When I was a child, walking to your destination was often not optional. It was a necessity. Many people didn’t own a car. The bus ran every 10 minutes, and there was always a corner grocery store. No one ran unless they were in a hurry. But when the jogging craze started in the late sixties., running was suddenly fashionable. And if you couldn’t run, you were supposed to walk. Now, the sidewalks and parks are full of walkers with colorful outfits and snazzy shoes. But things get more complicated after a certain age. So, here are 7 tips for walking through the park after 80.
- Wear a safari hat with netting. This might strike you as overkill for a walk in the city park. But mosquitoes find me attractive, and I’ve had a couple of scary reactions to bee stings. I’ll admit to looking a bit strange with netting over my face, but most of my fellow walkers are so engrossed in their own exercise statistics that they barely give me a glance.
YOU MAY FEEL CONSPICUOUS WITH A SAFARI HAT, BUT THEY KEEP AWAY THE BUGS - Spray exposed arms and legs with bug repellent.
- Pull on some compression knee sleeves. Yes, I have arthritis. No, I don’t care to have my knees replaced. The compression elastic enables me to walk without much pain even if they don’t make a fashion statement.
- Carry a cane. You may not need it for normal walking, but a physical therapist recommended I use one while walking through the park, or anywhere on uneven terrain. Why? Because an elderly person loses their balance more easily. Mostly, I just carry my cane, or tap it lightly on the ground. But it may prevent a dangerous fall.
- Download your favorite music into an MP3 player, and plug it into your ears. The rhythm of the music helps to pace your steps and keeps you company..
- Charge your cellphone and stick it in your back pocket. You need it in case of emergency, and a health app can tell how far you’ve walked,
- Fold a red bandana and put it in your pocket. If it’s a warm day, you’re probably going to sweat those toxins out of your body. You’ll need something to wipe your face and eyes.
Optional:
Sun Screen. Health experts recommend at least 15 minutes of unfiltered sunshine a day in order to get enough vitamin D. If it’s only a short walk through a shady park, you may not want to use sun screen.
Sunglasses: You may not need them. A safari hat shades your eyes, and sunglasses may cloud your vision.
Doctors recommend that we walk at least 150 minutes a week as long as we are able. Don’t worry about how you look. Just keep walking!