AARP Rhode Island Launches Physical Fitness Program
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-06-21 12:05:54.806376-04:00
AARP Rhode Island recently started a program of walking clubs to promote healthy behavior and regular exercise for people over 50.
Today there are eleven established AARP walking clubs throughout the state, which work to keep seniors and families active and communities connected.
Exercise is important for people of all ages, and walking is one of the easiest and safest ways to exercise. AARP research shows that the most preferred mode of exercise for 74% of its members is walking and the Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, five days a week to stay healthy.
It has been proven that being fit and physically active can decrease your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis and some types of cancer.
Walking requires no special equipment or training, can be done anywhere and is a great way to make one physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. That is why AARP strongly promotes walking as an exercise for seniors.
On April 22, AARP-RI and several other groups that support seniors and health, such as Meals on Wheels and Stay Fit Rhode Island, sponsored "Walk for the Health of It" to promote the AARP's national 10-week walking program.
The free walking event was held at the Roger Williams Park Boathouse in Providence and featured speeches by David Cicilline, Mayor of Providence, and AARP-RI State Director Kathleen Connell. All participants received a free pedometer, tee-shirt and walking diary, and were able to sign up for a walking club in or near their neighborhood. Donations were also collected for Meals on Wheels.
The first "Meet-Up" of all the AARP-RI walking clubs was held at Johnston Memorial Park on May 25. The Square Dancers for Health gave a demonstration and the walkers participated. Walkers brought brown bag suppers and refreshments and dessert were provided.
"Meet-Ups" will occur in different locations every four to five weeks.
Clubs throughout the state are slowly building their numbers with the help of walking leaders. AARP chapters, senior centers and friends are signing up to "Walk for the Health of It". Two senior centers have instituted the AARP Walking Club as their only walking program.
There is no fee to join the weekly walking clubs and registration is taken on site. Participants of the walking clubs receive a t-shirt, pedometer and a walking diary. New walkers are always encouraged to join a group and bring a friend to the events.
Following is a list of some of the established walking clubs with their meeting locations and times:
- The Carousel in Slater Park, Newport Ave/Route 1A, Pawtucket, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
- Salvatore Mancini Senior Center, 2 Atlantic Blvd, North Providence, Fridays at 5:30 p.m.
- Johnston Memorial Park, Johnston, Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.
- Hugh B. Bain School, 135 Gansett Ave., Cranston, Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
- Green Way Bike Path, Station Street, Coventry, Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
- East Providence Senior Center, 610 Waterman Avenue, Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
- Johnston Senior Center, 1385 Hartford Avenue, Johnston. Call 401-351-6618 for times and dates of walks.
- The Village at Waterman Lake, 715 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Call 401-949-1333 for walking times and dates.
- There are also walking clubs in Newport and Warwick. For further information on these clubs, call Deborah Miller, AARP-RI ' s Associate State Director Outreach, at 276-3705.
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