Walk-n-roll keeps people moving in Truro
TRURO, N.S. – Betty and Herb Macfarlane walk for both physical and mental fitness. They take part in the Walk-n-roll program, designed to help people with mobility issues stay active.
“We started this fall,” said Betty, who lives in Brookfield. “Herb was diagnosed with dementia and this helps keep the legs going and the brain working.
“I’m a walker anyway, and take part in the seniors’ exercise group, so I join him here.”
Herb enjoys talking to other people taking part in the program.
“You've gotta have fun,” he said with a laugh. “I tease people.”
Emma Cox has been attending Walk-n-roll for a couple of years.
“This gets me out of the house and moving,” she said. “I need to get out and walk but I need something to motivate me.
“I had a car accident when I was 26 and I’ve had six hips
operations since then. This is really good because it’s not competitive. You can go whatever speed is comfortable and you can stop for a rest whenever you like.”
The program was set up through a partnership between the
Nova Scotia Health Authority and Rath-eastlink Community Centre and has been running in Truro since March 2017. Because of work being done at the RECC, it temporarily relocated to the Douglas Street Community Centre.
Beckey Langille, geriatric clinician at the seniors’ clinic, said some people think they can’t exercise because they’re unsteady
on their feet, but there are volunteers who will walk next to people when needed. There are also rollator walkers that can be used by people who don’t have their own.
New walkers and volunteers are always welcome
“This helps with balance, strength, endurance, cardio and socialization,” she said. “Some
people have been with us since the beginning and have really experienced benefits.
The new session starts Jan. 7 and runs each Tuesday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the RECC walking track. There is no need to register ahead of time; people can just drop by and join in.
For more information call 902-896-2609.