6 HIKING TIPS FOR SENIORS

Getting away for a day from our assisted living facility in Lynnwood, Washington by taking a hike is an excellent way to maintain robust health. Hiking is the ultimate aerobic exercise by circulating a healthy blood flow that benefits the heart. Your muscles also get a good workout, from your ankles up to the shoulders. Whether you get away for a day to hike in Olympic National Park or one of the many municipal parks in greater Seattle, you should follow six hiking tips for seniors.

Get a Thumbs Up From Your Doctor

Our bodies do not respond as quickly to physical exertion when we reach retirement age. Before you participate in any type of strenuous physical activity, check with your doctor to ensure you are clear to optimize your enjoyment. Not only does your doctor assess your health status, but your doctor also can recommend the level of exercise that is most appropriate for you.

Hiking can be a dangerous physical activity if you do not account for your health status.

Be Prepared

After you get the green light from your doctor, start preparing for your hike. Work yourself into excellent physical condition by completing shorter trails until you can master longer trails that move over different levels of terrain. Not only do your muscles need to build up tolerance to the uptick in physical stress, but your feet also need to become acclimated to a longer hike. Stretch before you begin the hike, as well as bring along all of the gear that makes the hike easier to take.

Choose the Right Trail

You should never feel pressured to hike beyond your comfort zone. Hiking is not a race, as well as a test of endurance. It is all about soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature. Several factors play a role in choosing the right trail, starting with picking the most reasonable distance. You also have to consider elevation, especially if you plan to hike a mountain trail located inside Olympic National Park. The terrain also should match your comfort level.

Wear the Right Apparel

Clothing can make or break your hike. Dress in layers to account for different temperatures that vary because of height and weather conditions. You can take off a coat when you climb a hill and then put it back on once you come across cold, windy weather conditions. Wearing the most comfortable hiking boots that withstand constant punishment is important as well. Hiking boots about a half-size larger than your foot prevent your toes from jamming when you move on a downward slope.

Use a Hiking Stick

A hiking stick or a trekking pole is a great addition to your hike. It provides you with more stability, especially when you move over rocky and undulating terrain. Hold the stick or pole that keeps your elbows at a comfortable angle of 90 degrees. Hiking by using two sticks or poles can help you increase exertion to get over particularly difficult terrain.

Drink Enough Water

One of the most important hiking tips that we share at our senior living center in Everett concerns receiving enough hydration. Even if you hike during a cool day, water is an essential ingredient for completing a hike. If you are concerned about having enough water for a day hike, bring along a water filtration system to give you access to water from lakes and streams.Getting outdoors is one of the common themes of the activities planned at our assisted living facility in Arlington, WA. Discover what makes us the best senior living center in Arlington by scheduling a tour.