| • More than 28% of Americans over 50 are not getting sufficient exercise to remain healthy. • Hiking is an excellent way for aging adults to get the physical activity they need for their overall health and well-being. • Hiking can help lower blood pressure, boost mood, and prevent serious health conditions. • The main priority for older adults who want to hike should be their safety. Investing in a medical alert device gives you or your aging loved one the freedom to enjoy hiking without compromising safety. |
As we age, taking good care of ourselves becomes more important than ever. One of the best ways we can do this is through regular exercise.
And while we understand that not every aging adult can engage in physical activity, even a little bit of movement each day can lead to big results.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 31 million aging adults over the age of 50 do not get enough physical activity to remain healthy.
One way to ensure that you’re getting enough exercise and reap the rewards of physical activity for older adults is to try hiking.
Hiking doesn’t have to mean climbing large mountains or rocks. It can be as simple as walking on a flat trail in a forest.
This activity is a great way to lead a more active lifestyle, enjoy all that nature has to offer, and spend more time with those you love.
In this article, we’ll discuss how aging adults can hike safely. We’ll also explore the benefits of this activity as we age.
The Benefits of Hiking for Older Adults
Hiking is a great way to stay active and improve your overall health and well-being, which is essential for older adults.
Some of the many benefits older hikers will experience include:
- Improved cardiovascular health and blood circulation.
- A boosted mood, which may even help to fight anxiety and depression.
- Reduced risk of fractures and broken bones.
- A healthy weight.
- Reduced chance of joint issues.
- Lowered blood pressure.
- Stronger bones and muscles, which can help with mobility as you age.
- Delay or prevention of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart problems.
- More energy overall.
Additionally, hiking with others makes this activity a social event. And it’s been proven that socializing is incredibly important for aging adults.
8 Tips on How to Hike Safely for Aging Adults
Now that you know how important staying active is and its many benefits, let’s dive into some hiking tips for aging adults who want to try this activity.
Start slow
Before you embark on the rewarding experience of regular hiking, you’ll want to give yourself time to prepare for the challenge.
Start by taking regular walks to strengthen your muscles and bones before you attempt a short hike.
Once you start hiking, be sure to prioritize taking breaks regularly, as this will allow your body to perform better and get you to the end of the trail.
Most importantly, hike at your own pace. Don’t rush, especially when hiking downhill or uphill, as this could be dangerous.
Also, stick to day hikes in the beginning so there’s enough light to see the trail clearly.
Use trekking poles or a walking stick
When you first start hiking, it might be a good idea to use hiking poles—also known as trekking poles.
These trekking poles give you stability and can make hiking uphill or downhill much safer and easier. They also improve your balance, especially on uneven ground.
Not only do these sticks enhance your safety, but most of them are also lightweight and easy to carry.
Check the weather forecast before you leave
Certain weather conditions can make hiking more difficult and even dangerous for aging adults. For example, rain can make some trails slippery, which increases your risk of falling.
Additionally, extremely hot weather can lead to dehydration and sunburn. For this reason, you want to plan around the weather to ensure you’re safe while enjoying your hike.
Dress appropriately
You don’t need fancy or expensive clothes to enjoy your hiking experience. However, avoiding tight or restrictive clothing is a good idea. Opt for looser, more comfortable outfits.
Fabrics like denim and cotton retain moisture and can make you sweat more, which can cause discomfort.
Workout wear, like yoga pants and sports tops, is usually made from moisture-wicking fabrics, which will absorb your sweat as you move and regulate your body temperature.
It’s also a good idea to wear multiple layers as you hike so that you can add or remove clothes based on the temperature and keep you comfortable.
Prepare an emergency kit
It’s vital that you pack emergency supplies to take with you on your hike. You never know when a fun day outdoors could turn into an emergency.
Your emergency kit, which you should carry with you at all times, should include first aid items and an emergency whistle.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a medical alert device that you can carry with you as you hike so that you or your loved one can get help if you end up in a dangerous situation.
Carrying a mobile phone is great, but if you hike in areas without cell service, you’ll need a more advanced device to call for help.
| What to Pack in Your Hiking Bag Aside from emergency items, here are some other things to include in your bag when you go hiking: • An extra water bottle in case you get super thirsty. • A snack or two for you to eat during your breaks. • Sunscreen to protect your skin. • Bug repellent to avoid insect bites. • If there are no bathrooms on the trail you choose, make sure to pack toilet supplies. • A camera to capture special moments or binoculars for when you spot interesting things. • A pocket poncho or any other item that can protect you in a downpour. • Headlamps if you are going to be hiking in darker conditions. |
Never hike alone
Hiking alone can be very dangerous. One misstep and you could be in trouble. Invite family and friends along, or join a hiking club to ensure you always have fellow hikers with you.
This is especially important if you’re attempting long-distance hikes that take you far from home.
Choose the right terrain
Do some research on the hiking trails you want to visit. Look for trails with flat terrain to avoid accidents.
Rocky terrain and uneven ground can be difficult to navigate, especially if you have problems with balance or eyesight.
Your age shouldn’t stop you from attempting a challenging terrain, but it’s important to work your way up to this.
Once your muscles are stronger and you’ve had some practice hiking, tricky terrain shouldn’t be a problem.
Invest in a good pair of hiking boots
The shoes you walk in as you hike are a big part of your safety. For example, if your shoes don’t have a decent grip or are loose-fitting, you could trip, fall, or twist your ankle.
Although it may seem expensive, investing in a good pair of hiking shoes is well worth the price if it means they’ll keep you safe.
| What to Look for When Buying Hiking Shoes The hiking boots you invest in should fit your feet perfectly. They should hold your feet in place securely without causing any discomfort. Plus, they should be quite flexible to adapt to different terrains. Lastly, you want them to have a good grip to prevent falls or accidents. |
Stay hydrated
As you hike, you will likely sweat, and your body will call on its natural water stores to give you the stamina to continue moving.
For this reason, you should drink plenty of fluids as you hike in order to stay hydrated.
There is a wide range of lightweight water bottles designed specifically for hiking for you to choose from.
Be sure to store your water bottle in a place that is easy to reach in your hiking backpack so you can take regular sips.
The Perfect Companion for Older Hiking Lovers
Enjoying the great outdoors while increasing your daily physical activity has endless benefits.
Not only are you getting to experience nature’s wonders while socializing, but you’re also giving your body the care it needs to function properly.
Of course, being safe is the most important part of hiking for older adults. The ultimate safety companion for your hiking adventures is a medical alert device from LogicMark.
The Guardian Alert 911 Plus can be carried as a pendant or clipped onto a belt, keeping your hands free as you hike. Connect with 911 operators in the event of an emergency, anywhere’s there’s 4G LTE service.
Give yourself or your aging loved one the independence to enjoy every minute of the hiking. Shop our site today.
