Hiking Guide for Seniors

Hiking is a fun way to exercise, see nature, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Did you know that there are over 80,000 miles of trails you could hike on at the National Trails System?¹ With so many options across the country to choose from, your loved one is sure to find a hiking trail that they will enjoy!

Hiking Tips for Seniors

Before your senior loved one goes for a hike, check out these tips:

If they are a beginner hiker, start off with a shorter and easier hike.
Have your loved one bring maps. That way, if their phone loses service, they will still be able to navigate the trails.
No matter the length of your loved one’s hike, it is important that they apply sunscreen before they start their hike to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. They should reapply sunscreen per the bottle’s directions as needed.
Encourage your senior loved one to use a walking stick if they have mobility issues. Walking sticks can provide your loved one with stability while hiking.
Ensure your loved one has comfortable shoes with proper traction², especially if the trails are long or are in the woods.
Make sure your loved one brings water to stay hydrated. It is important that they also wear the proper clothing for the weather as well.
Have your loved one bring a first aid kit in case of a minor scrape.³ This can be stored in a purse or backpack for easy access.
Give your loved one a portable phone charger in case they would need to charge their phone while hiking. This is especially important if you are going on a long hike where you may not have immediate access to an electrical outlet.
If your loved one plans on going on a longer hike, have them bring a few snacks in case they get hungry. Pre-packaged items such as granola bars or small items such as apples or oranges can be great options to bring on a trip.
Have your loved one pack their water, snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials in a backpack that they can easily carry.

Places to Hike

There are a variety of places to hike with varying levels of difficulty. Here are some ideas of where your loved one could hike:

Nature trail
Nature preserves
Local park
State park
National park
Mountain range
Reservations
Campsites

Hiking Resources

Here are some hiking resources that your loved one could use before their hike:

All Trails. All Trails is a website and app that gives its users a description of the trail, length of trail, elevation, directions, and pictures of the trail.⁴

Hiking Project. Hiking Project is a website and app that provides their users with comprehensive maps of hiking trails all across the country. They also list the trail type, elevation, and level of difficulty.⁵

Trail Link. Trail Link is a website and app that has the trail map, reviews of the trails from its users, and a description and photos of the trail.⁶

Saber Healthcare

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides consulting services to more than 130 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Delaware. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

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