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Walk On!

The mission of Walk On! is to provide a safe, social, and accessible community walking program that is effective in maintaining and improving mobility in older adults.

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Program Description

WalkOn! is a low-cost, evidence-based, community walking program for older adults developed at Wake Forest School of Medicine. The program was developed to provide opportunities for older adults with mobility concerns to have a safe and accessible place to walk with a group of peers, with oversight by a trained leader.

The primary emphasis of the program is to enhance or maintain mobility and walking endurance. It is also designed to improve balance, fall risk, and social connectedness.

Download a brochure (PDF).

Unique aspects of Walk On! include:

  • Emphasis on enhancing walking ability and stamina
  • Group-based to provide a social and fun environment
  • Realistic progression suited to individual abilities
  • Leaders trained in safe oversight of physical activity for older adults
  • Accountability for attendance and walking goals
  • Specific balance, leg strength, and dynamic movement exercises
  • Emphasis on maintaining a positive and affirmative attitude

Program Logistics

Walk On! takes place 2 days/week for 12 weeks at a time in a community setting that is easily accessible and has a large walking area. One day per week is focused on improving walking endurance; the other day is focused on improving balance and mobility.

Prior to the first session, leaders screen attendees by phone to make sure the program is appropriate for them. On the first day of the program, goal setting is discussed and participants undergo physical assessments of gait speed, leg strength, balance, and endurance to help set individual walking goals. Attendance and total walking activity is recorded for each participant at subsequent sessions.

At the end of the 12 week program, participants complete the physical function tests again. They then receive a report of their results along with total distance walked to show success and foster motivation and confidence.