AARP Walking Program Marches to Ten U.S. Locations This Spring
50+ Encouraged to Register for Free Fitness Program
Source: AARP Press Center | March 29, 2007
AARP and the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) today announced the U.S. locations that will host their pilot 10-week walking program this spring. The free 10-week walking program is part of a broader AARP goal to help prevent illness and keep people well through positive changes to personal behaviors, like exercise and diet.
Studies have shown that regular walking can help significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, and even some cancers. Walking programs can also reduce insurance costs, increase employee productivity, and promote mental well-being. AARP has found that 74 percent of its members who exercise prefer walking over any other type of physical activity.
"Walking is one of the easiest ways to exercise," said Cheryl Matheis, AARP Director of Health Strategy. "AARP hopes this program will help people make walking a part of their everyday lives."
"Walking can take place in any of the numerous venues provided by park and recreation agencies," noted John Thorner, Executive Director of NRPA. "We are proud to be working with AARP on this 10 Week Walking program to promote health and livability throughout the lifespan of all Americans."
The locations hosting AARP-NRPA 10-week walking programs this spring include: Glendale, Arizona; Little Rock, Arkansas; New Britain, Connecticut; Newington, Connecticut; Indianapolis, Indiana; Raleigh, North Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Bend, Oregon; Newport, Rhode Island; and Nashville, Tennessee. People interesting in registering for the one of these programs can call AARP's toll-free Event Registration at 1-877-926-8300.
The AARP-NRPA 10-week walking program will help participants find safe places to walk, and provide tools and support to help them take personal responsibility for their health and to stick with their exercise plans. Each participant will receive a free step counter and guidebook, and be invited to sign-up for a walking group and weekly educational sessions on fitness and nutrition. More information on the 10-week walking program, as well as useful walking tips and online tools, can be found on AARP's website, www.aarp.org.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.
