Website design By BotEap.comYour mom wants to exercise, great!! Walking is the most natural exercise for our bodies, so choose a place where it is safe for mom to walk outside. She starts with a place she’s familiar with, like in her own neighborhood, on the sidewalk or streets, or maybe there’s a nearby park with a walking path she can use.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen you walk around your neighborhood, tune in to 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 are going to be walking on 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 a smooth surface with no debris, uneven spots, or holes that could trip Mom.

Website design By BotEap.comWear comfortable shoes made for walking. I used to buy any old pair of running shoes at 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 big difference in comfort there was. Since I mainly walk, walking shoes were more comfortable for me. I also bought the arch support insoles with them to add even more comfort.

Website design By BotEap.comDon’t let mom wear open heels, clogs or sandals, they are a fall waiting to happen. At a minimum, it should have a strap at 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.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you use a walking cane, make sure it is a snug fit for you and the correct type. While standing with your arms hanging at your sides, the top of the cane should be even with the crease of your wrist. A quad cane is not good for walking because its wide base makes it uncomfortable to use.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you live in a colder climate and have snow, pay close attention to ice on the road 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 bad fall. Ice melting salts can be a life saving investment for just a few dollars.

Website design By BotEap.comBe careful on sloping surfaces, such as driveways or road inclines. It is harder for your mom to see graduated surfaces unless they are marked/painted with high visibility colors. If you are walking to or from your car in a parking lot, watch out for hazards such as potholes, rocks, accumulated dirt/sand. Parking lot hazards to also be aware of are parking stops and unpainted curbs.

Website design By BotEap.comHere is a helpful checklist to help you find a safe place 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 setting 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, keep an eye out for this. They can sneak up on you.