Helping Seniors Stay Active

Kingston, like other Ontario municipalities, is experiencing a significant demographic shift. It is expected that 37.6% of Kingston’s population will be over the age of 55 (an increase of 8.5%) within the next 25 years. According to Canadian census figures, persons aged 65 and older made up nearly 16.5% of the population in Kingston in 2011, compared to 14.6% for the Province of Ontario and 14.8% for Canada.

What does this shift mean for the community? A vibrant community depends on the participation and contributions of everyone including its older members.  Loss of mobility and restricted lifestyles threaten not only the physical and emotional health of the individual, who may feel a sense of loss and dependency, but also the quality of their interactions with the community.

Older adults are a group vulnerable to illness and injury. Research has shown that it is important that seniors continue to be active to maintain flexibility. A daily walk can help retain mobility, flexibility and maintain social interactions with neighbours and other members of the community. 

With winter approaching, many seniors are afraid to step outdoors and walk to common destinations that would have been easy to negotiate in the summer months. While mall walking is an option, fresh air and sunshine improves your mindset. 

Impediments to winter walking for seniors include snow and ice ridges on sidewalks and intersections. Many seniors are less surefooted and have balance problems as slight dips in pavement or surfaces can throw them off balance. In designing streets with seniors in mind, flat even surfaces, textures/tones that denote changes in slope, and frequent benches for respite help promote an exercise regime. Walking is a form of active transportation and is an integral step in maintaining health.

This winter please consider your neighbours who may be shut in due to snow and ice. Help them maintain an active lifestyle. Assist them where possible by offering a supporting arm as they cross roads and tricky sections of sidewalks or by shoveling or clearing their paths, driveways and sidewalks.  Every bit helps build a sense of community.

Author: Kristine Hebert is a community member of the Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation. She has a keen interest in pedestrian mobility issues and appreciates current improvements to the downtown. These thoughts are her own and not affiliated with any organization.