The Community that Walks

Large group of elderly people variety of ethnicities with canes and assistive devices walking in the park on a sunny morning with flowers, trees, and green grass all around, a cartoon graphic of a smiling sunshine walking is in the center over a blue background

I’m walking on sunshine, woooah

And don’t it feel good!

Yeah, I don’t sound like Katrina and the Waves but I do love walking out on a gorgeous summer day, how about you? Walking is one of my favorite things to do. It gets me off the couch and moving, which gives me a change of scenery.

The physical, emotional, and mental benefits are amazing! I don’t know about you but I often find my mood could use a boost and walking seems to be the exact thing I need. (It’s those feel-good hormones called endorphins.) North Dakota State University reports “Walking does not have to be done at a fast pace to have stress-relieving benefits. Even a stroll at a comfortable pace promotes relaxation…” If you want to read more about the benefits of walking, head over to Mayo Clinic’s overview at mayoclinic.org. You might also like CDC’s article on Physical Activity for People with Disabilities.

I, however, can’t sit still I have to stroll on over to talk about more opportunities.

Resources and Ideas to Get Moving

Join a HCQU led Walking Group – current offerings in Butler and Mercer counties – call 724-283-0990 to register.
Find Your Y – Get active at your local YMCA with walking groups or sports activities that you enjoy
Connect with Achilles International – they offer people with disabilities many athletic programs https://www.achillesinternational.org/who-we-are
Join Special Olympics – Check out the variety of sports and events for every season https://specialolympicspa.org
Explore Health Programs with National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) https://www.nchpad.org
Start your own walking club with family, friends, or neighbors. Be sure to build your group with trusted individuals. Try out safe, public areas like a community park, the Zoo, or an indoor mall. Remember, walking in groups is often safer than going solo.
Challenge yourself to increase activity even around home or the grocery store by tracking steps with a pedometer or smart watch.

Photo of a man with Down syndrome wearing a blue t-shirt holding a basketball with a hoop and other people in athletic clothes in the background outdoor court. A graphic in the bottom left corner is a heart with people showing community.

Before starting any physical activity, check-in with your doctor. Remember, your physician can advise if certain exercises and increased activity are safe for you. Opportunities to walk with others abound. You don’t even need to walk like an Egyptian (The Bangles 1986)! I hope you get out there and connect with your community.

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