Vitality is a Participation Sport

Aimee Sharp
Author | Shield HealthCare
04/04/17  9:47 AM PST
Vitality

Vitality is a Participation Sport By Marla Beck for Madison Park Times

Possessing vitality and feeling well are participation sports. For retired, aging baby-boomers, it’s tempting to take it easy. The winter months can be difficult; we feel like “holing-up.” That’s okay, but don’t let inactivity become your main activity.

We are fortunate in Seattle. To counter inactivity, we have a robust parks system with programming focused on the needs of the 50+ crowd. Seattle Parks & Recreation has a variety of activities and events –  each tailored to a specific subset of the aging crowd. The “Lifelong Recreation” programming takes into account individuals’ needs and abilities.

The lineup ranges from physical fitness to social outings. There are even activity options for individuals with limited mobility and/or dementia.

A multitude of resources

Did you know Seattle Parks has eight year-round public swimming pools plus two seasonal pools?

Did you know Seattle Parks & Recreation has 13 drop-in fitness centers? The cost to use? $3.00. If you are over age 65, it’s only $2.00!

There are 17 drop-in locations for pickleball. Volleyball, badminton, basketball, and table tennis are available at some community centers. Use of these spaces is free if you are 50+.

What do senior physical-fitness programs look like? There is circuit training, aerobics, Pilates, Tai Chi, yoga, and dance. There are water exercise programs for people with arthritis and exercises for improving balance.

In addition, Seattle Parks has field trips to points of interest that include trail walking and hikes of various lengths. Maybe you’d like to go on a guided tour of the Central Seattle Public Library, the Museum of History and Industry, or the Starbucks Roastery?

For the more adventuresome, how about snowshoeing? Or, how about 3 to 6-mile-long hikes exploring Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods? Want to take your dog? There are 2 to 3-mile walks shared with other dog owners.

Read the Full Article on Madison Park Times.

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