{"id":10495,"date":"2020-08-17T19:25:43","date_gmt":"2020-08-18T02:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=10495"},"modified":"2020-08-17T19:25:43","modified_gmt":"2020-08-18T02:25:43","slug":"healthy-people-healthy-trails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=10495","title":{"rendered":"Healthy People, Healthy Trails"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Healthy<\/a>

Healthy People Healthy Trails, from Santa Barbara Independent, Active Aging Special Section, July 30, 2020.<\/p><\/div>\n

BROAD COLLABORATION IS TAKING SENIORS INTO NATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even during pandemic times, hitting the sidewalks\u00a0and trails of Santa Barbara is a surefire way to stay\u00a0fit.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany doctors and other health professionals cite\u00a0moderate physical activity, including walking, as a\u00a0\u2018magic pill\u2019 for excellent health,\u201d said Margaret Weiss,\u00a0director of health education for Sansum Clinic<\/a>. \u201cIt can\u00a0maintain the body\u2019s systems in good condition and\u00a0reduce the risk of chronic illness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Plus, getting outside is free, requires no special\u00a0equipment, and can relieve stress. With this in mind,\u00a0a broad group of organizations \u2014 including CenCal\u00a0Health<\/a>, City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation\u00a0Department<\/a>, Cottage Health<\/a>, Sansum Clinic<\/a>, Healthy\u00a0Lompoc Coalition<\/a>, Santa Barbara County Public\u00a0Health Department<\/a>, and Santa Barbara County Trails\u00a0Council<\/a> \u2014 developed Healthy People Healthy Trails\u00a0to motivate people to embrace an active lifestyle and\u00a0connect to the outdoors. The website offers maps\u00a0to easy and enjoyable walks around Santa Barbara\u00a0County.<\/p>\n

Walking is a particularly good activity for older\u00a0adults, as it can be done year-round by people of all\u00a0ages and abilities. \u201cWalking serves many purposes \u2014\u00a0exercise, fun, and transportation,\u201d\u00a0said Weiss. \u201cAnd in\u00a0challenging times, such as\u00a0the pandemic, walking is an \u00a0effective stress reliever and\u00a0provides a distraction from\u00a0everyday worries.\u201d<\/p>\n

To maintain good health,\u00a0experts suggest 30 minutes of\u00a0activity on most days, 60 minutes for youth. But not\u00a0even these moderate goals are being achieved, said\u00a0Weiss, explaining, \u201cLess than 25 percent of adults and\u00a0less than 50 percent of youth get the recommended\u00a0amount of activity.\u201d<\/p>\n

For older adults, such activity is known to extend\u00a0lifespans, reduce the risk of falls, improve balance and\u00a0agility, prevent osteoporosis and muscle loss, and delay\u00a0the onset of cognitive decline. And evidence suggests\u00a0that when the exercise is done outdoors, nature enhances\u00a0the health benefits.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecent studies compared people who walked in\u00a0a forest with people who walked in a\u00a0city,\u201d said Weiss. \u201cConsistently, even\u00a0when the groups switched locations,\u00a0those who were in nature had lower levels of the stress\u00a0hormone cortisol, lower blood pressure, and lower\u00a0pulse rates.\u201d<\/p>\n

At a time when we are all advised to stay home as\u00a0much as possible, especially seniors, walking around\u00a0your neighborhood or in a nearby park can be the safest,\u00a0easiest choice. For those just starting a walking program,\u00a0Weiss suggested finding somewhere flat and firm, but\u00a0also somewhere that is interesting. \u201cWalking is great\u00a0for health, and it is even better when you get a glimpse\u00a0of the mountains, the ocean, or a beautiful tree in your\u00a0neighborhood,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Healthy People Healthy Trails:\u00a0healthypeoplehealthytrails.org\/easy-hikes<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Active<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Originally published in the Santa Barbara Independent on July 30, 2020. To view the Active Aging Guide to Senior Life, Seen Through a Pandemic Lens, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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