An unprecendented walking program is about to launch in neighborhoods throughout Albert Lea. Join us next Thursday, June 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., as the AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project launches the Vitality Project Walking Moai program.

This novel program combines the strength and ease of AARP’s nationally-tested walking program with Blue Zones principles to give Albert Lea residents an important tool to live longer, better. Not only will you get a free AARP step counter (pedometer), but you will also get to participate with friends and neighbors — all while improving your health!

Who should come?

Anyone of any age can join us on this venture to make walking a more natural part of daily life. The more Albert Leans who participate, the more success we can share with communities across the country.

Why walking?

AARP research data shows that walking is the preferred type of activity by far. As simple as it is, walking briskly 30 minutes a day, five or more days a week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis and some cancers. Walking can improve your ability to make decisions, solve problems and focus. Even small doses of walking, like a 15-minute trek, can increase your brain power.

Walking burns calories and fights unwanted pounds — and it’s easy and very low cost. Fancy gear or equipment are not needed to walk, just a good pair of shoes.

Dan Buettner found that walking is the one activity that all successful centenarians did — and do — almost daily in the Blue Zones. It’s free, easier on the joints than running, always accessible, invites company, and if you’re walking briskly, may have the same cardiovascular benefits as running. After a hard day, a walk can relieve stress; after a meal, it can aid digestion.

The Vitality Project Walking Moai will help Albert Lea residents make walking a natural part of their day by walking to typical destinations. By emphasizing walking to the store, to school, to church, etc., walking can become a natural part of everyday life.

In addition, by walking with your friends and neighbors, you will strengthen social bonds and nurture your community. Okinawans have “moais” — or groups of people who stick together throughout their entire lives and become mutual support networks. Similarly, Sardinians finish their day at the local bar where they meet with friends. Believe it or not, connecting with friends and neighbors can impact health and longevity.

A Harvard study looked at the impact of marital status, ties with friends and relatives, club membership, and level of volunteerism and their relation to longevity. The participants with the least-social connectedness were between two and three times more likely to die during the nine–year period of the study than those with the most social connectedness. The type of social connectedness was not important in relation to longevity — as long as there was connection.

Dan Buettner stresses the “right inner circle” — if you’ve got a group of people who support and nurture you, nurture them in return. And if you’d like to do a little self-improvement, get your friends on board!

How will it work?

Our goal is to make walking fun, make walking social, and change our culture to make walking a normal part of everyday life. Albert Leans will join neighborhood teams of about 10 people and earn points each time they walk with at least one other team member. Teams can compete for prizes after they walk to a designated list of local destinations.

Millions of AARP members are looking to improve health and increase longevity. Your community has the chance to inform and inspire so many as they strive to be healthier. Help us make this program successful so we can share its success with communities and individuals in every corner of the country.

For more information about joining a moai in your neighborhood, contact the Vitality Project Walking Moai leaders: Nancy VanderWaerdt, 377-0227; Catherine Buboltz: 377-0835; Jeshua Erickson: 373-1289.

Bring a friend, a neighbor, a relative — and a pair of walking shoes. And get ready to change your life for the better!

Margaret Hawkins is the AARP national walking expert.