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Sensory nature walks for seniors offered

SARANAC LAKE — A series of nature sensory walks will be offered for seniors through a collaborative program between Saranac Village at Will Rogers and Adirondack Riverwalking.

The program, offered free of charge to those 55 years of age and older, is made possible by the support of Adirondack Health.

This four-week program will begin with a discussion on the health benefits of nature sensory walks on Friday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Saranac Village at Will Rogers. Through more than two decades of evidence-based research studies, participants can learn how utilizing all one’s senses increases physical and mental health benefits from time out of doors.

Two 60-minute guided nature sensory walks will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Paul Smith’s College VIC and Thursday, Oct. 10 at Heaven Hill Trails both from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Trails selected are on level and gentle terrain. Transportation to both locations is available for community members and arrangements should be made by contacting Debbie Kanze at Saranac Village at Will Rogers at 518-891-7117. Limited spaces are available so please reserve early. Meeting location will be in the parking areas at both locations. Directions are below.

On Thursday, Oct. 17, a guided 30-minute nature sensory walk will be offered at Saranac Village at Will Rogers from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The walk will be followed by a 30-minute discussion of how to integrate elements of nature sensory walks into outdoor time at home. Developing an ongoing personal practice can be a way to maximize the health benefits of time in nature.

The objectives of this program are to encourage seniors to get outdoors more often and enable seniors to utilize nature sensory practices on their own, regardless of where they live, to improve their physical and mental well-being. Enjoying the peak of fall colors provides a perfect opportunity to introduce these practices.

Adirondack Riverwalking is based in Saranac Lake, the partnership of two women: Helen Gibbens and Suzanne Weirich. Both are certified forest and nature therapy guides, licensed New York state hiking guides, wellness educators and certified yoga teachers. Weirich also teaches a weekly chair yoga class at Saranac Village at Will Rogers on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. They have been introducing nature sensory practices, including forest bathing and riverwalking, in the Tri-Lakes area over the last two years.

The Paul Smith’s College VIC is located at 8023 state Route 30, Paul Smiths. Heaven Hill Trails is located at 166 Bear Cub Road, Lake Placid. For more information about Adirondack Riverwalking and nature sensory practices and programs, visit www.adirondackriverwalking.com, email adirondackriverwalking@gmail.com or call 518-637-2963.

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