Paul and Kathy Anderson walk the Paul G. Boorman Trail.
CITY TRAILS offer exercise space for seniors By Christina Cavazos
ccavazos@news-journal.com
O
n beautiful spring days, Paul and Kathy Anderson enjoy walking a mile or two at one of Longview’s many trails. Not only do the trails give them the chance to take in the fresh air and sunshine, they get a plethora of health benefits from walking.
“I have a bad knee so walking helps strengthen that,” Paul Anderson said. “It helps our heart. It helps our lungs,” his wife Kathy Anderson added. According to the health organization
American Senior Communities, walking offers many benefits to seniors. It’s a lowimpact exercise that can be an effective way to reduce chronic conditions and improve overall health. Health benefits include that it improves heart health, lowers blood sugar, reduces pain, promotes social engagement and boosts mental health, according to American Senior Communities. The cities of Tyler and Longview offer many trail systems that can be utilized by seniors to assist in improving their health. Frank Smith, a retired military veteran, walks three to four miles per day with his dog, Casper, at the Paul G. Boorman Trail. “You need exercise to improve your circulation. I’m trying to get more people to walk,” he said. “I’m 75. I’m trying to get
everyone else moving. Get off the couch, stop watching TV and get your blood circulating.” In addition to the health benefits of walking, Smith enjoys spending time on the city’s trails. His 7-year-old Alaskan malamute, Casper, enjoys the trails, too. Casper also enjoys visiting Stragent Dog Park on the Boorman Trail. The Andersons said they also enjoy Longview’s trail system. They visit the trails, typically the Boorman Trail, at least three times a week. They also are excited for the city’s trail extension which will create a 10mile trail system and connect existing trails together. “This is a real jewel in Longview. Not a lot of other cities have this,” Paul Anderson said. “We tell other people about it.”
City of Longview Walking Trails
City of Tyler Walking Trails
Paul G. Boorman Trail: A 3-mile trail that runs through the Grace Creek corridor, including Lois Jackson Park Cargill Long Trail: A 3-mile trail along a wooded corridor among central Longview neighborhoods and parks Guthrie Trail: A 1.25-mile trail that surrounds Guthrie Park and Rotary Park
Faulkner Nature Trail: Located at Faulkner Park, the nature trail features more than 8 miles of trail Legacy Trail: A 4.5-mile trail situated on the Old Cotton Belt train route, the trail runs on the eastern and western sides of Old Jacksonville Highway Lindsey Park Trail: Located at Lindsey Park, the trail system features more than 10 miles of trails for biking, hiking and walking
Julieanna Trail: A 0.75-mile trail surrounding McWhorter and Ward parks Akin Trail: A 0.75-mile trail at Akin Park
Rose Rudman Trail: A trail that encompasses Tyler’s Southside Park, the Rose Rudman Trail provides space to jog, walk or bike Windsor Grove Nature Trail: Located at the intersection of Lyons Avenue and Front Street, this wooded nature trail features space to hike and bike
Frank Smith and his dog Casper enjoy Paul G. Boorman Trail. Photos by Michael Cavazos/M.Roberts Media
Benefits of Walking for Seniors
Improves heart health: Getting the heart rate up reduces the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Lowers blood sugar: A 15-minute walk after a meal helps reduce spikes in blood sugar as the body uses the blood sugar more effectively to strengthen muscles. Reduces pain: Studies have shown that walking helps reduce some pain from chronic conditions such
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as arthritis. Walking can help strengthen abdominal and back muscles, too. Promotes social engagement: Walking offers an easy, cost-effective way for seniors to meet up and socialize. Boosts mental health: Endorphins released during physical activity, such as walking, help create a sense of well-being, reduce anxiety and boost mood. Source: American Senior Communities
SECTION C | FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021