According to CBS Pittsburgh, there are nearly two dozen malls within an hour of downtown. This is great news for seniors in and around the Pittsburgh area because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared mall walking to be of great benefit in combating a number of illnesses and diseases. Consider just these few benefits of mall walking:
Walking briskly several days a week for 45 minutes a session has been linked to a reduced risk of hypertension, heart disease, stress, diabetes, stroke, and even some cancers. Brisk walking has also been shown to improve people's moods, increase energy, and boost cognitive functioning.
Malls are protected from the elements. Whether it's 115 …show more content…
For that amazing price, you get a pleasant view and atmosphere, water, bathrooms, benches to sit on, and even medical assistance if you need it.
Most malls have cameras and security officers. They are well-lit and safer than a fair number of streets and parks, especially in the early morning. Many malls often have senior walking clubs which increases the safety aspect of the mall walking and adds a social benefit at the same time.
For advanced walkers, benches may be used as part of your workout program. Use them for tricep dips, push ups, knee ups, and even step-ups. Adding this strength training component to your walking can really kick start the calorie burning. If the mall has multiple levels, taking the stairs up and down between floors is another way to increase the intensity of the exercise. Do be aware that the stairwells are often more isolated and there is an increased risk of falling.
If your senior loved one lives in the Pittsburgh area, mall walking is something that should most definitely be on their list of things to at least look into to enhance their physical fitness year round. If they are receiving home care support, ask about transportation to and from the