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 seniors has been meeting weekly for a walk for over a year and a half. Participants go to this special meeting point every Thursday at 10 a.m. to enjoy the fresh air together and exchange ideas in the middle of the idyllic vineyards. Community nurse Plus Heike Lörcher-Denne and the participants support themselves in organizing the walks, true 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 physical activity reduces the risk of mortality, regardless of the type of exercise. The positive effects of sport are undisputed: they range from improved well-being to strengthening the immune system to reducing the risk of diseases of old age such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. It is therefore no wonder that some participants also attend an exercise course run by Community Nurse Plus.

The participants are usually between 65 and 80 years old and come not only from Alzey itself, but also from the Alzey-Land community. It is also important that people with walkers are warmly welcomed. “No matter what form it takes, the main thing is that we are moving and having fun,” said Lörcher-Denne, who also read a text about confidence in front of the reservoir at the joint meeting.

Community and personal contacts

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

For anyone who is interested in what Community Sister Plus has to offer or would like to become part of the walking group themselves, Heike Lörcher-Denne can be reached at the telephone number 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 Nurse 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.