Pensioners walk back to fitness and health
Group putting best foot forward
Elderly people in Bridge of Allan have been getting out and about thanks to a new walking initiative.
Strathallan Court tenants have joined a walking group which takes older members of the community on a range of different routes around the town.
The walks, a partnership between housing provider Bield and Paths for All’s Stirling Walking Network, are dementia friendly and take place every Thursday at 10.30am.
Starting outside the Bield retirement housing development at Strathallan Court, walk leaders take the group of up to 15 people through Bridge of Allan, discovering local landmarks and points of interest along the way.
Alison Park, a 75-year-old Strathallan Court tenant, said: “I’ve been going along to the group for a little while now, and started out at the back.
“I found it difficult to begin with but the last couple of times I have managed to finish the walks which feels like such an achievement.
“I have osteoarthritis in my left knee which can sometimes be a bit of a pain, but as the walks are geared towards all levels. I’ve been able to go at my own pace.
“Plus, I’ve received positive encouragement from my family which has helped to motivate me.
“The walks are excellent – I’ve never felt any pressure. It’s all about ‘walking and talking’ and I’ve seen myself get fitter and fitter thanks to the group.”
Development Manager at Strathallan Court and walk leader with Paths for All Sandra Nicol said: “Bield and Paths for All working together in this way just makes sense – the older people in the area have certainly felt the benefits.
“Before, a lot of people would have walked by the development and thought that tenants couldn’t come and go as they pleased.
“But that’s not the case at all and I think we’ve really started to alter perceptions.
“We set up the Thursday walks to get older people out and enjoying the fresh air, while making friends in the process.
“Right now we have between 1015 people attending – four or five of them are tenants from Strathallan Court.
“We also have six or seven walk leaders now – all qualified through Paths for All – who make the weekly gatherings possible.”
It is hoped to roll the scheme out across the Stirling area.
Anyone who wishes to go along to the Bridge of Allan walks is welcome to attend. Contact Sandra Nicol on 01786 832815.
For more on Paths for All and dementia-friendly walks around Scotland go to www. pathsforall.org.uk
The walks are excellent – I have never felt any pressure