This Grandparents Day, Join the Movement to Get Moving for Better Vascular Health

Walking is a simple, cost-free way for older adults to stay healthy and prevent disease

As the saying goes, we are rewarded as grandparents for the sacrifices we made as parents. But being there to help grandkids grow isn't just good for the soul - it's good for the mind and body, too. In fact, grandparenting has been shown to relieve stress, improve socialization, encourage physical activity, and even boost longevity. But in order to live the happiest and healthiest life possible, grandparents and other aging adults should also be sure to add walking to their daily routines.

Regardless of speed, walking can aid in preventing or managing various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) - the narrowing of arteries that first manifests as cramping and discomfort in the legs, and, if left untreated, can lead to painful sores on the feet, an increased risk for heart attack and stroke, and even amputation. In fact, 1 in 20 Americans over age 60 will develop PAD; but together, we can save lives and limbs from being lost to PAD.

Today, in honor of Grandparents Day and September's designation as PAD Awareness Month, commit to helping an aging adult in your life understand the benefits of regular exercise paired with a healthy lifestyle. Walking for just an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of PAD, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and more. Walking is free for grandparents on a fixed income and can be done anywhere. Keep in mind: You don't have to move fast for your movement to make a BIG difference in your overall health.

Here are a few tips to help grandparents incorporate steps throughout the day:

1. Park in a far spot at the grocery store and while running other errands to get in some extra steps

2. Take a walk together after your family gathers for a meal; make a post-dinner stroll a part of your family's routine

3. Create a scavenger hunt activity for your child and their grandparent – like writing down all the red objects you see on your walk, trying to go through the ABCs using the first letter of objects you see on your walk, collecting unique looking leaves, pinecones, or rocks on your walk, etc.

4. If 30 consecutive minutes walking is too much for the grandparent in your life, try helping them take multiple shorter walks throughout the day.

Ready to join the movement to get moving? Become a part of the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation's STEPtember Vascular Health Challenge to raise your step count, raise awareness about PAD, and help raise vital funds to support exercise therapy for low-income patients. Participants are pledging to walk 60 miles to keep the 60,000 miles of blood vessels in the body healthy. (That's just two miles each day for the month of September!)

Learn more about vascular health, PAD awareness, and the STEPtember campaign at Vascular.org.