Why Walking Will Keep You In Your Prime Past 50
After age 50, many people notice that they have a harder time maintaining a healthy body weight. One of the reasons that this is true is because your metabolism greatly slows down when you reach your golden years.
If you’re concerned about maintaining a healthy body weight after age 50, there are plenty of things that you can do. One of the things you probably have not thought of is walking. Walking is one of the most readily accessible exercises that you can do to keep you and your prime after age 50. Let’s look at why walking is one of the best things that you can do for your health.
You Have An Increased Risk For Developing a Metabolic Disorder
Anyone over age 50 has an increased risk of developing a metabolic disorder. Metabolic disorders often affect weight and Metabolism. Typical metabolic disorders that are developed after age 50 can include type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
According to Livestrong, prevention of a metabolic disorder is one of the most important things that you can do to keep yourself healthy. Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day can greatly reduce your risk of developing metabolic disorders.
Walking can even result in a reduced overall body weight. This is beneficial for both men and women since both groups are at risk of developing metabolic disorders.
Walking Passes The Talk Test
Many people believe that aerobic exercise is only effective if you are working extremely hard and so many people often overdue the aerobic portion of their exercise. Any aerobic activity that you participate in should allow you to pass what is known as “the talk test.”
WebMD describes the talk test as being able to carry on a casual conversation at the pace that you are working out. If you cannot chat with your exercise buddy without having to pause to take a breath, then you are working too hard. Aerobic activity that doesn’t pass the talk test is not going to provide you any cardiovascular benefits.
Often the American Council on Exercise refers to this type of aerobic exercise as the dead zone of training. It is where you are working too hard to see gains in cardiovascular health but not hard enough to see real gains in anabolic metabolism. Most aerobic exercise that leaves you winded is not hard enough to see real gains in your ability, so it is better to keep it at an easy pace.
If you are by yourself while walking, the best way to see if you can pass the talk test is to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. If you can recite the Pledge of Allegiance without sounding winded, then you have passed the talk test.
It’s Free
One element of being in your prime that many people choose to ignore is financial security. As you near retirement age expensive gym memberships may not be something, you are willing to invest in.
While you still need to maintain your overall health, you may not want to spend your hard-earned cash on a gym membership. Walking can solve your problems because it’s free. You don’t need any special equipment, clothing, shoes, weather conditions, or anything else.
The wonderful thing about walking is that even when the weather is disgusting, you can find an indoor area to walk.
Many walking groups are devoted to walking around shopping areas like malls. Check out your local Senior Center or YMCA to find a walking group to help you find places to walk when the weather is not enjoyable or cooperative.
You Can Bring A Friend Or Fido
Because walking focuses around passing the talk test and building cardiovascular fitness, it is great chance to bring your dog or your neighbor. Building lasting friendships into your golden years is essential.
Berkley notes that friendships are even more important to senior citizens than they are to other age groups. Friendships and social interactions keep seniors healthier and happier. Those seniors who do not have large social networks or friends that they can count on tend to have poor health outcomes.
No matter the reason you choose to start walking, walking in your 50s is going to be a great way to keep active and healthy.