Safe Places for Seniors to Walk in the San Fernando Valley

Sensible Exercise For Safety-Minded San Fernando Valley Seniors

If you have a senior in your life, then you may be concerned about the health and welfare of that individual. Staying active is one of the best ways to prevent such serious health conditions as heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Many elderly people may not be able to go to the gym and lift weights, go for a daily run, or engage in a sport that could keep them in great shape. This does not mean that they cannot remain active, though. An excellent way for a senior to stay active is to start walking. Putting one foot in front of the other on a daily basis (or several times per week) is a viable strategy for remaining in good physical and mental health.

Walking around the neighborhood is always an option, but doing this too often may lead to a sense of boredom and restlessness. If a person can’t enjoy a change of scenery while walking, the desire to keep doing it may fade. In order to ensure that your elderly loved one remains motivated to walk regularly, you may need to help this person find some alternatives to neighborhood walks. You can help the senior in your life to find new walking routes – and when circumstances prevent you from being there, remember that you can hire a caregiver from a licensed home care company in the San Fernando Valley to accompany your elder on such outings. The following are some of the top places for seniors to walk safely in the San Fernando Valley.

Mall Walking Programs

Walking at a mall could be one of the safest ways for a senior to get some exercise. This is often an enjoyable choice, as well. The products sold in the various stores always give a person something new to look at and think about while taking a daily stroll. Plenty of other people are nearby, so an elderly person need not feel uncertain or vulnerable when walking throughout a mall. Some of the local malls in the San Fernando Valley even offer organized mall walking programs. One mall that has been known to offer this is the Northridge Fashion Center in Northridge.

Walking Groups

Another alternative to neighborhood walking is to join a local hiking group. While some of the trails may not be appropriate for your loved one to navigate, a local group might also cover several routes that are entirely doable for seniors. It’s probably best to help your elder join a local walking group that is targeted to an older demographic – instead of one that is meant for twenty-somethings. On example might be the Tuesday Morning Irregulars – this group was started by elderly members of the Sierra Club who wanted to hike with others near their homes. Other walking and hiking programs that would be suitable for seniors may also be available through the Sierra Club.

A Walk in the Park

Going for a walk in a local park is another strategy for walking in a place that is safe and populated. Walking through a park can help to restore a senior’s sense of wonder and enthusiasm. One park in the area worth exploring is the Anthony C. Beilenson Park & Lake Balboa in Van Nuys (the park was formerly known as Balboa Park). Seeing the cherry blossoms in the spring makes a trip to the park worth the time and energy. The park has cement paths along the water for easy walking and lovely views. The footpath is wheelchair-accessible, so if you have elderly parents and one of them is wheelchair-bound, they can both still get out and safely enjoy the sunshine.

Another viable possibility is the Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino. Self-guided walking tours are available at this gorgeous park. Features worth noting include a duck pond, museums, and interpretive exhibits. Taking a walk through this park and viewing all that it has to offer will hardly feel exercise.

Walking is simply a wonderful form of activity. Almost anyone can do it, regardless of age and health condition. If you want to help your senior loved ones to get some exercise in the San Fernando Valley, be sure to take them to a local mall, park, or walking trail today.

Photo by bluesbby