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Blog archive

May 2025

A Day to Celebrate, Connect, and Empower: Older Americans Month at Victory Park
05/30/2025

End of Life: You Do Have Choices!
05/30/2025

Get Moving, Pasadena Village: Walking Toward a Healthier, Happier You
05/30/2025

Music: A Universal Language
05/30/2025

Presidents Message
05/30/2025

The New Grammar Guardian of Pasadena Village
05/30/2025

Undue Influence: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
05/30/2025

Village Within a Village
05/30/2025

What do we do now?
05/30/2025

Status - May 10, 2025
05/10/2025

A Tribute to Dad
05/05/2025

A Tribute to Mom
05/05/2025

A Board Director Perspective
05/02/2025

A Death Valley Adventure
05/02/2025

Ask an Architect
05/02/2025

Message from the President
05/02/2025

My 15-Minute City
05/02/2025

Neighboring Anew
05/02/2025

Scam Red Flags
05/02/2025

Sir Beckett, A Woman's Best Friend
05/02/2025

Volunteer Appreciation: Giving a New Level of Love and Caring
05/02/2025

April 2025

March 2025

About Senior Solutions
03/28/2025

Building a Bridge With Journey House, A Home Base for Former Foster Youth
03/28/2025

Come for the Knitting, Stay for the Conversation... and the Cookies
03/28/2025

Creating Safe and Smart Spaces with Home Technology
03/28/2025

Finding Joy in My Role on The Pasadena Village Board
03/28/2025

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!
03/28/2025

Managing Anxiety
03/28/2025

Message from Our President: Keeping Pasadena Village Strong Together
03/28/2025

My Favorite Easter Gift
03/28/2025

The Hidden History of Black Women in WWII
03/28/2025

Urinary Tract Infection – Watch Out!
03/28/2025

Volunteer Coordinator and Blade-Runner
03/28/2025

Continuing Commitment to Combating Racism
03/26/2025

Goodbye and Keep Cold by Robert Frost
03/13/2025

What The Living Do by Marie Howe
03/13/2025

Racism is Not Genetic
03/11/2025

Bill Gould, The First
03/07/2025

THIS IS A CHAPTER, NOT MY WHOLE STORY
03/07/2025

Dramatic Flair: Villagers Share their Digital Art
03/03/2025

Empowering Senior LGBTQ+ Caregivers
03/03/2025

A Life Never Anticipated
03/02/2025

Eaton Fire Changes Life
03/02/2025

February 2025

Commemorating Black History Month 2025
02/28/2025

Transportation at the Pasadena Village
02/28/2025

A Look at Proposition 19
02/27/2025

Behind the Scenes: Understanding the Pasadena Village Board and Its Role
02/27/2025

Beyond and Within the Village: The Power of One
02/27/2025

Celebrating Black Voices
02/27/2025

Creatively Supporting Our Village Community
02/27/2025

Decluttering: More Than The Name Implies
02/27/2025

Hidden Gems of Forest Lawn Museum
02/27/2025

LA River Walk
02/27/2025

Message from the President
02/27/2025

Phoenix Rising
02/27/2025

1619 Conversations with West African Art
02/25/2025

The Party Line
02/24/2025

Bluebird by Charles Bukowski
02/17/2025

Dreams by Langston Hughes
02/17/2025

Haiku - Four by Fritzie
02/17/2025

Haikus - Nine by Virginia
02/17/2025

Wind and Fire
02/17/2025

Partnerships Amplify Relief Efforts
02/07/2025

Another Community Giving Back
02/05/2025

Diary of Disaster Response
02/05/2025

Eaton Fire: A Community United in Loss and Recovery
02/05/2025

Healing Powers of Creative Energy
02/05/2025

Living the Mission
02/05/2025

Message from the President: Honoring Black History Month
02/05/2025

Surviving and Thriving: Elder Health Considerations After the Fires
02/05/2025

Treasure Hunting in The Ashes
02/05/2025

Villager's Stories
02/05/2025

A Beginning of Healing
02/03/2025

Hectic Evacuation From Eaton Canyon Fire
02/02/2025

Hurricanes and Fires are Different Monsters
02/02/2025

January 2025

Get Moving, Pasadena Village: Walking Toward a Healthier, Happier You

By Jim Hendrick
Posted: 05/30/2025
Tags: small group gatherings, jim hendrick, newsletter june 2025

In a world where aging is often associated with slowing down, a growing number of Americans in their 70's, 80s and 90s are challenging this notion by staying active and engaged. Walking was discussed at a recent meeting of the Wellness Practice group. Group leader Ed Mervine, who walks several days a week, admitted "Walking is something I resist every time.  I struggle to make myself walk, even though I know it's the best thing for me."

The Power of Walking 

Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise, offering numerous health benefits without the need for specialized equipment. Regular, brisk walking can improve confidence, stamina, and energy, as well as aid in weight control and reduce stress. Scientific studies have shown that walking may also enhance memory, learning ability, concentration, mood, creativity, and abstract reasoning. A study involving over 1,600 sedentary older individuals found that those assigned to walk 150 minutes a week had a lowered risk of disability and, especially in older men, reduced rates of serious fall injuries. 

Join the Urban Walkers

Urban Walkers meet every Friday morning around 8am to explore different neighborhoods, combining a leisurely 2.5-3 mile walk with social engagement. Villager Sally Asmundson has been involved with hiking and walking groups since 2014. “There were always some who only wanted to hike and others who only wanted to walk.”  Urban Walkers offers a supportive and enjoyable environment to help you stay motivated and discover new parts of our beautiful city.  Sally recalls, “We walked during COVID. We’ve taken walks in Descanso Gardens, Old Town Pasadena, the Arroyo and places in Altadena.”  

Villager Ron Scott remembers a particular Urban Walk, “We walked to Cobb Estates, stopping along the way to identify wildflowers. Afterward we enjoyed food, drink and conversation at Amy’s Patio Cafe.”

If you're interested in joining Urban Walkers contact Villager Sally Asmundson at (626) 840-4794 to sign up. 

Start Your Own Affinity Walking Group

If the Urban Walkers’ schedule or pace doesn’t align with your preferences, consider starting your own Affinity Walking Group.  All of the days of the week are available. These member-led groups can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as:

  • Leisurely Strollers: For those who prefer a relaxed pace and shorter distances.
  • Nature Enthusiasts: Explore local parks and trails while enjoying the natural beauty of our area.
  • History Buffs: Combine walking with visits to historical sites and landmarks.
  • Early Birds or Night Owls: Schedule walks that fit your daily routine, whether in   the morning or evening.

Starting an Affinity Group is simple and allows you to connect with fellow members who share your interests and fitness levels.

Tips for a Successful Walking Routine

  • Set Realistic Goals: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity walking each week, as recommended by health experts
  • Choose the Right Footwear: Invest in comfortable, supportive shoes to prevent injuries and enhance your walking experience.
  • Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during warmer months.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel during and after walks, and adjust your routine as needed.

Walking is more than just exercise: it’s a pathway to better health, increased independence, and enriched social connections. By incorporating regular walks into your routine, you can experience the myriad benefits that come with staying active. Join the Urban Walkers, start your own Affinity Walking Group, or simply take that first step around your neighborhood. Every stride brings you closer to a healthier, happier you.

If you are interested in learning more about the Village contact the office at [email protected] or call 626-765-6037.

If you find yourself in the Pits, join a walking group!

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