Walking, its easy as 1,2,3!

Walking as a daily exercise is proven to reduce risk of heart attack in elderly men. A Hawaiian study showed that if men walk more than a mile and a half per day than their risks will be significantly reduced. The findings emphasize that regular exercise is valuable to the well being of the elderly. Research concludes that "important benefits could be derived by encouraging the elderly to walk." In the American Journal of Public Health it was said that, "Walking appears to be an acceptable, accessible exercise activity, especially among population subgroups with a low prevalence of leisure-time physical activity."


Walking is a simplistic exercise that anyone can do and access. Besides cardiovascular benefits, it is also effective in shedding the pounds. Studies written about in health magazine, Prevention, have shown that walking sheds belly fat, walking just 2 1/2 hours per week could shrink your belly size by 1 inch in 4 weeks. Walking works well because it burns visceral fat, which is deep belly fat. Walking 20 minutes a day is the recommended dosage, according to Prevention. 


So next time you have option of walking don't skip out! Stay fit!


References
The Healthy Life. "Elderly Can Benefit from Long Walks." The Vancouver Sun [British Columbia] 23 Aug. 1999. Web.

Cobblestone-Mat Walking Shows Benefits for Elderly

A study done by Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week, revealed that Cobblestone-mat walking provides significant improvements in mental and physical well-being amongst the elderly. The benefits include reductions in blood pressure and pain levels.

Cobblestone-mat walking is an activity that involves people walking barefoot on a fixed mat that has a smooth, yet undulated cobblestone-like surface. The exercise is rooted in Chinese holistic medicine and based upon the principles of reflexology. It is thought that the uneven surfaces of the cobblestones stimulate and regulate "acupoints" located on the soles of the feet.

In another study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, elderly participants who used cobblestone-mat walking experienced considerable improvements in their ability to perform daily activities, increased psychological well being, and significantly reduced daytime sleepiness and pain. Participants also reported improvement in perceptions of control over falls and had reductions in resting diastolic blood pressure.

Doctors love this exercise method, Dr. Fisher, the lead scientist on the study said, "Mat walking is simple, convenient, readily accessible, and a novel experience for all participants."

Stay fit!

References
Geriatrics; Cobblestone mat walking shows health benefits for elderly. (2004, January). Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week,23.  Retrieved March 9, 2011, from Health Module. (Document ID: 527500441). 

Fitness Effects on the Cognitive Function of Older Adults

The relationship between physical and aerobic fitness and cognition dates back to several decades.  There is a clear positive link found between the two. In a study granted by the National Institute of Aging, it was hypothesized that enhancement in aerobic fitness would improve cognition. The study focused on an older group of adults, ranging in ages 55 - 80 years old. With the growing number of people in this age range population, it is important we give attention to the cognition of the adult life span.

Findings proved that all levels and forms of fitness showed an improvement on cognition. The combination of strength and aerobic training showed the most improvement, while those only in aerobic training showed to be the next most effective. In every measure of cognitive functioning - from verbal ability and logical performance to geometric perception and mechanical skills - average cognition increases according to aerobic fitness.

Despite differing methodological procedures, it is sure that fitness training increases cognitive performance, regardless of the type of cognitive task, the training method, or the participants' characteristics. All populations can benefit cognitively from physical exercise.

Stay fit!

References
Colcombe, S., & Kramer, A.F. (2003). Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychological Science, 14(2), 125-130.