Strong together: Seniors on the Alzeyer walk against loneliness!

Strong together: Seniors on the Alzeyer walk against loneliness!

In Alzey, a lively group of twelve senior citizens have been going on a walk every week for over a year and a half. The participants visit this special meeting point every Thursday at 10 a.m. to enjoy the fresh air together and to exchange ideas in the middle of the idyllic vineyards. When organizing the walks, the community sister plus Heike Lörcher-Denne and the participants support themselves independently, according to the motto "Together we are strong".

The walk begins at the Am Herdry playground, where each participant has the opportunity to choose their own route and set the pace. “The most important thing is that everyone has fun,” emphasizes Lörcher-Denne. If the weather doesn't cooperate, such as heavy rain or slippery conditions, a cozy café is simply chosen as an alternative location. This shows how flexible the group is with its meetings in order to promote social interaction not only physically but also mentally.

Movement as the key to well-being

The project was launched in April 2024 to motivate older people to exercise more and improve their quality of life. According to the website of pflege.de An American study shows that sporting activities reduce the risk of mortality, regardless of the type of movement. The positive effects of sport are undisputed: they range from improved well-being to strengthening the immune system to reducing the risk of age diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes type 2. It is therefore no wonder that some participants also visit a movement course of the community sister plus.

The participants are usually between 65 and 80 years old and come not only from Alzey himself, but also from the Alzey-Land community. It is also important that people with a rollator are very welcome. "No matter what form, the main thing, we are in motion and have joy," says Lörcher-Denne, who also reads a text about confidence in front of the reservoir at the meeting.

Community and personal contacts

A central element of walks is the personal exchange, which can often reduce the feeling of loneliness in old age. The group also celebrates birthdays together, which also strengthens the sense of community. "It's nice to see how friendships develop here and people laugh here," emphasizes Lörcher-Denne. The weekly meetings are not only a sporting activity, but also an opportunity for social interaction and mutual support that many seniors need in their everyday life.

Heike Lörcher-Denne is on the phone number for everyone who is interested in the offers of the municipal sister plus or want to become part of the walking group themselves 06731 408-2345 or available by email. The offer is aimed at older people who do not need care and is intended to support them in their living situation. The aim is to develop health and independence-promoting infrastructures in the municipalities, such as Community sister plus represents.

Weekly walks are not only an excellent opportunity for seniors to stay active, but also show how important social contact is. At a time when loneliness is often a major challenge, such initiatives offer the opportunity to make a difference together.