Holidays are a perfect time for traveling, and most young people like to visit far flung areas, see a variety of cultures and life styles while enjoying the car drive, bike ride, or air cruise. The vigor and spirit of such holiday travel reassure the young folk they are in the prime of their health.

But where should the aging folks go for their vacation? Medical research points out that traveling to remote destinations, especially foreign lands, can put elderly people at an increased risk of illness, especially during this time of Covid-19. Older people are much more prone to be affected by changes in environment (temperature, food etc.). Various harmful effects of travel for the elderly include threat to immunity, kidneys and related organs, cardiovascular apparatus, body temperature balance, muscles, and skin.

The best choice for many may be walking holidays.

The health benefits of walking are well known, and while walking in itself is a joyful activity, some interesting pros about choosing walking for exercise are:

• Walking is the safest exercise with virtually no risk of injury or strain.
• It is the ideal means of weight control for all ages.
• Walking is a stress-free social activity compared to many sports that are stressful due to their competitive nature.
• Walking has been found to elevate self-concept and level of endurance.
• It is the least expensive activity requiring no special arrangements and can be enjoyed in solo or with family, anywhere and any time.

Walking Holidays Effectively

While walking seems just a matter of course thing, walking holidays effectively for benefit to our health requires a few points to remember.

• Unless instructed by your physician, try to practice brisk walking (or speed walking, health walking etc.). This is because the major health benefit of walking is increasing heartbeat and speeding up the body’s blood circulation. Slow walking does not accomplish this goal and hence is not so useful.
• Brisk walking requires an open, traffic-free track and fine weather. Don’t practice brisk walking outdoors in wet weather (an injury by slipping can hurt) and/or noisy and dusty environment.
• Don’t use shoes that are very thin at the sole or that fit too tightly in your feet, and using high heels is also a no-no. Brisk walking in such shoes can lead to foot pain.
• Do not practice brisk walking if you have any leg or muscle injuries or have recently suffered a sprained ankle, or if you have any feet abnormalities (flat footed for instance). Consult your physician before setting out.

Walking holidays, in a clean and noiseless environment, helps the elderly spend their time fruitfully and without risk to their health. And of course, one can take the friendly pet along for company.