Walk around the block

University of Canberra  physiotherapy research has  revealed a brisk walk around the suburbs is better for older Australians than a slow slog up the nearest mountain.

Associate Professor Gordon Waddington designed walks across different terrain for a small group of seniors aged between 67 and 83.

The walkers tested their skills on an international athletics running track, a dirt walking track up a mountain and an urban walk consisting of concrete footpaths and sections of bitumen road.

While inching up the hill climb was good for the heart rate, the slower pace of the walkers resulted in less impact, which was not as good for older bones.

Surprisingly the track around the suburbs proved the best combination, as the seniors could keep a good pace going which helped the heart rate and produced a higher impact with each stride.

“Impact exercise is also associated with stronger bones in older people, improved strength, better motor control and reduced falls.”