Weekend Walking Club Keeps Seniors Moving in Cedarburg
- If you are planning a weekend walking club outing, ensure it follows a flat, well-marked path with clear spots to rest, so seniors can start with 10-15 minutes of activity before sitting or leaning for a few more.
- Our community walking efforts focus on consistency over speed, following the guidance that we should be able to "breathe, not sing" as a measure of pacing and safety.
- During winter, other options, such as indoor walking, help offset the chill in the air and allow for year-round exercise.
About a mile from historic downtown Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Lakehouse Cedarburg enjoys the benefits of local parks and greenery, along with quiet neighborhood streets. We find that such surroundings significantly promote healthy living and senior exercise programs, such as walking, for older adults who want to engage in active aging in Wisconsin.
With gentler pacing and shorter routes, we promote walking as one of our key assisted living activities, supporting residents who use it as one of their wellness routines. For residents who are unable to travel as far, we also recommend using the internal spaces of our community, combining their movements with other senior exercises, such as balance and stretching.
What Is a Good Walking Program for Seniors?
Unless a senior has already been walking for a while, they should likely not start with the CDC's recommendation of 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Instead, they should gradually build up to it, starting with five, ten, or fifteen minutes per day. Whatever they feel is most comfortable. Over time, they can add five minutes here and there as their bodies adapt.
These days should not only include walking. In addition, several days of light strengthening or balance drills can help people with their steadiness or support their joints. It can help prevent trips and falls, which would otherwise set back such walking efforts.
At all times, a senior's health and safety should be front and center. So, make sure not to overdo it.
How Do You Join the LakeHouse Cedarburg Weekend Walking Club?
The LakeHouse Cedarburk Weekend Walking club meets once a week to walk local paths as befits their wide range of abilities. They encourage people to understand their own skills and to align their efforts with them. As such, flat, even surfaces are a key factor in maintaining balance.
The city of Cedarburg also has a documented trail system. Any of these would be an excellent option for someone living in the area, allowing them to take advantage of the loops and paths and enjoy the natural surroundings.
As you move around, the Weekend Walking club will take into account each individual's capabilities, allowing brief stops at shaded spots or on benches. The group will also offer walking advice for those who want to join, so discuss this possibility with our staff, who can put you or a loved one in contact with those organizing and attending the event for more information.
Before you join our community, if you want to join up, make sure that you are ready to avoid delays and make sure the walks are as comfortable as possible for you:
- Source a pair of strong shoes with a good grip
- Practice setting an even pace
- Assess your capabilities for later discussions
- Walk with a buddy to talk to
Then, when you join our community, ask what else you might need to do to ensure you are ready for the next event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Many Days a Week Should a Seventy-Year-Old Walk?
Try to target around 3-5 days per week, total walking. While the CDC suggests around 150 minutes of moderate activity, that should also include a range of other exercises. For example, try to mix in balance and strength exercises for a more rounded experience.
If you or a loved one resides in LakeHouse Cedarburg, consider joining the Weekend Walkers with Friends walking club. These community events allow people not only to enjoy the outdoors but also to socialize, making the experience that much more enjoyable.
Is Indoor Walking as Good as Outdoor Walking?
Yes!
If the effort is the same, it doesn't matter whether your legs move on carpet, grass, or paving stones. We would generally recommend that people ensure they get plenty of fresh air now and then, but we are also aware of the realities of both weather and aging. As such, if you want to stay inside, try to plan your walking activity to make the most of the space.
Look for ways that you can walk in loops to avoid awkward turn-arounds, using tables and chairs, or other furniture, to hold onto on tighter turns.
Then, mix up the route now and then. Use it as an opportunity to say hello to people on the way past and check out what other residents are doing at the same time. There's a chance it'll remain refreshing and new every time.
What Are the Best Walking Shoes for Older Adults?
Make sure the shoes you're wearing have good grip. Even on carpets, slippery soles can cause your feet to slide out underneath you.
Then, when you do walk, if you have trouble, try to keep your feet underneath you at all times and alternate arm swings to keep your whole body active and help with balance.
Get on Your Feet at LakeHouse Cedarburg
A weekend walking club is a light and social way to engage with exercise and can seriously help with consistency by providing an enjoyable activity each week. Whether you ambulate indoors or outdoors, stay safe, and make use of our LakeHouse Senior Living Library for more advice on wellness and health opportunities.
We offer a varied daily program of events with an eight-dimensional set of community activities. Alternatively, just nearby is the award-winning beauty of Cedarburg's main streets, perfect for group outings and wellness walks.
Our staff is happy to help you understand the steps we take to ensure the well-being of our residents. To discover what else we offer, get in contact today by checking out our gallery and scheduling a tour of our community.