Art of Aging: Hiking Club

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- In Philadelphia, there's a group that gets together twice a week to share in fun, friendship and fitness.

At the Southwest Senior Center, seniors gather every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Barbara Garner of Southwest Philadelphia says, "It's called get moving and get the bones going."

Otila Jones is the Fitness Manager and a pretty persuasive drill sergeant.

"Exercise is a social thing. The average person will not exercise by themselves. A lot of these people wouldn't walk that far by themselves, but as a group and we're running off at the mouth, we tend to do more," said Otila.

Patricia Postell of Southwest Philadelphia says, "It has energized me so well. I just feel so good. And,I don't feel my age."

The group walks everywhere from Center City to parts of Philadelphia that are hidden treasures, like the National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum.

Paulette Cunningham is the Southwest Senior Center Director. She says, "This is a tremendous stress reducer. We have seen peoples' blood pressure, cholesterol go down."

"Everybody that you're talking to has or knows somebody with the same ailments. It keeps your osteoporosis and arthritis feeling much better," said Barbara Garner of Southwest Philadelphia.

Members have reduced their intake of medicine while building endurance and new friendships.

"We talk about everything. You'd be surprised, when we were young; when we get old; what we want to do; how come we haven't see no men in a while. You know, a lot of things that women talk about," said Otila.

You can call the PCA Helpline at 215.765.9040 to find a Senior Center near you, and check out our Art of Aging section for more resources for seniors.