December 1, 2:29 PM click here to comment > 6
What are you working on?
This is Ari Yoder. She is 66 years old, recently retired, and lives in Seattle Housing Authority senior housing. She is a driver for the Lifelong Recreation program and a regular participant in the Sound Steps walking group. She sold her car in January to start walking, biking and riding transit, and since then she has lost over 60 pounds.
“I thought it might be hard to let go of my car – at first it was kind of scary, but I just had to take a deep breath and let it go. But the traffic in Seattle is so awful anyway, and the buses run everywhere.”
After she sold her car, she stopped by her local community center to check out the Lifelong Recreation fitness programs. 10 months later, she walks 4-5 days each week with her walking group, several miles at a time, attends long hikes with Sound Steps, and just completed a half-marathon. On her own time she is training for a full marathon, with the goal of completing one before she turns 70. Her cholesterol is down, her energy is up, and she feels great.
Ari is a vocal advocate for the health benefits of getting around without a car. She is working with her Seattle Housing Authority property managers to get a bike rack for her building. It took some effort, but the rack should be installed soon. She wants to bike more often to get exercise, but there are some obstacles. “There are some bike lanes where I live, in Lake City, but I don’t feel comfortable using them. I pulled over once and asked a police officer if I could ride on the sidewalk, and he said yes, so I mostly do that. I just don’t feel like motorists are concerned for my safety.”
Another problem is that the bike racks on Metro buses require two hands, and with her arthritis, it’s really tough to get her bike loaded fast enough. But she found out recently that there are practice racks available downtown, in West Seattle and the U-District, so hopefully she can get a little quicker.
“I wish more older people would get out there and start exercising. Getting rid of my car has saved me a lot of money and transformed my health. I have the time, why not use it to get around town in a way that makes me healthier?”
What Are You Working On? is a series that looks at what we’re up to in the office, and what people out in the community are doing. Stay tuned for more stories of how one person’s advocacy and hard work can create change in ways large and small.
So – what are YOU working on?
Posted by: Words: April Thomas Pictures: Jen Nance
Comments
Comment from Marcus Johnson
Time December 2, 2010 at 10:00 am
Hope grandma could also think like her..
Comment from Mari Becker
Time December 2, 2010 at 11:20 am
If anyone wants to stay fit and meet new friends through ‘Sound Steps,’ the walking program Ari mentions, see
http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/Seniors/SoundSteps.htm
Phone: 206-684-4664
Email: sound.steps@seattle.gov.
This is a fun and free program especially for adults age 50+, offered through Seattle Parks and Recreation. We provide weekly walking groups, hikes, and a training program to walk a 5K, 10K or half marathon walk.
Comment from Cheryl Brown
Time December 2, 2010 at 11:41 am
Go Ari! Ari is a great participant and volunteer for Seattle Parks and Recreation Lifelong Recreation programs for ages 50 and over. We offer a huge assortment of fitness, social and arts programs and trips for this age group. Just check at your local Seattle Parks and Recreation Community Center to see what we are doing, and join in!
Comment from edward schmidt
Time December 2, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I think that is totally wrong to spend $ 47,000 on flouresent colored umbrellas for shopers to use. when the money could have gone to help fix some of the bigger potholes in the city streets. Especially when you are trying to cut millons from the budget. get with the program and stop needless spending. If umbrellas are wanted by the merchants let them foot the bill for them.
Comment from Dr Patrice Bienvenu NGUE
Time December 5, 2010 at 6:25 am
Washington State (Seattle) is my choice for US Continental Relocation next year.
As an executive member of the Democratic National Committee, I signed a special Obama Biden International Committee in 2008 for victory and I am currently working on A SPECIAL STATE OF THE UNION ON US COMMERCE as candidate for federal office holder.
For my new state, I am currently finalizing study on Washington state initiative: WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FUND NETWORKING COUNCIL.
The public/private new organization intends to bring efficient solutions in solving Americans and washingtonian inner cities and family values issues for a stable restructured American new society of change with US President Barack Obama.
As Chair of the new organization for Seattle and Washington state, I believe in high quality student achievement, teachers higher pay raises and equal employment opportunity for all minorities in teaching. International money could create jobs in our state.
Dr Patrice Bienvenu NGUE on a special assignment in west africa; Tentative date of return Febraury 2011.
Greetings to Mayor Mike Mc Ginn and staff.
Comment from tegan
Time December 1, 2010 at 4:33 pm
what an inspiring story. the best thing older adults can do for their health is get active!