Senior Spotlight: Staying Safe While Keeping Fit

Fall is a wonderful time to take walks outdoors, soak in all the fall colors and enjoy cooler weather. As we transition into fall and maintain a focus on active & healthy lifestyles, we wanted to share some tips from the National Institute On Aging. 

First and foremost, safety isn’t something we should think about as we head out the door. It’s layers of protection that take a bit of time and planning but can pay off big in the long run! Once you review the key points below, we encourage you to make a list of the things you need (then order them on Amazon or book an errand day to go buy them!). Chances are you always do 1 or 2 of the suggested action items all of the time, and maybe 1 or 2 others some of the time. But being safe out and about and while walking involves doing as much as you can, all of the time. Soon it will become habit! 

Data below courtesy of Next Avenue & NIH/National Institute On Aging

THINK AHEAD ABOUT SAFETY.

- Take an ID and cell phone with you, but stay alert by not talking on the phone as you walk.

- Let others know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

- Stick to well-lit places with other people around.

- Take a flashlight and be sure you have reflective material on your jacket or walking shoes if you walk in the early morning or evening.

- Put lights on the front and back of your bike.

WALK SAFELY IN RURAL AREAS.

- Be sure drivers can see you.

- Always walk facing oncoming traffic.

- Look for a smooth, stable surface alongside the road.

- If the road has guardrails, see if there’s a good walking space behind the barrier.

IF YOU DON'T FEEL SAFE EXERCISING OUTDOORS, BE ACTIVE INSIDE.

- Find local stores or malls large enough for you to walk around.

- Walk up and down your stairs a few times in a row. Be sure the stairwell is well lit and has railings for safety.

- At home, do the strength, balance, and flexibility exercises in Exercise and Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging.

- Work out with an exercise DVD such as the Go4Life DVD.

Did you know that one of the best things you can do to stay fit safely is to enjoy an active lifestyle with a friend! Why not walk with one buddy per day, meet the grandkids at the park or invite a neighbor on your daily stroll? The dual benefits of connection plus fitness are an unrivaled (and pretty fun!) pairing! 

Additional Resources:

Older Adults Safety (Sheriffs.Org)

Safety For Seniors (LAPD Online)

Stepping Out As An Older Adult (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Happy walking!

Bobbi

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