The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition June 2025

THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

PAGE 8

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025

SENIOR

CORNER Walk for Years By Ellyn Mantell

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he mornings may no longer be crisp, but even in the summer, it is the perfect time to walk for longer years! We live on an over 2-mile oval, and since the weather is summer-like all the time, the mornings teem with people getting their daily exercise. It feels wonderful to be in the fresh air and to start our days in this way. Burning some calories and getting our heart rate up is a wonderful dividend. Of course, seeing the same people each day gives us a sense of camaraderie, and with or without a destination, we feel our selves progressing toward being as healthy as possible. Seniors have a particularly motivating reason to walk. Taking in deep breaths, absorbing vitamin D from the sun, and smiling at others are all “steps” toward living a longer and better life. For those with mobility issues, and there are many along our route, walk ers are a great aid. Of course, changing the expectation from the entire oval to a more manageable expectation is import ant. Standing up straight and tall and not bending over the walker is another goal, and one that is attainable with awareness.

mindful to walk as soon as possible in the corridors of the hospital. My running shoes accompanied me with cushy socks to give me added support. I found that my strength returned faster than I believed it would had I not been so motivated. Upon returning home, my driveway became my “track.” I would walk the perimeter each day and do my best the following day to increase by two more times. Eventually, I would walk to the mailbox, which sat at the top of the driveway, a goal that seemed impossible the first two weeks home. A few things to remember when em barking on a walking program. Be sure to obtain your doctor’s approval first. Wear sunblock even if there is no sun because it may sneak up on you, and the sun’s rays are increasingly deleterious to our health. Layer your clothing and be sure it is comfortable and appropriate for the temperature. Your waist is a great place to tie a lightweight jacket or long-sleeved tee shirt. Bring your phone and designate an ICE number (In Case of Emergency). If you have any health issues, I strong ly recommend wearing a medical alert bracelet with your name, a person to contact, and list of health issues. Pay at tention to traffic signs. I, personally, like to walk facing the traffic. Of course, the safety of the sidewalk is most desirable. Getting fresh air, burning calories, getting vitamin D, and expanding our lungs are all gifts that keep on giving. Ask a friend to join you for an added bonus. Enjoy your time together and continue to walk for years to come! Getting fresh air, burning calories, getting vitamin D, and expand ing our lungs are all gifts that keep on giving.

A conversation with a physician is important and many begin walking while in physical therapy. Friends who have had knee and hip replacements set their goals accordingly, with the hopes of doing a little better each week. Having had more than 20 abdominal surgeries over the years, I was always

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