2024-04-09 12:04:51
She covered the 21 km distance for the first time in 2014, together with her daughter Andrea. Several other close relatives also participated – all with similar running experience.
“It just looked like they were having fun and I wanted to join in,” she said.
An 82-year-old woman goes for a walk every morning and covers about 13 km. It is said to help maintain a healthy heart and stay alert.
“I don’t have a secret,” said Vilma about her physical form. “It feels natural to me, and I don’t think about it.”
Research shows that following her example can improve your health, even if you don’t cover as many miles.
Walking is a daily routine
Vilma said that she was always active, riding bicycles with her family.
However, in 2014 the woman was diagnosed with pericarditis (chest pain and irritation of the tissues surrounding the heart), pleurisy and a heart valve problem. She was determined to do whatever it took to stay healthy and started walking regularly. True, it started with short distances.
“It was basically an effort to get out of the house,” she said. “I wanted to return to my previous state, because those diseases took a lot from me.”
With ease, Vilma’s endurance grew and she extended the distance.
“I don’t even know why I started walking 8 miles (almost 13 km), but it became a routine. And then I started running more,” she said.
Now her main form of physical activity is long daily walks, in total she covers more than 300 km per month. True, the experts are not so extreme. Most people would benefit from walking just 500 to 1,000 more steps each day, they said.
“It’s good because it keeps me fresh and my heart has improved. It’s also good for my mental health,” said Vilma.
The elderly woman participates in the half-marathon every year with her family.
“I’m slower now than I used to be, but I’m 82, so what can I say?” I will do it as long as I can,” said Vilma about the half marathon.
Photos help maintain social connections
Vilma’s morning walks include communication with close people. After she leaves, she takes pictures to share with relatives and friends.
“I walk for heart health and for fun. I have a few daily contacts and send a ‘hi how are you’ message along with the picture,’ she said.
Science confirms that communication can increase both longevity and motivation to continue exercising.
Residents of Blue Zones, areas with large populations of 100-year-olds, have strong social connections that benefit both mental and physical health.
Exercise helps prevent injuries
In addition to walking to stay active, Vilma also does stretching and mobility exercises such as squats to protect her joints.
A woman is exercising at home. She has several 6-pound (about 2.7 kg) weights and does simple exercises.
Even without any fancy weight lifting techniques, strength training has been linked to a longer and healthier life, according to research.
According to Vilma, an active social life, long walks and strength training are paying off, as she has noticed that her peers who do not have these habits have suffered a greater decline in health.
“I think I am one of the lucky ones. So far I feel good,” she said.
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2024-04-09 12:04:51