Walk, Don’t Run! How Walking Soccer is Helping the Elderly Stay Active

Written by Stannah

As we age, there are some activities that were once easy that become more difficult. Many senior activities are also a solo affair and they are not sure how to stay active once they can no longer play their football, netball, and soccer games. For many athletes, the competitive spirit in their hearts and minds never dwindles, even if their bodies don’t operate the same way anymore.

Senior player ready to enter the game

In an effort to quench that thirst for competition and healthy living, many areas are adopting a new craze known as “Walking Soccer” or “Walking Football”. Walking Soccer one of the many ways to stay active into our older years. The game itself is a leisurely paced game designed to get elderly people active and healthy and away from their homes. Running is against the rules to lessen the risk of injury. Each player must have one foot touching the ground at all times to prove that he or she is walking and not running. It’s harder than you think!

By joining in these games for seniors, participants have noticed weight loss, lowered blood pressure, improved mobility and many other undeniable health benefits from this increased activity. Sports therapists have even turned to Walking Soccer as a way to rehabilitate their patients and stay active. But, let’s not forget, Walking Soccer is also a whole lot of fun!

The sport has spread rapidly across Europe, and leagues have recently begun springing up in good old Aus as well. Don’t let the speed of the game fool you either, it is highly competitive – but with a bent on staying healthy.

In early April, Stannah Stairlifts sponsored a tournament in Italy in an effort to expand the sport’s reach.

The mission of Stannah Stairlifts is to fulfil the needs of those, who despite their age, desire to live comfortably. With a Stannah Stairlift, the elderly are able to easily navigate their homes safely and independently. At the core, both Walking Soccer and Stannah strive to provide increased mobility to the elderly, which is why Stannah was a perfect match to sponsor this tournament. Stannah Stairlifts and Walking Soccer are proof that age does not have to prevent you from continuing to pursue your passions.

Want to know how to remain active as a senior? Check out Walking Soccer groups in your area such as Walking Soccer Geelong, or other activities for seniors, or why not start your own? Here’s a video of an introduction to Walking Soccer in action so you can see just what’s involved.