Bikeway provides more than good exercise for SeniorBEAT walking group
Christina Synodinos
June 2, 2008
Many senior citizens walk simply for good exercise, but for members of O’Bleness Memorial Hospital’s SeniorBEAT walking group, walking along the Hockhocking Adena bikeway is a mentally, visually and physically stimulating social experience.
The group meets the first Friday and third Monday of every month at a different location along the bikeway to eventually cover the entire 19-mile path. Over the years they have walked the entire path both ways about 20 times, according to a news release.
Members learn about the wildlife, local history and their fellow walkers as they talk along the way. “We have really interesting people that walk with us who build our history and background,” said P.T. Farley, who has been walking with the group since it started about eight years ago.
They especially appreciate walking the part of the path that passes through Beaumont near The Plains because of the area’s assortment of wildflowers, the release said. “Each walk is different, but we plan on this one when all the flowers are in bloom in late April,” Farley said.
Beaumont is considered to be the stretch of the path from about mile markers 10 to12. The section flaunts hills of trillium among other flowers including blue-eyed marys, Dutchman’s breeches and even an occasional Solomon’s seal.
Whether some members are in the mood for a power walk or would prefer a stroll to take in the scenery, walkers tend to separate into a fast group and a slow group so that everyone can go at their own pace.
“Some people in the slower group even have a handicap, but still come to enjoy being out with the group,” Farley said.
Ann McClanahan, another SeniorBEAT member, said she doesn’t walk fast on this spring walk. “I spend too much time gawking at flowers,” McClanahan said. “It’s so gorgeous.”
The group meets at 9 a.m. April through October and at 1 p.m. November through March, and new members are always welcome, the release said.
Although inclement weather may cause a walk to be canceled, a little cold or drizzle usually doesn’t keep the walkers from getting their exercise.
Anyone age 60 and older can become a member of SeniorBEAT free of charge by contacting O’Bleness’ social services department at 592-9337.
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