is also a great way to socialize with your friends! Walking in a group makes exercise more fun, offers encouragement and accountability, and is also safer for older adults. Click here for more information on the benefits of walking.
