How to Start a Walking Club for Seniors in Los Angeles

The CDC has some interesting information to report. According to their data, in 2022, almost 60% of older adults walked for enjoyment, when charted over a week. When you think of all the incredible benefits of walking, which we'll discuss in this article, it's no surprise why so many people are spending their days walking leisurely or for exercise.

Walking groups are wonderful for getting out and making new friends, especially for seniors who want to enjoy trekking around new terrain, albeit safely. But what happens if your area doesn't have a walking club?

This article explains the best way to start senior-safe walks in Los Angeles, CA.

Benefits of Walking Clubs

Walking clubs are perfect opportunities for seniors to get out and socialize. This is ideal for anyone who's lonely or battling depression, or for someone who simply needs some motivation to exercise.

Loneliness is more common than most people realize. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, data from 2023 shows that 34% of people between 50 and 80 years of age are isolated to various degrees. But forming -- or joining -- a social walking group can combat these feelings of isolation.

Walking also boasts plenty of health benefits, including the following:

• A boost in immune function
• An energy boost
• Improved sleep quality
• Reduction in pain
• A better mood
• Lower blood sugar
• Improved cardiac health
• Weight loss/management
• Can extend lifespan
• Improved brain health
• Builds stronger bones and muscles

Walking is also wonderful for anyone combating depression or stress.

How to Start Walking Groups

When starting a walking group, seniors need to prioritize safety first. Here are some ways to create walking clubs while staying safe.

Use Social Media

Starting a club for senior walkers with an active lifestyle takes social media and local message boards into consideration. This means that seniors looking to connect with people outside their neighborhood need some level of comfort with social media.

When posting on social media, control what you post. Don't share locations publically, especially where you'll be walking.

Make groups private and require people to complete a questionnaire before letting them join. Additionally, before sharing any information online, ask yourself if there's a way for scammers to use this information to cause you or your group harm.

If there's a legitimate walking group in your area looking to start another chapter, consider reaching out and offering to spearhead it. To make the job easier, it's best to do this with a friend, splitting the responsibilities.

Post on Community Message Boards

Seniors enjoying a beautiful neighborhood stroll in their independent living community can post on local message boards, both on social media and in person. If your community has a rec center or some type of gathering spot, print something about your walking group and share it there for everyone to see. Be sure to include some type of contact information so others know how to safely reach you.

Check with your local library or senior center to ask about sharing your group's information on a community bulletin board. If you're not getting the interest you're looking for, you can always check to see if local walking groups already exist and if you can hook onto theirs.

Contact the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association has everything you need to start a local walking group and could offer advice on the best senior-friendly walking gear to any groups in need of some resources.

By going to the American Heart Association's website, you can create your own group through Meetup.com. This allows you to start something through a recognized and well-known association and to meet new friends while scoping out the best walking routes.

Choosing Senior Walking Routes

When choosing senior walking routes, it's important to keep safety in mind at all times. This means choosing locations that are ideal for walkers of all ability levels. For example:

• Make sure the location you find is well-lit
• Look for areas that have spots to sit and relax
• Ensure there is minimal traffic
• Keep the location close to your home
• Look for areas where the police patrol in case you need their help or assistance
• Utilize walking routes with even terrain, working to prevent falls
• Walk in areas without obstacles, making your walk more enjoyable and safer

Seniors should always look for shade routes to protect them from the sun's harmful UV rays, wearing sunblock as an extra precaution.

Senior Walking Safety Tips

After you choose the best route possible, you should consider several senior safety tips, working to keep you and your walking group safe.

Seniors should always dress appropriately. Consider the weather and time of year when choosing gear. For warm weather, use lightweight clothes that aren't too restrictive or binding. When it's cold out, pants, a hat, a coat, and mittens are all suitable to keep warm and safe.

Other safety tips include:

• Wearing proper footwear
• Hydrating
• Starting slowly
• Using the sidewalk
• Walking facing traffic
• Wearing reflective material
• Listening to your body and taking breaks as needed

As with anything, a physician should always be consulted before starting any type of exercise program. This works to keep seniors safe and to ensure that they're engaging in activities that are appropriate for their health. Seniors who are a fall risk or who have osteoporosis should have their doctor clear them before engaging in any exercise.

Start a Walking Group in Your Area Today

Are you ready to start walking groups for you and other seniors to enjoy? Of course, you are! Walking offers tons of wonderful health benefits and also helps older adults get out and make new friends, having fun and getting fit in the process.

The Watermark at Westwood Village has everything an active older adult could want in an independent living community. We offer wonderful floorplans to meet a variety of needs, along with dining, signature programs, and plenty of activities to keep busy and meet other seniors in the area.

Contact us today to speak with a member of our dedicated team and to learn more about all our amenities for seniors.