Taking sound steps: a community partners to promote walking among older adults

Parks & Recreation, July, 2004 by Allen Cheadle, Trevor Gregg, Karen Lewis, Sheryl Schwartz, Julie Walwick

* A Start recruiting early from existing park and recreation programs. Let people know their help is needed. Demonstrating to older adults that they have the skills and ability to take on the task gives them the message that you have confidence in them. Volunteers come from building relationships over time.

* Have a variety of concrete tasks for volunteers. Have volunteers register walkers so that they make contact with the seniors from the start. Volunteers could also be used to make phone calls to check on and encourage walkers throughout the program. Think of it as seniors building connections with other seniors in the neighborhood. Use volunteers in a variety of ways on the walks. They can lead groups, make sure that everyone has a partner, or walk with those who aren't walking with someone.

* A Keep it simple. Empower the older adults to make it their program. Walking is not a complicated physical activity and can be done by most older adults, including those with some mobility limitations.

If you would like more information on Sound Steps, please log on to www.4elders.org/soundsteps.htm.>

COPYRIGHT 2004 National Recreation and Park Association

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