Community Corner
'Walk This Way' to Better Health
A 16-week program encourages Tri-City seniors to stay active through the power of the promenade.
Every day for the next 19 years, about 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65, according to the Pew Research Center.
This generation of seniors is more active than ever, and walking is the key to their enriched longevity, according to a number of them.
This is the reason why the City of Fremont’s Human Services Department created its Walk This Way program, a free 16-week fitness and education program for seniors in Fremont, Newark and Union City.
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While it integrates balance, flexibility and strength training exercises with walking, the program also teaches health, nutrition and safety through discussions and games.
Walk This Way aims to inspire seniors to get out and get active.
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By walking, they can regain mobility and their sense of independence, said Shawn Fong with the City of Fremont’s Human Services Department.
In addition to obtaining training in various exercises, participants will receive a complimentary fitness log, pedometer and workbook.
The free items, as well as the class itself, are funded by a grant from the Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority.
"After their 16 weeks were done, participants said the program helped improve their overall physical fitness and mental acuity; and they avoided injuries. Plus, they noticed they were better able to manage their blood pressure and diabetes," Fong said.
While seniors will get healthy goodies and the chance to take part in a free class, the most beneficial part of Walk This Way, according to Fong, is the camaraderie and the support participants receive during the three-month course.
Newark’s next session of Walk This begins Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 1 p.m.
For an hour and 30 minutes, seniors will stroll their way to better health on the grounds near Jerry Raber Ash Street Park, 37365 Ash Street.
Classes will commence at the Newark Senior Center, 7401 Enterprise Dr., on Tuesdays from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.
Walk This Way also takes place in Union City on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 11 a.m. at the Kennedy Center, 1333 Decoto Rd. Participants will stroll through Kennedy Park.
Fremont's class will be held in the city’s Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway near Lake Elizabeth, on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
For more information or to register for a Walk This Way program, call 510-574-2053.
