5 Hiking Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

June is a National Great Outdoors Month and there is no better time to get outside in the beautiful weather and get some physical activity. According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, older adults who walk for at least four hours a week have a lower risk of cardiovascular issues. One of the many great ways to get some walk while also getting a boost in health is hiking. Hiking can lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and enhance muscle and joint health.

Seniors hiking

When going on a hiking trip with a senior loved one, there are a few things to keep in mind. Montgomery home care professionals share some hiking tips for seniors and family caregiver.

1. Dress Properly

Hiking requires no fancy clothes, but skip denim pants as they retain moisture. Opt for some good quality moisture-wicking clothes like yoga or athletic pants and shirts. Dress in layers so some of them can be put on or taken off according to the temperature. If the trail is rocky, sturdy tennis shoes will be great, otherwise, hiking boot with a rubber sole will be convenient. Look for a knobby thread in a clearly defines heel. Most importantly, check the weather forecast before leaving.

2. Stretch Before Hiking

Doing a few warm-up stretches will loosen up the cold muscles and will go a long way to prevent muscle injury. Don’t force your loved one to do high-intensity warm-ups, it can simply be five minutes of side-to-side waist stretches, toe touches, and jumping jacks.

3. Hike with Convenience

Hiking is not a race and speed has nothing to do with it. Allow your loved one to hike at a pace that works for him or her. Start out with a normal cadence, and check if your loved one is breathing normally. If the breathing is normal, both of you can increase speed slightly. If he or she is breathing heavily, slow down and take some rest. Make sure to enjoy the scenery, take breaks, and stay hydrated.

4. Track the Time

When going with a senior, hiking for 30 minutes to an hour in starting is fine. Don’t get too over ambitious to cover the entire trail in a day. Beginners are likely to cover about 2 miles in an hour on a less flat and easy trail. If you are hiking with your loved one toward a waterfall or lake, consider the time it will practically take. Keep in mind the sunset, as the likelihood of a fall in the dark gets higher, so both of you must get off the trail by that time.

5. Go with a Travel or Hiking Club

You can also try joining a travel or hiking club where you and your loved one can meet members of that club and travel with them to hiking destinations as a group. Hiking groups can enhance your knowledge about the risks and benefits so you and your loved one can stay safe and get sufficient encouragement. It is a great way to meet like-minded people and discover hiking trails.

Hiking is a great way for seniors to boost physical and mental well being. If your loved one needs help to enhance his or her health and mood to enjoy a high quality of life, consider getting professional in-home respite care. Montgomery families should consider the type of at-home care their loved ones need to age in the comfort of home with family and cherished memories.