Proper Practice of Walking After Meals
Walking immediately after meals is not beneficial for the elderly.
Especially for elderly individuals with coronary heart disease, postprandial gastric distension can reflexively cause coronary artery constriction, reducing myocardial blood supply.
While walking is light physical activity for young adults, for older people—especially those over 70—it may constitute moderate to intense exercise, potentially increasing cardiac burden. If combined with existing coronary heart disease, increased cardiac load and insufficient blood supply may worsen myocardial ischemia and hypoxia.
Therefore, elderly individuals should rest appropriately after meals to improve myocardial perfusion.
Walking exercise for the elderly is best performed twice daily—morning and evening—with intensity kept low enough to avoid shortness of breath and ensure comfort. Each session should last 30–40 minutes, with optional breaks based on personal condition, achieving the goal of strengthening health and prolonging life.