New Walking Club Offers Fun & Healthy Change of Pace for Seniors

Don’t be surprised to look out the window one day to see a rather large group of seniors walking down the street.  That energetic and lively group could be the “Wellness Walkers.”

“Wellness Walkers” is the name of a newly-formed walking club offering senior adults age 50 and over an opportunity to walk as a group along various outdoor routes in Hanover.   Members step out every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. from a different location each week.  Walkers cover a distance averaging about two miles and walk at their own pace.  Walkers are also welcome to cover shorter distances.  Parks, housing developments, and school tracks, which feature safe and comfortable walking routes are used.  The group walks inside the North Hanover Mall when the weather is bad.

The idea for the walking club was suggested to Hanover Hospital’s Wellness Connection by Luster Smith, who has been driving to Ephrata, PA each week to participate in another senior walking club. Luster is a charter member of the Ephrata group, which began 15 years ago.  A recent new resident of Hanover, Smith was anxious to start a similar club locally for health reasons, as well as the opportunity to meet new people.  

“Hanover Hospital jumped at the opportunity to help launch the club,” said Judy Steinke, of the Hanover Hospital Wellness Connection.  “Most of the people who come out to our events and lectures are seniors.  We’re always looking for healthy new ideas and activities to offer them beyond the education lectures, and also inspire community participation and peer leadership.”  The hospital provides the professional leadership of a staff person, use of the Hanover Community Health & Education Center building and resources to the group as part of the nationally known “Walkable Communities” initiative.    

Hanover Hospital has long recognized the need to promote physical activity across all demographics, especially for seniors.  The health benefits of exercise such as walking are irrefutable; and can lower one’s risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, depression, colon cancer, stroke and back injury.  Despite the benefits, 42% of seniors in the Greater Hanover area do not participate in any type of regular physical activity.  By supporting programs such as the Wellness Walkers, Hanover Hospital hopes to address this pressing community health need.

Formed in May 2007, the new club is 40 members strong and growing.  Though most of the members live in Hanover, several travel from Glen Rock, Abbottstown, and New Oxford. Once a month, the group gets together at the hospital’s Wellness Center following their walk for a healthy breakfast and informative presentation on topics such as warm weather safety and good nutrition.

New members are always welcome, and there is no cost to join.  For more information, please contact Judy Steinke at: (717) 633-8873.