Active Aging Presented by Public Health Seattle-King County
Staying active as you age isn’t just crucial for your body. Your mental health depends on it, too. Rather than exercising in isolation, combine physical activity with group events to make the process more enjoyable.
Research shows that regular group exercise contributes to “balanced health” in physical, mental, and social areas for older adults. Exercise doesn’t have to be in restrictive environments, either. Many community events are the perfect venue to combine physical activity with mental, emotional, and social interaction.
What Makes a Good Community Event for Staying Active?
Senior social calendars can be packed full of activities, but not all of them are created equal. Here’s what you should look for if you’re planning and/or attending a community event to stay active:
- There are elements for social health, emotional or mental wellness, and physical activity. By combining these aspects, you enhance the effectiveness of the activity for your overall well-being.
- The event is accessible to a variety of people. Events are more fun and engaging when a diverse audience is there.
- You can get outside your comfort zone during the event. Trying something new helps keep your brain flexible as you age.
- There are several ways to participate and interact. You’ll be more confident attending a new event if you’re sure there are elements you’ll love.
Outdoor Active Community Events
During the warmer spring, summer, and fall months, many community events make it easy to stay active.
Seasonal Festivals
There’s nothing more fun than enjoying a day at the local festival and realizing you’ve completed more than 10,000 steps! Music events, fairs, art exhibitions, food festivals, and outdoor theater are just a few of the seasonal festivities that make it easy to be active outside. Check your town’s events page or local parks department to find upcoming festivals.
Nature Cleanup
Shared outdoor spaces need constant attention during the warmer months, and community volunteers are indispensable. Check with your local parks department to find times for nature cleanups around town. You might help rebuild hiking trails, clean trash from wetlands, plant wildflower seeds, or repaint informational signs. Being outside near trees and water can also supercharge your physical activity.
Charity Walks
Working as a group to reach a common goal gives everyone a boost of motivation and determination. Charity walks for individuals, medical research, or neighborhood clubs are a great way to get some exercise while raising money for a worthwhile cause. Look for charity walk announcements in your local paper, or call an organization you support to ask if they have a walk coming up. Consider planning one with friends if they don’t!
Indoor Active Community Events
If you need to stay indoors during hot weather, there are still plenty of options for staying active at community events.
Group Fitness Classes
Even if you typically work out on your own, try adding a group fitness class to your weekly routine. The socialization makes it easier to stay on track with your goals and more fun to complete challenging routines! You can look for dance groups, water aerobics, or traditional fitness classes near you.
Craft Fairs and Expos
You don’t need to be an artist to participate in craft fairs and expos around your town. You can explore others’ creations, enjoy refreshments, and even learn a new skill during live demonstrations. There is plenty of walking involved when you attend a craft fair, so you’ll get some activity while you spark your creative mind. Look for local fair dates in surrounding areas, too, and make it a day trip!
Building Refurbishment and Renewal
Many communities have shared buildings that local non-profits and town clubs use for events. Over time, these buildings get run down and need a refresh every few years. Check with your city to see if they have project teams to help with community refurbishment. You can offer your services to help clean, paint, organize volunteers, or fix furniture. You’ll stay active while giving back to the community.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to engage with your neighbors or trying to branch out into more exciting physical activities, community events are the perfect place to stay social and active.
Active Aging is presented by Public Health- Seattle & King County. Public Health- Seattle & King County recognizes the important and untold stories of innovation, service, and sacrifice by the Black community and supports efforts to improve equity and achieve social justice. We want everyone to get health insurance and access health care. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/health for health insurance, flu and COVID-19 testing locations.
