“They did a good thing!” declares Bill M., who resides at The Lodge at The Lakes at Stillwater, a senior living community managed by The Goodman Group in Stillwater, MN. He’s talking about the new John B. Goodman Walking Trail, an extension of the pathways that already existed throughout the campus. This 0.52-mile addition follows alongside Long Lake and Sinnet’s Pond.

Senior walking programs in particular can help improve physical and mental health and overall well-being. The National Institutes of Health says a “plethora” of studies have shown that “low-intensity physical exercise, including walking, exerts anti-aging effects and helps prevent age-related diseases, making it a powerful tool for promoting healthy aging.”

Haley B. is life enrichment director at The Lodge. “This community and its residents are really outdoor-oriented,” she says. “We are surrounded by beautiful nature and want to take it in. So what better way to enable and encourage that than by creating paths?”

WALKING TRAILS ENHANCE SENIOR LIVING

Although the John B. Goodman Walking Trail was officially opened in October, residents started exploring the new path in the spring. During the summer, benches were added at strategic spots and informational signage was installed to help walkers identify the flora and fauna they might see along the way. The path is comfortably wide and paved, making it easier to navigate for those with mobility challenges, including those who use power scooters.

“What’s really nice is that it goes by the lake, across a bridge, then loops around,” explains Doug S., another resident at The Lodge. “You can look out across the lake or sit on the benches, many of which are dedicated to the memory of a loved one.” He notes that the walking trail passes right behind the main building’s patio so even those who aren’t using it can watch the activity.

Doug was chosen to read a poem, “A Blessing for the Walking Path,” at the dedication ceremony. He says he received the honor because he uses the walking paths so frequently. “I’m setting a good example,” he says proudly. Along with reading the poem, Doug served as the official ribbon-cutter and got to keep the ribbon.

Custom signage includes a map of the area and information to help identify plants and wildlife. This is a significant watershed, and walkers can see how the eco-system works and where the water goes before it eventually ends up in the St. Croix River.

“Residents finally have a peaceful place to walk, sit and enjoy the scenery and the gentle breeze,” says Haley. Even in the snowy cold of winter, some residents continue to take advantage of the path. “Minnesotans bundle up!” she laughs

BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

“Many of our residents lived on a lot of land or up north prior to moving here,” Haley explains. “They especially appreciate the extended outdoor area. For all residents, the new path helps them stay healthy, stay connected with the world around them, and feel a greater sense of fulfillment.”

The new John B. Goodman Walking Trail connects to a local city path that leads into adjacent neighborhoods, so the whole community can use it. Residents of The Lakes at Stillwater, families, visitors and team members can extend their walk into the neighborhood, and neighboring kids and adults can walk their dogs or ride their bikes around the lake. They can stop on the bridge to observe the frogs and muskrats. Sometimes the white deer put on an appearance. Residents especially loved watching the pair of nesting swans last summer, but disappointingly, there were no signets. Everyone is hoping to see babies this year.

It’s a chance to meet new people and share love of the outdoors and popular hobbies such as bird-watching. Several residents turn their walks into photography sessions, capturing flowers and birds to share with their fellow residents.

Jim F. has lived in his lake home at Birchwood Landing, also part of The Lakes at Stillwater, for three years. He absolutely loves it, so much that he routinely encourages other seniors to check it out. He says people are always in sight using the paths all around the campus, and the new John B. Goodman Walking Trail is a “great addition.”

Jim has a small dog that loves to walk with him. “She has lots of friends,” he laughs, “people and dogs, so she often runs into them on our walks.” He meets people, too. With so many seniors residing at The Lakes at Stillwater, he explains, you don’t always see everyone. Walking helps him get to know more of his senior living neighbors.

“I LOVE IT!”

Bill M.’s simple statement reflects the enthusiasm with which community members have embraced the John B. Goodman Walking Trail. “I am very lucky,” he confides. “My apartment is on the south end and you can see the lake from my deck.”

A long-time Minnesotan, Bill and his wife lived on the other side of Long Lake and moved into The Lodge as soon as it opened. When he still lived in the house he frequently walked around the lake. Now, he still walks three to four miles a day around the campus, the lake and indoors.

Bill keeps a journal of things he wants to remember from each walk. He especially appreciates the solitude and quietness, the beautiful landscaping, the nesting swans, ducks and geese. And the sandhill cranes! Despite living in Minnesota for decades, he had never seen a sandhill crane. Now he not only sees them but takes videos of them walking along the verge.

“It’s a wonderful addition,” he says, “connecting to other walking paths. You can go to the street and walk up through the neighborhood. I can walk to the old house now. You can walk forever, if you want to!”