Why Elderly People Walk Around So Much

Regular walking is a fantastic form of exercise that benefits your heart, balance and coordination. And according to recent studies, your gait speed can help predict your life expectancy as much as sex and age.

Sometimes concerns arise when older adults shuffle or drag their feet when they walk. However, there is nearly always a reason why they do this and it’s not just a sign of dementia.

1. They are sociable

If you’re supporting someone who is often wandering around, it can be concerning. This can indicate that they are not safe in their own home or that they might get lost. It’s important to understand why they do this, and find ways to help them stay safe.

One way is to encourage them to spend time with their family and friends. Another is to suggest that they attend group exercise classes or other social activities where they can meet people. Studies show that these kinds of connections can improve mental health and reduce the risk of depression, which is very common in the elderly.

For older adults who want to stay physically active, the best way to do this is by walking. A new study found that the average pace an older adult walks is a good predictor of their life expectancy, even more so than their height or age. The study also found that multiple sources of social engagement are predictive of walking behaviors, unlike previous research that focused on single factors like neighborhood cohesion or traffic concerns.

2. They are exercising

It is important that older people continue to exercise on a regular basis. This helps to improve their general wellbeing and can even extend their life expectancy. However, exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous; a simple daily walk is all that’s needed.

For those that have health issues, it is recommended to speak with an allied health professional before starting a new exercise program. They will be able to help you find an exercise routine that is safe and suitable for your age group.

Often elderly people shuffle or drag their feet when walking, which increases the risk of falling. fall monitor for elderly This can be caused by things as simple as tripping over rugs or door thresholds, or it could be caused by something more serious like dementia or Parkinson’s disease. If your loved one has started a shuffling gait, you should arrange an appointment with their doctor to find out what is causing it. They can then discuss ways to avoid falls and make their home safer.





3. They are getting some fresh air

Getting some fresh air is a good idea for anyone, but especially for seniors. This activity gets the heart rate up, which helps to improve blood circulation and lowers the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. It also reduces the after-eating spike in blood sugar some seniors experience.

Walking is a great way for seniors to get some socialization while working out, and it can help them feel more confident in their abilities as they age. A recent study found that those who walk more often than those who don’t report better subjective health and a greater sense of meaning in life.

This isn’t a surprise, as those who walk tend to have a more active lifestyle and are at less of a risk of a mobility disability. Researchers analyzed data from a large trial that followed sedentary adults in their 70s and 80s. The results of the study showed that people who walked more than 40 minutes a week were at significantly lower risk of major mobility disability than those who only walked for 10 to 15 minutes a week.

4. They are trying to stay fit

A regular walking routine has a lot of benefits, especially for seniors.

Keeping fit helps prevent falls and other mobility issues. Studies show that even for those who were sedentary at the start of an exercise program, like the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders study, being able to walk for 30 minutes per day with moderate intensity can significantly improve mobility.

Regular walking helps maintain bone and muscle strength, too. It is also known to help with pain from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or osteoarthritis. It can also reduce the aches and stiffness that comes with the natural ageing process.

Fear of further injury or illness, and a lack of time are common reasons why some elderly people don’t exercise (6,7). But, a daily stroll can make them feel more energetic and can ease the symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and even help manage sundowning behaviour in those living with dementia.