Walking can be one of the best forms of physical exercise your loved one can get. The benefits are plentiful, the financial commitment is small, and it can be done almost anywhere. But, if you live in a cold weather state, it can be difficult at times for your loved one to find a safe place to get his steps in. Besides painfully cold winds, if your loved one wants to walk outside during the winter, he has to navigate sidewalks that haven’t been shoveled, icy stairs, and shortened daylight hours. Companion care at home providers can be available to assist in walking routines.
All of these obstacles can make your loved one not want to continue walking during the winter and then lose out on the health benefits (physically and mentally) that a good walk provides. But you don’t have to worry, with a little bit of creativity, you can find indoor places to walk as well. Your companion care at home provider can bring your loved one to these places and even help him find new ones. You might be surprised by what’s out there.
Companion care at home aides can bring them to gyms and senior centers
These are probably the most likely places that you can find for your senior to walk in the winter. Many communities have at least one public gym and possibility even a senior center that has a walking track. And many often have lower rates for seniors so that they aren’t too much of a financial burden. Your companion care at home provider can easily help with transportation and may help your senior find other things to do there as well, such as a game of pickleball or a senior pool exercise class.
Schools
Some areas open up their schools after classes are over to the public for indoor walking purposes. While they don’t provide any of the amenities a gym will provide, they can provide a nice, safe walking surface for your senior if his main goal is to simply get out and walk for 30 minutes a few times a week. Different schools have different layouts so have your senior check out several with his senior care provider to find one that’s right for him.
Malls or shopping centers
If your community has a large mall with plenty of indoor stores, check with the management at that mall to see if they open early for walkers only. Some malls will open one door to the public about an hour before stores open so they can walk around the mall for exercise. They are usually free and with all of the stores still closed, your loved one won’t get tempted to hop into them and make a bunch of purchases. Of course, he can also walk a mall after it opens, but that will have him navigating more people and being lured in by all the sales.
Museums and libraries
If you live in a larger city, your loved one might like getting his steps in at a museum or library. Here, he will be visually entertained while walking by getting a chance to look at all of the artwork and architecture around him. While a library may be free, most museums will require a pass but seniors can often get a discount.
Warmer, sunnier days are ahead, but until then, keep your loved one walking indoors so he keeps receiving the health benefits.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Medfield MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – at (508) 906-5572.
Helping Hands, Happy Hearts
Specializing in Quality Home Care in Eastern Massachusetts.
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