The Walking4Life program was developed by Ronald after noting  the high level of elderly persons with a sedentary lifestyle. After conducting extensive research and polling the potential users of such a program, it became apparent that the main reason cited for the lack of walking was - safety on the streets, uneven public surfaces and hence the fear of falling, weather, lack of seating for resting, lack of public conveniances. This led to the development of the Walking4Life program.

Participants walk a set route which has been mapped out, taking into account the above concerns. Each participant makes use of a pedometer and records their walks; aiming for a 30minute walk each day. this 30 minute can be broken down into 3 x 10minute walks depending on the participants fitness level. At the end of each month, the participant turns in their record sheet and the results are mapped out personally for them in graph form showing their performance against their goals.

The benefits of the Walking4Life Program is that you carry your own body weight when you walk. This is known as weight-bearing exercise. It can improve your health and wellbeing in many ways, and it can help you to live independently for longer.

Some of the benefits for the elderly include:

• strengthen your muscles
• help keep your weight steady
• reduce body fat
• improved management of conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholestrol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes
• increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and Lung) fitness -lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, colon cancer and diabetes
• strengthen your bones, and prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis (regular walking could halve the number of people over 45 who fracture their hip)
• help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension
• improve your balance and coordination, and decrease your likelihood of falling
• keep your joints flexible
• increase your confidence and mood, and help you feel better all round 
• improve your energy levels and increase your stamina
• reduce anxiety or depression
• improve your social life – walking is a great way to get out and meet people or socialise with your friends.

Being able to walk without help is one of the strongest indicators of whether someone can live independently. Older people who exercise regularly are more likely to walk without assistance and do things for themselves around the house.

Contact us today for a free appraisal of your facility and how Walking4Life can be introduced for your participants