Up and Walking with the Sound Steps Program
--by Pam McGaffin
Sound Steps, a free program that aims to promote senior fitness through the establishment of a regular walking routine for those age 50 and over, is hitting the road again at an expanded number of sites.
In 2003, the first year of a two-year pilot program, nearly 500 walkers participated at six Seattle Parks and Recreation community centers.
"We are happy to be able to expand our support of these activities to even more sites and, hopefully, attract many more senior walkers," said Karen Lewis, who represents the Healthy Aging Partnership, which initiated Sound Steps. HAP is a coalition of more than 30 nonprofit and government organizations dedicated to the health and well being of Puget Sound-area older adults.
During the four-month program, participants join others in regularly scheduled group walks, as well as walking on other days. They are encouraged to keep a log and to chart their progress. Gifts and prizes are given out to recognize success. Participants also receive educational materials about the benefits of physical activity.
What are the benefits?
Flexibility is the key to the Sound Steps program. Participants can walk on their own, with a friend, or during the scheduled group walks at each of the 15 Sound Steps Community Centers. Participating locations include: - Alki, 5817 SW Stevens St.
- Burien-Highline Senior Center, 1210 SW 136th
- Garfield, 2323 E. Cherry
- Jefferson, 3801 Beacon Ave. S.
- Kirkland, 352 Kirkland Ave.
- Loyal Heights, 2101 NW 77th St.
- Magnolia, 2550 34th Ave. W.
- Meadowbrook, 10515 35th Ave. NE
- Miller, 330 19th Ave. E.
- Queen Anne, 1901 1st Ave. W.
- Rainier, 4600 38th Ave. S.
- Sandpoint, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg. 47
- Sno-Valley Senior Center, 4610 Stephens Ave., Carnation
- Southwest, 2801 SW Thistle St.
- Van Asselt, 2820 S. Myrtle
Call 206-684-4951 to find out about scheduled group walks or for more information. Participants from 2003 reported that they liked the convenience of being able to walk in their own neighborhood, often without having to drive. They also enjoyed meeting neighbors with whom they could continue to walk, even after the program ended. Other reported benefits included: - Increased physical activity
- Improvement in health and stamina
- A sense of better connection to the neighborhood
The initial sign-up dates have passed, but you can still enroll by calling Seattle Parks and Recreation at 206-684-4952. For more information Remember: it's never too late to be physically fit!
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