Seniors Getting Exercise Through Mall Walking

According to the Social Security Administration, senior citizens who reach the age of 65 are more likely to live an average of another 15 years. With the average life expectancy in America at 77.9 years old, Senior citizens are becoming more aware of maintaining their health. This is not only dependent upon doctor visits and taking medication. Through exercise, diet and social activities, seniors are finding that the quality of life can be improved and they can increase their strength through exercise. Not all seniors have access to fitness centers or health clubs; many cannot afford to join the commercial ones and some towns don't have community centers for senior citizens. This doesn't mean that there are no methods for seniors to address the situation. Most reports and doctors agree that the most effective form of exercise for people of all ages, including seniors, is walking. So, with a little creativity, seniors have found a way to get their exercise on a regular basis in a safe, efficient manner, regardless of the weather. And, besides, it's free!

Throughout America, there are a multitude of shopping malls. In many locales these malls have become sensitive to the needs ot seniors, not just as consumers by providing the products that seniors may need or want to purchase. But many malls are now opening their main entrances an hour or so before their stores to allow seniors to come into the malls and walk. That's right; seniors are getting their exercise through mall walking! Given some thought, it is a brilliant idea. Seniors can meet at the mall and walk together at whatever pace is comfortable for them, without getting in the way of shoppers and without getting run over by young people riding on their "wheelies". There are benches everywhere, so if someone needs to take a break, they can just sit down for a few minutes. There are public rest rooms at the food courts and water fountains for those that don't want to carry water bottles with them. Most importantly, there is mall security so that the seniors are safe.