5 Hiking Tips For Active Older Adults

Hiking is a great physical activity for people of all ages, especially for seniors who need to be more active to stay in good health. When planning for a hiking trip, make sure to include your aging loved ones with you. Seniors have unique needs, so may need to take care of a few more things to ensure their wellbeing. Philadelphia senior home care providers share a few tips you can use when going for hiking with your elderly loved ones.

1. Engage All the Senses

With our aging loved ones, our greatest concerns can be that of the agile mind. One of the most effective activities to steer off dementia and Alzheimers is an improvised movement. Most of the time we associate this with dance, but moving the body through new terrain engages same benefits. Every time the body has to correct itself, due to balance, foot, and eye coordination, and activating proprioception movements, the brain is engaged in a rare way. By taking hikes in new environments, we are introducing a new path for the brain and body connection. There is unique engagement when we learn of something for the first time. Keeping alive the need for variety and trying brand new things can inspire engagement in many different kinds of activities.

2. Stay Hydrated

The hydration needs of our senior loved ones can be very different than the younger generations. Over time, the body's capacity to hold water diminishes, making drinking more frequently much more important. Making sure to hydrate sufficiently before leaving, as well as bringing an ounce for every thirty minutes hiking will keep the body hydrated for success. Throwing in a pinch of unprocessed high-quality salt (electrolytes) to the H20 can help preserve its hydrating retention. Staying sufficient in electrolytes is the key to staying hydrated.

3. Invite Family Members and Friends In any stage of life, the buddy system is a good idea. When we enter adulthood we become more independent and are not always surrounded by those that enjoy our same activities. It is always a good idea to inform friend, family, or neighbor when adventuring into the great outdoors. Seniors who plan to stay on a well-used path, it is even better to invite someone to go along. There is nothing like experiencing a new adventure than with someone else. It can also help seniors who might be isolated, make a new connection.

4. Rest, Relax, and Enjoy

The greatest amount of benefit from any exercise is in balanced rest. Taking plenty and as much needed rest doesn’t only mean to stop, to stretch, and catch a breath but also to enjoy being outside in nature. Packing a few items in a bag can enhance the view, like fresh fruits and a small knife, can be a beautiful way to share a gorgeous view as well as taking the time to eat is a good meter of how long to rest. Finding an outlook or shady patch and enjoying snacks reminiscent of childhood can add to any hiking experience.

5. Steer Clear of Diseases

One negative experience with nature can deter seniors from trying again. Providing a reliable mosquito and tick repellent as well as sun protection for delicate skin can prevent many issues that could arise. Lyme Disease is extremely harmful to elders, and many bug bites can lead to bigger skin issues. Cedarwood, Geranium, and Lemongrass, essential oils mixed in a carrier oil will ward off any unwanted critters. Reminders to apply SPF before exposure to the sun and finding more natural SPFs instead of those filled with harmful chemicals, can never be repeated enough.

Whether your loved one is going with you, his or her friends, or alone, it is important for him or her to use these tips when going for a hike. If your loved one needs help to stay active to socialize more often, consider hiring professional in-home Elderly Care. Philadelphia families should opt for a reliable home care agency in their area to allow their loved ones lead a high quality of life without leaving the comfort of home.