Everyone can benefit from adding more movement to their daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of Americans don’t exercise enough. Walking is a way for people of all ages to start exercising, and a community walking program can be motivating, especially for people who are older.
What Is a Community Walking Program?
Community walking programs are organized initiatives that encourage locals to meet their health goals together. Many walking programs develop from already existing communities, such as churches or clubs. However, standalone walking programs are becoming more popular. They are easy to organize and make a significant impact on members’ health.
How Do Community Walking Programs Benefit People As They Age?
While exercise becomes even more important as we age, it does not get easier. People are more likely to have additional health needs that need to be accommodated; the aging process decreases muscle and bone mass and exacerbates joint pain, which can make exercising less enjoyable; and finding an accessible location that also meets relevant safety needs may be a challenge.
Social isolation is also linked to numerous health issues, particularly as we age, including a higher risk of dementia and cardiovascular problems. People who join walking groups build a community to counter isolation and bond over common experiences and activities. Walking programs can serve as both a motivation for seniors to engage in physical activity as well as social interaction, potentially reaping the physiological benefits of both activities.
How Do I Start a Senior Community Walking Program?
Walking groups are not expensive but starting one takes time and effort. Organizations that collaborate tend to have a bigger impact and can share the organizational workload. Anyone who is interested in starting a walking group should reach out to other communities to see when it makes sense to work together.
For example, the organizer of a walking group for seniors may want to post notices or send representatives to senior community centers, libraries and grocery stores, and other places where interested parties will see or hear about it. If your local government offers support for these types of initiatives, there may be funding available to get a program off the ground.
Where Should the Walking Group Actually Walk?
The right location for a walking group depends on its objectives and the physical safety of its members. For example, a walking group meant for all ages and abilities should choose a location without any obstacles or steep inclines, preferably a paved walking path. This helps ensure everyone can participate fully while minimizing the risk of injury.
On the other hand, if the group will accommodate individuals with substantial hiking experience, it may make sense to gather on more challenging hiking trails. Some community walking programs meet in large indoor spaces, such as malls or sports facilities. This is great for areas with long, cold winters or programs with members with additional accessibility needs.
Depending on the municipality, walking programs may need permission before meeting in public spaces. Organizers should secure any necessary permits before launching a program.
When and How Often Should the Walking Group Meet?
Walking programs should meet on a consistent basis so that it becomes a part of each member’s routine. Many programs take place twice a week to encourage members engage in more physical activity.
The time should reflect the lifestyle of the target membership, the climate where you live, and other relevant factors. Retirees may enjoy late morning or mid-afternoon walks, while those who are still working may benefit from early morning or early evening walks. Either way, the timing should also coordinate with other variables, such as public transportation timetables and peak traffic times.
How Can Walking Programs Keep Participants Motivated?
One of the ongoing challenges of running a community walking program is keeping members engaged and motivated. Walking programs can achieve this in numerous ways. Some groups incorporate other types of physical activity, such as strength training, into the program. This can help attract more committed members and build a core group of attendees.
Other groups choose locations with visual appeal, such as large parks or riverbanks. The walking program can also double as a tour and help members discover a new side of their city. If it is suitable for members, organizers can also incorporate fun challenges. Smart devices can add interesting elements, such as digital scavenger hunts that lead members to hidden “objects.”
Fitness devices such as step counters can help members to monitor their progress and set individualized goals.