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BOSTON -
Monday, August 9, 2021 – As part of her Joy Agenda, Mayor Kim Janey
and the Age Strong Commission today announced Joy Walks, public
walking clubs for older Boston residents. Older adults are invited to
join neighborhood Joy Walks walking clubs and participate in the Joy
Walks Challenge taking place September through October.
“I’m so
excited to launch this program, encouraging our older adults citywide
to join with friends, neighbors, and families outdoors for an
opportunity to safely reconnect throughout our neighborhoods,” said
Mayor Janey. “I am proud to work alongside the Age Strong Commission
to further promote the Joy Agenda and bring residents safely back
together.”
“The Mayor’s
Joy Walks are a safe and fun way for older adults to socialize
outdoors in open-air spaces,” shares Emily Shea, Age Strong
Commissioner. “It will be wonderful to see so many of Boston’s older
adults enjoying each other, the outdoor weather, and joy through
movement.” Proven health benefits of walking include lowering blood
pressure, strengthening bones/muscles, relieving stress and anxiety,
improving circulation and digestion, and better sleep.
Joy Walks will
be organized by neighborhood organizations, including Boston Centers
for Youth and Families (BCYF) and through Age Strong Commission
partnerships with senior residential communities, senior and
community centers, and nonprofit organizations serving many Boston
immigrant communities.
The Joy Walks
Challenge will award prizes to participants in categories including
most miles walked by a group, most miles walked by a duo (a
walker pushing a non-ambulatory participant), and most number of
walks by a group. Joy Walks participants will enjoy complimentary
pedometers, water bottles, and t-shirts. Older adults and Joy Walks
clubs are invited to walk at designated Age Friendly walking paths,
over 20 walking paths in Boston that are smooth-surfaced, stair-free,
with parking close by. View Age Friendly walking paths here.
Residents and
existing walking clubs may sign up by Wednesday, August 25 in person
at Boston Boston Centers for Youth and Families locations, or by reaching Renee Frechette at
the Age Strong Commission at 617.635.4168 or renee.frechette@boston.gov.
Announced in May, the Joy Agenda encourages residents of the City of
Boston to find a collective space to promote joy and encourage the
processing of shared grief. The mission is to create an environment
where residents can reflect on what joy means to Boston, especially
as the City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. | 
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