When people think of Fort Worth, Texas, they most likely think of cowboys and the Old West. In fact, Fort Worth's tourism industry thrives on that reputation. While the city's 5.5 million visitors enjoy the rest and relaxation of this popular Texas town, Fort Worth's senior citizens are maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, unlike their gun-slinging predecessors. Senior centers in Forth Worth offer a host of activities, including hiking. Hiking is a low-risk, low-impact way for seniors to stay active.
Senior Centers
Sports clubs for the elderly are not the most popular business ventures, which is why it is best to go through senior centers when searching for senior group activities. The Fort Worth Senior Citizen Service provides a list of activities and ways for seniors to get involved with the community. The Heritage Senior Center in Irving, Texas, hosts hikes, arts and crafts and aquatic classes.
Hiking Clubs
If you are 65 or older, you are classified as a senior citizen, but being 65 and feeling 65 are two totally different things. For all the Jack and Jackie LaLanne's of Fort Worth, there is nothing stopping you from joining a regular hiking club in the area. Adventure Team Outdoor Sports is a group of fitness enthusiasts that organize every type of activity possible. The Greater Fort Worth Sierra Club schedules many group outings as well.
Fort Worth Hiking Trails
Though the landscape in Fort Worth is pretty flat, the city offers many scenic trails around and through parks and nature reserves. Fort Worth is considered part of the Dallas area, so more trails extend into Dallas as well. Hiking trails closest to Fort Worth and safest for the adventurous senior are the Benbrook Dam Trail, the Walnut Creek Trail and the Trinity River Trail. All three of these are between two and four miles in length.
Recommended Activity for Seniors
Hiking is the perfect way for seniors to stay in shape without the boredom of a treadmill. Seniors, however, should keep their hikes short and at a low impact. Low impact, cardiovascular exercise like hiking, not running or weight lifting, is what keeps the heart beating longer. Health experts recommend starting slow at five minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day to build up endurance if you have lived a sedentary life.
Senior Safety Tips
Everyone knows Texas gets hot in the summer. The largest state in the lower 48, Texas has a range of climates. In Fort Worth, there is a little more humidity than there would be in El Paso. It's important for those the age of 65 and older not to overexert themselves. Hiking is fun and easy and since it is essentially walking, hikers may be tempted to go off the beaten path and keep traveling even though their body may be warning them to stop. Seniors should hike early in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not bearing down on them. They should travel light and with someone else and it is important to stay hydrated.
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