Miami-Dade Parks "Walk4Life" program helps adults age 55+ stay active & healthy

(MIAMI, April 22, 2015) — Recognizing how the National Institute on Aging advises a regular exercise regime to stay healthy and stave off chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis, Type 2 Diabetes, and heart disease, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department is encouraging adults age 55+ to start walking for an improved quality of life through its “Walk4Life” program. 

Whether you’re a beginner or veteran walker, Miami-Dade Parks makes it fun and easy to step your way to improved health and sustain it with Walk4Life, a free, incentive-based walking program, offered at 13 Miami-Dade Parks Walk4Life program hubs for residents age 55 and older.

Upon registering to walk independently or join an existing group to forge new friendships and accountability, participants receive a “Walk4Life Wristband” and a log sheet to chart their progress. Walking path mileage is posted at each program hub. There are also reward incentives for accomplishing mileage goals, which may include such items as pedometers, T-shirts, water bottles, and more.

For a complete list of Miami-Dade Parks’ Walk4Life program hubs and information about other activities and classes for active older adults, visit the Miami-Dade Parks Active Older Adults Program website or call Allan Tavss at 786-372-9701.

Started in 2013, Miami-Dade County Parks’ Active Older Adults Program is designed to help older adults improve their well-being by consistently staying physically active. The program is offered at parks throughout the county. 

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world dedicated to placemaking, health and fitness, and conservation. For information about Miami-Dade County Parks visit their website or call 3-1-1.

Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization helping to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. Visit the Parks Foundation website for more information.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.