Community Corner
Walking Is the Way to Good Health
Some simple 'cues' can go a long way to helping New Canaan seniors stay healthy.
(Editor's Note: The author is the chair of the Health & Human Services Commission in New Canaan.)
The Health & Human Services Commission recently completed a detailed strategic needs analysis and recommendations for senior health care & housing for the next 15-20 years. In the final report accepted by the Board of Selectmen, we recommended “New Canaan seek to become an Optimal Livable Community”, adapting to New Canaan’s higher standards a national planning model which serves those who want to grow up and grow old in a safe, high quality environment.
One of the major study needs identified for town seniors was increasing the number of no or low cost “cues” of a caring and vibrant senior friendly environment in our town. Such cues included insuring safe sidewalks in town, adding more benches for sitting in high pedestrian traffic locations, and offering a variety of healthy options for our active seniors.
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No gyms are needed to keep seniors mentally and physically in shape, only shoes and regular walking. Recently, a new medical study from the National Academy of Sciences shows that while parts of the brain begin to atrophy at 55-60, that regular walking can expand and enhance memory. Weight control is another one of many physical benefits of walking to keep our seniors (and all of us) healthy.
To help the encouragement of more safe walking and healthy lifestyles by all citizens, the New Canaan Health & Human Services Commission is developing two town programs for 2011:
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1) A campaign to install more sitting benches in the most walked areas of the town core. The cost of the benches would be donated by local service clubs, foundations, businesses and residents.
2) A new health promotion being developed with the YMCA for this fall to encourage all citizens to lose a few pounds with healthy diet and exercise.
We hope you will join the Commission in improving citizen health by participating in these programs, as well as just walking more to enjoy our beautiful town.
