Friday, November 18, 2011

Be Healthy. Get Active. Hike!


Many adults (Seniors) in the Denver Metro area set goals for themselves, then go out and shatter them again and again.  In a few months these dedicated men and women will be back on trail, enjoying the mountains and foothills in the region.

These are people who ‘get it’ when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.  They eagerly awake early on Tuesday, and make their way to the Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA).  There they board a bus for a scenic ride to a trailhead somewhere in the Rockies.  Hiking for these backcountry explorers, comes naturally.  It’s an activity with no age limit attached.  The oldest in this group is 80.  NOTE: You can read her story on this blog.  Under Blog Archive at right, click on October and look for Profiles, 

Although many are retired, a number remain in the workforce.  They all find time in their busy schedules to get outdoors with the High Country Hikers, a name members adopted this season.  Some actually take the day off work to hike.

This is one of many organized hiking groups in the Denver Metro area.  There are groups for ‘Women Only,’ groups focused on ‘People with Pets’, and there are ‘Over 40’ groups.  The fact is, hiking is good for your health.  It’s safe to assume, there is a group for everyone.

Reasons you should consider hiking as a primary form of exercise:

·        Hiking reduces blood pressure, risk of arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and symptoms of depression.
·        Hiking increases mental health, stamina, muscle strength, bone health and energy level.
·        Hiking makes you more independent because you will depend on yourself rather than the conveniences at home.
·        Experience Colorado backcountry most people will never see.
·        Meet and learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the outdoors.
·        Transportation to (with a pit stop) and from (with a coffee/ice cream stop) the trailhead is provided.


So break from the norm…do something bold.  Sign up for a day hike next Spring.  Look for details on 2012 hikes on this blog.  If you are a first time (beginner) hiker and want to learn the basics of hiking, there is an effort underway to offer classes before the season begins next year.

A total of twenty-three hikes were completed between May and October.  Total combined mileage was 136.4, an average of 9.1 miles/hike.  The group achieved a total elevation gain of 16,945,’ an average of 1,130’/hike.

Hike Leader and Driver, Ed Blum, has the daunting task of getting hikers to and from the trailhead safely.  He must keep them cool in Summer, and warm in Winter.  The weekly journey includes another important element…deciding what coffee shop the group will patronize.  That makes Ed’s job one many of us would not last long in.

Ed retired as Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Electrical League.  He is currently a part-time Educator for the Wildlife Experience, 10035 Peoria Street,  Parker, CO.  Check it out at thewildlifeexperience.org  Both the kids and grandkids will love it.

A drivers job is not a thankless one.  Ed is the one who gets a well deserved round of applause from riders, each time the bus pulls into the ACAA parking lot.  From all ACAA hikers, THANK YOU, Ed!       

Every successful group like “High Country Hikers” has a support team dedicated to plan and organize programs.  ACAA has an exceptional team dedicated to providing a wide range of programs for people in the community.

The man who spends a good part of his day planning and implementing day trips is Outdoor Programs Coordinator, Kent Krause.  “We have a solid group of core hikers.  It’s a little family and that’s good for the community,” he said.  Front Desk Staff Supervisor, Kathy Bruneau, and members of her team come face to face with the public every day.  These are the smiling faces that greet visitors.  They are instrumental in creating a bond with visitors every day.

No community program is successful year after year by accident.  It takes dedicated people doing a job they love for their community.  Special Services Administrator for the City of Aurora, Kathy Nelson was quick to hand out kudos to the staff at ACAA.  “People here are serious about their health and fitness.  Hiking is an activity that meets several goals for people.  There is the social element, the physical challenge, and the spiritual part of being in nature.” 

Nelson added, “The ACAA is one of two senior centers in Colorado accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC).  Ruth Buchheit and her staff are committed to providing high quality programs to the community.  They are exceptional at creating partnerships throughout the community.  That is what sets Aurora and ACAA apart from the rest.”    

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