Walking

If you know, you know. That is, if you’re a pet owner (dog, cat, or other), having a pet in your life is usually a non-negotiable, deeply pleasurable experience (while not denying the responsibilities of pet ownership). The dilemma is, for those of us getting on in years, owning and…

It’s no secret that as we get older, we lose muscle mass and strength, which can cause the loss of mobility and independence, and negatively affect our quality of life. Strong muscles are implicated in so much of what keeps us going as we age: Muscles help preserve our balance,…

There’s really no debate that for most of us, balance becomes more important- and more fragile- the older we get. You know the drill: One in four adults age 65 and older falls each year, and more than ⅓ of those falls require medical attention or limit activities or mobility….

So, how much mobility do you have? How freely can you move on your own? You probably instinctively know that the more mobility you have, the more likely you are to remain physically fit and active, and, importantly, independent. Mobility certainly includes walking and maintaining your balance, so as to…

You may think this is the wrong time of year to suggest you go out for a walk. And you’re correct in that snowy or slippery surfaces, and freezing temperatures, are neither inviting nor necessarily safe for outdoor activity. So we’ll cut you some slack (and perhaps suggest a treadmill…

As the weather cools down and the air becomes frosty, you may hesitate to head outside for your daily walk, or you may decide that a few quick walks are more tolerable than a long and chilly stroll. But new research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine may encourage…