from Suite 101.com
Jun 26, 2010 Katrena Wells
Look at a recent study that examined older adults who walk a dog daily and whether or not this activity helped seniors after three years.
Can walking a dog on a regular basis help a senior to maintain better overall health? According to a study cited in the September 2006 edition of Journal of the American Geriatrics Society entitled “Dog Ownership, Walking Behavior, and Maintained Mobility in Late Life,” by Roland J. Thorpe et. al., daily dog walking may help seniors maintain better mobility later in life. Look at the risks of a sedentary lifestyle and how daily dog walking may help seniors to be more active.
Sedentary Lifestyle May Negatively Affect Health in Later Years
A sedentary lifestyle is one of several big modifiable risk factors that can negatively affect a senior’s health. According to a Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s April 2007 article “Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health, Research, and Policy,” modifiable risk factors include, but are not limited to:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Obesity and being overweight (which is often linked to inactivity)
- Diet with inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables
According to the American Heart Association’s article “Step 5: Prevention and Treatment – Physical Activity and Blood Pressure,” people who participate in regular physical activity may improve their health in several ways, including:
- A healthier weight
- A healthier heart
- Lower stress levels
- Lower blood pressure
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