Safe Walking Exercise Choices For Orange County and Long Beach Seniors

Even if a person is consistent about eating well and taking necessary medications, lack of exercise can lead to chronic illness and disease. Engaging regularly in activity is vital to a senior’s wellness. If an elderly person you know is not getting enough regular exercise, you might suggest that he or she start taking daily walks. If walking on a daily basis is too much, even walking a few times a week can be of great benefit. You may not always be able to accompany your loved one on these walks, but a caregiver from an Orange County or Long Beach licensed home care company can fill in when needed.

Once the senior in your life makes the decision to start walking, you may need to find some suitable areas to do this. You will want to know that the elderly person you care about is walking in a safe part of Orange County or Long Beach. There are many wonderful places in the area that a senior might enjoy exploring, from local malls to gorgeous beaches. These locations can be used as alternatives to walking the same route every day throughout an immediate neighborhood or the nearest park. This strategy may hold the interest of the senior you know more effectively, which will likely motivate him or her to continue being active on a regular basis.

Mall Walking as an Official Activity

According to the Orange County Register, mall walking is a popular activity for many senior citizens. Many seniors enjoy participating in this type of walking in groups, and some individuals walk several days per week at local malls – such as Brea Mall and the South Coast Plaza. Some elderly people choose to do this because walking indoors shields them from the harmful rays of the sun; this is especially important for those who have suffered from skin cancer. When seniors can meet up in groups to go mall walking, the activity also provides them with invaluable social contact with their peers. Establishing that type of social contact is an excellent way to avoid the depression and anxiety that can result from too much isolation. Walking in a group at a mall is also a way to stay active in a setting that is safe and climate controlled.

Walking the Beaches

Living in Orange County or Long Beach means that you have quick access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This is truly one of the most amazing aspects of being a resident of the area, and the senior in your life should take advantage of this fact if possible. Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach offers a wealth of walking options for visitors, including the elderly. Seniors who are in particularly great shape may enjoy exploring the trails in this beautiful area. However, those who are less steady on their feet can still appreciate the scenery and walk in the open air. The park has a boardwalk with a lovely view of the ocean.

Alamitos Beach in Long Beach provides walkers with a bike path, so they can stroll along on a contained path from Rainbow Harbor to Shoreline Village. You can see the famous Queen Mary from Alamitos Beach, and you may gain level access to the beach itself from the parking lot at Ocean Boulevard and Shoreline Drive.

Nature Walking

Walking in nature is always a healthy activity for the body and the spirit, and Long Beach offers more than incredible beaches. The El Dorado Nature Center consists of 105 acres of natural habitat for plants and animals. Seniors can safely walk along a paved trail as they take in the unforgettable view. While the park does charge a vehicle entry fee, pedestrians are not required to pay for access to the center. Once they are finished walking for the day, senior guests of the center may want to roam around the Visitor Center or the gift shop.

Orange County and Long Beach provide a wealth of indoor and outdoor settings that are perfect for walking. If the senior in your life would like to get more exercise, taking a daily walk is an ideal way to accomplish that goal. Whether they prefer mall walking or strolling in nature, elderly individuals will have plenty of opportunities to get exercise in either Long Beach or Orange County.

Photo by garryknight