Senior citizens take steps in health fight (From Gazette & Herald)

Senior citizens take steps in health fight

SENIOR citizens in Ryedale have been urged to get out and about as part of a new health initiative launched today.

Ryedale Forum for Older People is spearheading a campaign to encourage older residents to join in healthy walking activities specially organised for them.

The scheme has been co-ordinated by the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency, and in Ryedale there are hopes that more elderly people will be able to enjoy the social and health benefits on offer.

Lesley Bessant, of Ryedale Forum for Older People, said: "We have organised a winter programme in a variety of places. We are starting off with what we are calling a taster walk, which is for anyone who might like to try it.

"I think there are concerns that people don't take enough exercise these days, and this is about keeping your heart healthy."

Mrs Bessant said the Walking The Way To Health initiative had been designed to include anyone and everyone.

Leaflets and information packs would be distributed to doctors' surgeries, libraries and sheltered accommodation, she explained.

"We are trying to get this initiative out to as many people as possible.

"The idea is to go on a social walk where people can go at their own pace."

She said: "It's not going to be a six-mile hike.

"This will be getting people walking in their own area, even in their own streets.

"It's also for people who have not got anyone to walk with.

"If people are on their own and they don't have anyone to go out and about with, I think sometimes they feel a little bit put off, because they think it is not safe to walk on their own."

Brian Cottam, chairman of Ryedale Forum for Older People, said: "The Forum has always been keen to promote walking for its members and this scheme is an ideal way of encouraging others in Ryedale to join in walking for health.

"It is a free, fun, safe and social way of meeting people and getting and keeping fit."

The Forum has joined forces with Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust and the North York Moors National Park as part of the unique venture.

Grant funding from Central Government will be used to train local walk leaders, research and publicise routes and produce walking information packs.

For more information on the walks, which will take place on alternate Tuesdays starting on November 5, contact Lesley Bessant on 01751 476606.

Meanwhile, in York, the city council, Selby and York Primary Care Trust and Age Concern were also launching the new initiative.

Their £20,000 Walking The Way To Health Initiative was launched at the Barbican Centre, York. The project will chart new circular routes, give training to walking group leaders, and encourage walking in four York health blackspots.

Updated: 10:10 Tuesday, October 22, 2002