If you live in an assisted living facility, you should consider joining or starting a walking group. Walking groups are groups that are composed of at least two or more individuals who get together on a weekly basis to walk together. They may walk at a specific location every week, or meet at different locations every week. A walking group can use walking sticks or trekking poles to keep them on their feet and moving. Here are the top five reasons why being a part of a walking group is great for you as you age.

#1: You Can Do It Anywhere

One of the greatest things about joining or starting a walking group is that you can do it anywhere. If the area where you live experiences extremely hot summers or really frigid winters, your walking group can meet up and walk inside of your local mall or walk around your local shopping center.

You can walk around your assisted living facility or arrange for transportation from your assisted living facility to a nearby park or walking path. You can meet at the same location every time, or switch it up every few weeks. You are not restricted to certain gym hours or access. The world is literally open for you to meet-up where ever you want to perform this activity. 

#2: It Is Affordable

The next best thing about a walking group is that it is affordable. As a senior in an assisted living community, you are probably living on a fixed and set income. It can be difficult to afford to take expensive exercise classes. All you need to join or create a walking club is some walking shoes, comfortable clothes and some friends. If you want, you can use walking sticks or trekking poles to assist you, but that equipment is not required. You may even be able to get your assisted living facility to sponsor your walking club and cover the costs of walking sticks. 

#3: It Helps You Easily Increase Your Physical Activity

Next, it is easy to sit around your room or apartment all day in your apartment when you are retired. Be a part of a walking club gives you a reason to get out and get moving. Plus, physical activity is great for everyone, regardless of your age. Walking on a regular basis will improve your cardiac health and will reduce your risk factors for a wide variety of different diseases. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. 

#4: It Helps You Stay Independent

If you want to take care of yourself with as little assistance as possible for as long as possible, you have to be able to get up and move. As you age, your muscles and your bones will start to lose mass. The best ways to prevent muscle and bone mass loss is by exercising, and walking is the cheapest and easiest form of exercise that exists. Walking every day will help you keep up the level of independence that is expected of residents in an assisted living community. 

#5: It Allows You To Connect With Friends

Finally, joining a senior walking club allows you to connect with old friends and make new friends. You will be able to talk and catch up with your walking club buddies every time you get together. It is a great way to connect and meet other individuals who live in the same assisted living community with you. A large part of staying healthy as you age comes by staying happy and involved in your community; joining a walking club is a great way to achieve that connectivity.

If you have some extra time on your hands, you should consider joining or creating a senior walking group for your assisted living community, like Cokato Charitable Trust - Cokato Manor. It's affordable and easy to do, and allow you to get moving, stay healthy and connect with friends all at once. Start-up or join a local walking club this week and give it a try.