Walking an Excellent Way to Keep in Shape

Walking as a form of exerise.

Exercise is the key to physical and mental fitness at all ages. However, for those people in the second half of their lives, who plan to live to be 100, exercise is the key.

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and one-third of them are technically obese. It is not quite as bad in Canada, but the trend is there. The Boomer Report points out those baby-boomers, although they imagine themselves fit and young, are not in great shape.

So, what are some ways to care for ourselves that we can start now and carry on in retirement? How will we maintain our health as we age? Many boomers are building health by establishing a healthy lifestyle in ways that are sustainable over the long term.

One of those ways is by becoming dedicated walkers, or ramblers, as the Brits like to say.

If this is your goal, you need to organize your life so you can walk everyday. Some criteria for continued exercise is that you enjoy it, and that it has a social aspect. You should be able to do it year round and well into very old age.

A walk every day burns calories, exercises muscles, increases lung capacity, and changes mood. Studies are now underway than an urban lifestyle increases health. A truly urban dweller apparently weights around five pounds less than their suburban counterparts, due to the walking done as they go about their daily activities.

For those not fond of cities, finding a place with a great seaside malecon, rambla, seawall or boardwalk can be the key to enjoying your retirement years in great health.

Mahara