Walking can be an excellent form of exercise and transportation for people of all ages. However, older adults should be aware of safety concerns that can cause harm to pedestrians.
By practicing safe walking habits, older adults can help prevent serious injuries.
Safer equipment
Whether you are walking to perform errands or for personal fitness, it is important to have the appropriate gear to walk safely. For example, having comfortable, supportive walking shoes can help prevent ankle and foot pain. Wearing bright or reflective clothing can make you more visible to other pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. In addition, carrying a cell phone on your walk allows you to call for help if you hurt yourself. If you fall while walking, you can also take pictures of the incident using your mobile device.
Hazardous areas
Some areas are more dangerous for pedestrians than others. For example, if you see a hard surface that is wet and slippery, try to avoid walking through that area. If possible, use guardrails to help you navigate difficult spaces. If you slip, trip or fall while walking, you should seek medical care and document what happened.
In addition, you should look out for broken pavement and potholes on the sidewalk when you walk outdoors. Stepping on an uneven surface can cause you to trip and injure yourself. Finally, you should be careful when crossing streets and avoid jaywalking. It is much safer to use crosswalks and wait for the crossing signal.
Pedestrians of all ages should use appropriate gear and practice awareness while walking. You can enjoy the benefits of walking as an older adult by employing safety habits.