Clip on a fashionable pedometer and step out with a group of like-minded elders bent on moving more and eating better. A new walking program is being coordinated by the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont with the help of area senior centers, exercise groups and meal sites. The program includes daily walking and a half-hour of education with healthy snacks once weekly for twelve weeks.

Why Walk? It improves your strength, stamina, balance and bone density. It helps control weight and improves sleep patterns. And what a nice way to get some fresh air and socialize with friends.

We have conducted Steps programs in Springfield, Ascutney, Bellows Falls, Putney, Guilford, Windsor, and White River Junction. Participants enjoyed the program and were successful in moving towards their health goals. Our next program will be in Woodstock starting in the fall. Also this fall, we will be training people interested in becoming STEPS leaders in the Brattleboro area. For details on that opportunity, contact Ellen Forsythe at the Vermont Department of Health - 802-251-2102. Other groups interested in having a program using pedometers to encourage walking and to learn about eating better and moving more are invited to contact the Successful Aging Outreach Director at COASEV, jgelfan@coasevt.org or call 800-642-5119. For information on community-based walking programs in your area, click here.

Other groups interested in having a program using pedometers to encourage
walking and to learn about eating better and moving more are invited to
contact the Successful Aging Outreach Director at COASEV: jgelfan@coasevt.org or call 800-642-5119.

Many communities now have community-wide efforts underway to encourage walking among all age groups. In Springfield, contact Springfield in Motion  by calling 885-3744. In Brattleboro, contact RSVP at 254-7515.