Walking

This is some advice I read for elderly walkers:

Take small steps, don't stride
Make sure you walk with heel down first
Arms should be swinging naturally by your side- this helps balance and prevents falls
Don't look down- this is the main cause of falling. Obviously you need to look ahead for things you may trip on but your eyes should focus on the horizon straight ahead as much as possible- this also helps your eyes and ears to work together to maintain balance and prevent falls.

I don't own a dog, but I suspect walking with one would make this kind of mindful walking difficult.

People need to decide what walking they do, serious walkers or ambling amble. I don`t call that ambling a proper walking exercise. It is just an activity stopping at every lamp post with a dog, however I see lots of good walking on this thread

I need to get my walking over and done with, on my own each time so I do a short walk with a steep hill, just enough for my age. I much prefer cycling for my exercise, more gentle on joints. My balance on a bike is excellent, can almost be still while on my bike.

In summary, proper exercise walking is very good, ambling is no different to walking around the house with a duster, apart from the mental health aspect of course

ExDancer

I can never get a straight answer from anyone, including physio therapists and doctors, about what is recommended for people who find walking painful.
I am lucky enough to be able to attend a session at a therapy pool once a week for an hour, that means we get about 40 mins actual swim time. This is an excellent way to keep supple(ish) but hardly likely to lose any weight.
I wish, truly wish, my arthritis would allow me to walk lots of miles a week. Any answers? there must be many more in the same position.

Would one of those exercise machines be a possibility?

A treadmill and/or one of those machines (don't know the name) that are leg exercisers and one sits down and "works" on the pedals.

I swear I've also seen similar machines to the leg exerciser things whereby the machine sort of "exercises" your leg muscles by doing tense/relax type stuff. You are passive and the machine "does the work".

The latter two types of machine do seem to have advertisements for them in the weekend editions of more mid-market type newspapers (yep...ie along with stairlifts, rip out your bathroom to have an adapted shower type adverts). Really cheering stuff not - of the type that makes people feel their age.....but that's pretty much where I've ever seen adverts for them.

I love walking, having two dogs I’m out twice a day in all weather.
I do probably 4-5 miles most days 😊

I love walking and do between five and eight miles a day, more on days when I’m with the grandchildren. It is top exercise for the body, brain and spirits.

Yes I love walking. I’m in my 70’s and find it’s the best thing for my body both physically and mentally.
I understand not everyone is able to walk but if you can I’d strongly advise it.

I just recently re-discovered my love of walking. I am lucky to live near some lovely parks and countryside, but I tend to walk alone as I can go at my own pace and don't get distracted.

I'm up to almost 8000 steps which is good going for me.

It's important to make the most of the good weather while it lasts too...

I started walking more because I realised I was becoming unfit. However, I live in a town so walking is generally on hard pavements through housing, so not especially enjoyable. I am diabetic and I persevere because, to my surprise, even 4000 steps a day makes a huge difference to my sugar levels. I have noticed too that my balance has improved, though my weight is unchanged. So, for me walking has some unexpected benefits. Time will tell if I can keep it up when the weather gets cold.

I have always had to walk a lot due to being too dangerous to drive as I cannot see on my left side.
I try to walk up a steep pathway in the wood every day which takes an hour.. While the lads were with us we were able to get to the Lake District where, before the lads arrived, we often met Wainwright the author.

It’s not the steps or distance it’s getting up and doing something. Some days are harder than others. But the high spot of my week is doing Parkrun on Saturday morning. 5km but u can do a slow walk or a gentle run if u wish! It’s also as much about the Parkrun community check it out.

I have been lead by professionals to believe that yes, walking is good for you both physically and mentally. If you want to use walking for losing weight you should though do it under pressure ie out of breath, walking quickly, up inclines creating pressure on your body to lose calories. Or, cycle. I have a friend who has been walking 8, 10,12 miles every week with ramblers. That's after driving 30 to 50 miles to get to a different walking track each week. Been doing this for years. Wonder if her hip and knee problems are related.

I am very sad that I can no longer do the walking that I used to do, I enjoyed in particular walking up the dales and used to go up one side of the river and back down the other. When we used to sail of course, when you got off it was shanks pony, and I was happy either walking to go somewhere or just enjoying the countryside. There are good days when I can get out for a bit, but it has to be accepting that I have to see what each day brings., and not trying to measure what I do by time or length but just be glad I can do a bit, My favourite thing soon will be to go to a wood that I know and enjoy scuffing through the leaves. Love the sound of crunching leaves, and looking out for conkers.

Those with arthritis who find walking very difficult could do seated activities to keep mobile and supple. There are plenty of videos on YouTube plus Joe Wicks is really good for motivating we older people.

I have always walked a lot but didn't find it helped much with weight loss until this past year. We got a puppy and live in a townhouse with only a large wooden deck; he needs 4 walks a day to empty himself and prefers grass to do it on. I lost 12 pounds over the past 10 months taking him on his walks. Before I would do only one long walk a day, now it's 2 short ones and 2 longer ones and they seem to be the fit for me.

Jaxjacky

Don’t mince your words MOnica not much hope for those who struggle with exercise through no fault of their own!

What Monica quoted is facts we should all know whether you like those facts or not. You can do seated exercises at home and at a sports centre plenty available regardless how disabled you are.

I can never get a straight answer from anyone, including physio therapists and doctors, about what is recommended for people who find walking painful.
I am lucky enough to be able to attend a session at a therapy pool once a week for an hour, that means we get about 40 mins actual swim time. This is an excellent way to keep supple(ish) but hardly likely to lose any weight.
I wish, truly wish, my arthritis would allow me to walk lots of miles a week. Any answers? there must be many more in the same position.

I try and walk every day for up to an hour. I started years ago as a single parent and petrol had to be on a budget. I also hate waiting for a bus when it's cold and wet, I'd rather keep moving and keep warm that way. Often getting to a destination before the bus does!

When walking I often think through projects, think a problem through, stomp off a bad mood, think of all the things I'm grateful for etc. so find it good to keep things in perspective and balance.

It's good for bone density, core strength, posture, digestion, good mental health and appreciation of life/nature etc. I don't know about losing weight, just know that a few people I know who are overweight do not walk or exercise and never have. I've been the same weight and size for 40 years though, and believe me I really love my food!

Susieq62

I walk as much as possible and recommend Park Walk on Saturdays as it is part of the Park Run event as is great mentally plus socially
I also do walking netball
Plenty to free out there ladies

I've heard of the Park Walk and it's more fun for those of us who can't run far and don't have the clothing.

I walk as much as possible and recommend Park Walk on Saturdays as it is part of the Park Run event as is great mentally plus socially
I also do walking netball
Plenty to free out there ladies

Walking keeps one fit but I don't find it helps me lose weight. I am 84 and walk three mile almost every day It's what we put in our mouths that make the difference.

I walk between 5,000 and 10,000 steps every day, but cannot describe my speed as brisk, due to RA. I do need to lose some weight, not helped by some of my post cancer medication, but walking makes no difference, I need to seriously change my eating habits to lose. Intermittent fasting works for me, alternate days, but I have to be in the right frame of mind!

Jaxjacky

Don’t mince your words MOnica not much hope for those who struggle with exercise through no fault of their own!

Part of my post seemed to have removed itself. I wrote AI says before people who do not exercise.... onwards, because it was just that

But whether you can exercise or not does not alter the accuracy of what AI says nor justify not spelling it out in a general way.

I do half an hour a day of brisk walking and have five different routes by the coast and through the country watching the seasons go by. I hate exercise and it is the only I get any.

Have you given up smoking too Cumbrianmale?

Yes , I walk the dog daily sometimes twice when d/h takes her out , I also run. I’m thankful every day I’m able …I also step count, at least 10,000 daily…