“Putting Your Best FOOT Forward”
By Ruth Nickens
The Tallahassee Senior Center endeavors to “think beyond the walls” – to recreate and reinvent to meet the needs and interests of the shifting demographics and desires of the senior population. Always striving to stay “one step ahead,” TSC offers 180+ different programs and services -- including Lifelong Learning, Recreation, Wellness, Fitness, Outreach, and Art. These days, however, with the aging baby boomer generation, who now constitute more than two-thirds of the 50+ population, the #1 programming request is for adventures and outdoor fitness! Thus, the innovative new FOOT program (Fitness & Outdoor Opportunities Together) was created. FOOT invites you to “stay connected, stay healthy, stay fit” with awe-inspiring hikes, discovery of hidden gems, and unique adventures that take advantage Tallahassee’s beautiful year-round weather, the multitude of lush and well-maintained public parks, trails and spaces, and wealth of expertise.
FOOT literally opens doors of opportunity for older adults in this community with monthly guided hikes in local parks and trails and additional active opportunities for biking, hiking, birdwatching, nature exploration, and more. FOOT officially “kicked off” in September with some exciting adventures, and in January, monthly hikes were added. The program was created from the restructure of a Leon County Senior Outreach program called Lifelong Outdoor Pursuits (LOP), following the retirement of LCSO coordinator, Susan Davis. Health & Wellness Program Coordinator, Ruth Nickens, and Lifelong Learning Coordinator, Maureen Haberfeld, have teamed up to bring FOOT to life. Some examples of recent adventures include searching for rare butterflies in a wooded swamp hammock, bike riding with an urban planner in Cascades Park, and foraging for edible plants at McCord Park.
There are many good reasons to get involved in FOOT. First, COVID has taught us those outdoor activities are safer in terms of reducing disease transmission. Additionally, research supports the profound physical and mental health benefits of both exercise and being in nature, including enhanced brain health, falls prevention, chronic disease control, improved strength, independence, enhanced mortality, stress reduction, lowered risk of depression, enhanced social connectedness, and improved sleep. So coupled together – fitness and the great outdoors — we’ve got a perfect recipe for safe and successful aging. FOOT programs are designed to meet most everyone’s needs – Some are short and easy while others are more challenging.
FOOT also affords exciting volunteer opportunities. Whether you are interested leading a hike, chaperoning an adventure, or sharing your expertise, we welcome your involvement!
$3 donation is requested for hikes, and fees for outdoor adventures start at $5.
For more information about FOOT outdoor adventures, email ruth.nickens@talgov.com or maureenhaberfeld@talgov.com