Healthy Aging All Summer Long
Each Wednesday morning this summer, Meg Licht, myself and a group of ten other tireless Experience Corps members gather in Franklin Park to partake in some exercise and easy conversation. Along the two mile trek around the park’s public golf course, we chat about everything from current events to our favorite ice cream flavors, solidifying friendships while working out our bodies. The walking group is very beneficial for our health, others also feel that the walking relaxes them and helps lower their blood sugar. Mary Brewster says that she loves the walking group because she keeps her whole body fit while the conversation provides mental exercise as well.
While we all recognize and appreciate the health gains of our weekly dedication to fitness, we especially appreciate the opportunity to maintain the friendships with fellow volunteers we have created over the year at the schools. Manny Fernandes, says that “the fellowship is very good.” Joan Austin and Fannie Hardmon explain that they both look forward to coming out every Wednesday, while Nathalie Sandiford adds that to her, each Wednesday feels “like Christmas.” All the walkers agree that while we love tutoring through Generations Incorporated, getting to know each other outside of volunteering on a more personal level has been extremely enjoyable and beneficial; “this kind of thing just can’t happen in the classroom,” says Manny, garnering nods of assent from his fellow walkers.
After walking consistently at Franklin Park throughout the previous summer, we are expanding our walking groups to include more volunteers from other areas that we serve. This summer, we are also holding walking groups at Jamaica Pond and Revere Beach. We hope to continue with this trend of physical activity into the school year. If you have any interest in participating, or if you have any suggestions for types of exercise you would like to be involved in, please call Meg Licht at (617) 423-0408.
By Ricki Henderson, Experience Corps Member & Meg Licht, AmeriCorps *VISTA
Comments
4 Responses to “Healthy Aging All Summer Long”
Got something to say?
This. is. awesome. I love it!! It’s fabulous to see the EC Members getting together outside of tutoring and exercising.
I am so glad the walking group has continued and expanded. It’s such fun and good from any veiwpoint!
This is part of our healthy aging focus for our volunteers. We are so lucky to be able to have walking programs, book clubs, coffee clubs, fall prevention programs, and healthy cooking classes in the mix of activities. Meg Licht has done a remarkable job getting this up and running (and walking!) this year.
Yeah! That’s fantastic! Enjoy the walks and the camaraderie. I love what you are doing!