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It is usually believed that physical and mental health declines with advancement of age. The body slowly starts to become weak and infirm during such stage. However, seniors can stay fit even during such a stage by engaging in various types of physical activities, such as hiking and cycling.
Hiking is very much beneficial for health. However, seniors should take some safety precautions before going on hiking. In this article, we are going to discuss about the benefits of hiking for the seniors and also about the ways by which seniors can prepare themselves for hiking. Let us begin:
Advantages of hiking for seniors
Some of the major advantages of hiking for seniors are:
Hiking improves overall health
Hiking helps in improving fitness as well as the overall health of a senior person. This can be regarded as one of the main benefits of hiking. It is a great form of exercise for the body. It helps to improve overall flexibility by making each and every muscle of a body to work out.
It also helps in strengthening the core and stamina of a person, thus enabling that individual to increase their walking pace without feeling tired.
Since hiking improves the strength of both upper and lower body, it is regarded as a holistic form of exercise. According to some experts, walking helps in increasing the bone density of a person, thus reducing the risks of severe injuries and fractures.
It also reduces the blood pressure and improves the immune system. This is very much beneficial for seniors.
Hiking heals and prevents medical conditions
Hiking helps in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases by giving the heart the perfect. It helps in controlling diabetes and high blood pressure. It also minimizes the risks of cancer.
Hiking is also good for those people who are suffering from insomnia or other kinds of sleeping disorders. It helps in getting a good sleep. A good amount of sleep is itself a cure for numerous diseases.
Hiking helps in reducing stress
One of the major benefits of hiking is that it helps in reducing stress levels of a senior person. As a senior, it is quite natural to feel stressed about various issues, such as health and financial conditions. Hiking helps in reducing those stress levels by connecting them with nature and keeping all the tensions at bay. This helps in calming the body.
As mentioned above, hiking reduces blood pressure, which in turn helps in reducing stress. Some experts believe that hiking results in the release of endorphins, which raises the spirits of an individual, thus enabling that person to remain in a positive and happy mood throughout the entire day.
A person will feel relaxed, happy, satisfied and excited after hiking. This is mainly because of the happy hormones released after the act of hiking. The positive impact of hiking also lasts for a longer period of time.
Helps in losing weight
Hiking also helps in losing a considerable amount of weight. In fact, it is an excellent way of burning calories without the requirement of monotonous gym exercises. Hiking requires a lot of effort, which means that the body is burning significant amount of calories.
As calories continue to burn, it results in weight loss. This helps in maintaining a healthy weight which is very much essential for the seniors. Hiking offers a unique opportunity of reducing weight and enjoying the natural beauty at the same time to the senior.
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Connection with nature
Hiking helps in establishing connection with nature which is very much beneficial for the overall health of seniors. It will take them out of their monotonous daily routine and add some thrill to it. Connecting with nature will help them to reduce their stress levels.
They will feel more energetic and active, which is very much important for their mental as well as physical health. It will reduce the risks of deadly diseases considerably.
The ways of preparing for hiking trip
Some of the ways by which seniors can prepare for their hiking trip are as follows;
Build up stamina
One of the effective ways by which seniors can prepare for hiking is by building their stamina. This can be done by engaging in various kinds of physical activities, such as walking and running.
Seniors can also take part in various training programs before their original hiking trip. Hiking will involve challenging terrains which individuals will have to cross with their backpack.
The weight of the backpack should be increased gradually throughout the training process. The length of training for the seniors will also be longer compared to the length of training by the younger adults. This will help in building stamina for the day of hiking make them ready for the task.
Make the body stronger
Hikers are required to carry a considerable amount of weight while gong on a hike. A strong body is required to carry such a weight. Seniors can engage in a lot of strength training exercises for increasing the strength of their body.
Such training exercises are available in various online platforms. They can also use weights and resistant bands for training and making their body stronger.
Nutrition
Another important thing which seniors should keep in their mind while preparing for hiking is nutrition. A good and balanced diet is required before a hiking trip.
It includes a wide range of fruits and vegetables, along with some proteins and carbohydrates. Maintaining a balanced diet is not only helpful for hiking but also beneficial for health.
Wear comfortable shoes
Seniors should buy comfortable shoes on the day of hiking. If the shoes are comfortable, then hiking will become much easier. Proper hiking shoes will have good traction, thus preventing the seniors from falling down and injuring themselves.
Always keep snacks and water
Seniors should always bring snacks and water with them while going for a hike as it will enable them to stay hydrated and energized throughout the hike. They can bring some extra water bottles, juices or high-protein snacks which will provide them with energy.
Hiking is very much beneficial for the health of seniors. However, they should prepare themselves before going on a hiking trip. Good preparation will minimize the risks of injuries for seniors.
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