Weekly Newsletter:

May 21, 2025

A Simple Exercise: Walking

What could be more pedestrian (pun intended!) than walking?

More natural than simply getting from one place to another?

You don’t even need to think about it.

And yet — it’s a fantastic form of exercise!

If you’re getting older...

Maybe feeling more tired.

Dealing with aches and pains that come and go (and come back again)...

You probably already know: avoiding movement (also known as exercise) usually makes matters worse.

Here are some GREAT motivators:

✔ To think about walking

✔ To practice walking

✔ To enjoy walking!

We often think:

“I’m tired — I should rest.”
Sometimes that’s true. But sometimes… movement helps more.
“My knees (or hips, or feet…) hurt — I better avoid standing or walking.”
Sometimes that’s smart. And sometimes… movement can help you feel better.

First things first: Get the OK from your doctor.

Ask:

“Is it safe for me to exercise?”
“Is there anything I should watch out for?”

If the answer is yes — then let’s get going!

The Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

The evidence is overwhelmingly positive! Even though older adults are often more tired and experience joint pain, exercise can help with that.

According to the CDC, benefits of exercise include:

Stronger bones and muscles (less likely to break!)
Improved mood and reduced depression
Better sleep
Better balance and coordination (less likely to fall)
Improved heart health and lower blood pressure
Less fatigue overall!

Source: CDC – Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Adults

So What’s So Great About Walking?

It’s simple. It’s free. It’s accessible.

Walking = The Complete Package:

Breathing
Posture
Rhythm

Check this out: “I Got Rhythm…” 🎵

One of the most iconic songs by Ira and George Gershwin, sung by Ethel Merman:

“I got rhythm

I got music

I got my pal —

Who could ask for anything more?”

🎧 Listen here — Gershwin himself on the piano (1931).

The Dancing Equation: “Dancing = Walking” so says Arthur Murray Dance Centers

If Dancing = Walking, then … Walking = Dancing

So… put some bounce in your step.

Let your torso and arms swing freely.

Smile. Look where you’re going.

Listen to a great tune that makes you want to dance.

Check out these previous newsletters from DayBreak about the benefits of exercise and walking for older adults!

4/23/25: Posture and Breathing
3/20/24: Pathway to Progress: Walking
1/31/24: Exercise for Older Adults
5/3/23: Exercise for Aging Adults and Caregivers
7/19/23: Exercise for Frail Elders
8/16/23: The Evolution and Benefits of Walking
3/6/24: Exercise for Elders, Caregivers, and Everyone

— Susan Musicant, DPT

Injury Prevention Coordinator at DayBreak

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