Philadelphia's Elder Agency Gets Its Clients Walking For Health
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging today held its first-ever "Senior Strut," along Boathouse Row.
PCA president Holly Lange says they organized a one-mile loop along Kelly Drive that began and ended at Lloyd Hall. And she was pleased with the turnout.
"We have more than 400 people over the age of 60," she said.
Lange notes that health experts promote walking to increase blood flow to the heart, lungs, and brain, and to improve the mood and lower stress among older adults.
Joe Burns was one of today's participants. His advice: "Just keep moving. Get off that couch and out of the house!"
After the walk, seniors got a free health fair that included screenings, a fitness clinic, and healthy cooking demonstrations.
Lange says that PCA is encouraging the elderly to join walking groups or form their own.
"Walking is free and it's fun," she tells KYW Newsradio. "You can do it with a group, in your neighborhood, or at the local senior center."
She says the agency is now working to promote walking clubs at its 24 senior centers around the city.
