ABOUT 35 active seniors gathered in Mirrabooka for the launch of a mall-walking group last week.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) representatives and group leaders led the hour-long walk in The Square and enjoyed tea and coffee after the walk.
COTA active ageing manager Phil Airey said the activity would gradually increase participants’ balance and ability to walk.
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READ NOW“Falls prevention is a huge element of it, we try to encourage people to come and be involved because better walking means less chance of falls,” he said.
Mr Airey said mall walking also helped with seniors’ social life, where they could meet new people and develop friendships.
Walking group leader and Nollamara resident Gladys Rosano (67) said she became a leader to contribute to the community.
“I was looking for something to do when I retire next year because I want to live longer and stronger,” she said.
Another leader and Ballajura resident Kerry Godden (65) said she stopped working and wanted to give back to the community.
“I love being with people,” she said. “I like to be helping people and the socialising side of it.”
Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman, who spoke at the launch, said walking was one of the best ways for seniors to stay young and healthy.