Your mom wants to exercise, great!! Walking is the most natural exercise for our bodies, so choose a place where it’s safe for mom to walk outside. She starts with a place she is familiar with, like in her own neighborhood, on the sidewalk or streets, or maybe there is a nearby park with a walking path that she can use.
As you walk through your neighborhood, hone in on the condition and age of the street or sidewalk. Older neighborhoods tend to have sidewalks that are uneven due to settlement or tree roots growing under them. If you will be walking down the street, an “off the beaten path” street with less traffic might be a better place to walk if the sidewalks are not in good condition. If you decide to go to the park, pay attention to the surface of the walking path to make sure it’s smooth and free of debris, uneven places, and holes that could trip Mom.
Wear comfortable shoes made for walking. I used to buy any pair of old running shoes for the cheapest price. Then I went to a shoe store and asked for help, I was trying on 2 types of shoes, one for running and one for walking. I didn’t realize what a huge difference in comfort there was. Since I mainly walk, I found walking shoes more comfortable. I also bought the arch support insoles with them to add even more comfort.
Don’t let mom wear open heels, clogs or sandals, they are a fall waiting to happen. At a minimum, it should have a strap on the back of the shoe. The sole of your shoe should have a non-slip surface/tread of some kind so that the shoe can have traction and not slip as easily. There are special shoes made with Velcro straps that make it easier for older people to put on the shoes.
If you use a walking cane, make sure it’s a good fit for you and the right type. While standing with your arms hanging by your sides, the top of the cane should be level with the crease of your wrist. A quad cane is not good for walking because its wide base makes it uncomfortable to use.
If you live in a colder climate and have snow, pay close attention to ice on the driveway or sidewalk. When you’re trying to find places where it’s safe for mom to walk outside in the winter, don’t forget that ice is hard to see even when you’re paying attention and can cause a really terrible fall. Ice melting salts can be a life-saving investment for just a few dollars.
Be careful on sloped surfaces such as driveways or road slopes. It’s harder for your mom to see graded surfaces unless they’re marked/painted with high visibility colors. If you walk to or from your car in a parking lot, watch out for hazards such as potholes, rocks, and accumulated dirt/sand. Parking hazards to also be aware of are parking stalls and unpainted curbs.
Here’s a helpful checklist to help you find a place where it’s safe for mom to walk outside:
1. Be sure to check the weather outside and dress appropriately so you can take your time and enjoy walking. Do not rush.
2. Start with a familiar environment near your home that has smooth, even sidewalks or streets. Or parks that have a walking path.
3. Wear comfortable shoes made for walking, not slip-ons or sandals.
4. Some uneven surfaces are invisible to mom, please be aware of this. They can sneak up on you.
