Adventure Cove in Abilene, Texas, is not your ordinary aquatics facility. The facility boasts three thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a zero-depth entry pool, offering an array of activities that cater to all ages. However, what makes Adventure Cove truly stand out is its unique wellness program designed specifically for those aged 55 and above.
Every Wednesday morning, Water Walkers brings people to the park hours before it opens to the public. Participants wade around in the lazy river with their friends and community members while listening to their favorite oldies and a few of today’s hits and getting a low-impact workout.
The Benefits of Aquatic Exercise for Seniors
Exercise is crucial at any age, but it becomes increasingly important as we grow older. According to studies from the National Institute of Health, physical activity can help seniors reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve balance and coordination, and boost mental well-being.
Water-based activities are low-impact, reducing the strain on joints while still providing a full-body workout. The buoyancy of water supports the body’s weight, making exercises easier and more comfortable to perform. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who may have arthritis or other joint issues.
Making Waves in the Abilene Community
While the program has been a huge hit for the more than 150 people who attend Water Walkers each week, it has also had a deep impact on employees at Adventure Cove. According to Meg Goff, the General Manager of Adventure Cove, the lifeguards at the facility enjoy the program as much as, or more, than the participants. “You might think that it would be challenging to get employees to show up a few hours early to work to open the park, but it is something that the employees frequently fight over to be a part of,” said Goff.
The seniors are always keeping up with the lifeguards about how their summers are going or where they go to school once summer is over. During the day, the lifeguards are on high alert and have a lot on their minds and a lot of responsibility on their shoulders while the facility is full of more people and more young children. But in those quiet morning hours, they can focus solely on the water walkers and enjoy sweet and insightful conversations with a different generation that has a great deal to offer their younger counterparts.
Adventure Cove Water Walkers
Adventure Cove’s Water Walkers program offers a safe and enjoyable exercise opportunity for seniors. One of the main highlights of this program is the use of the lazy river. Seniors can walk or float along the river, providing gentle resistance that helps strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health.
The program’s impact on participants’ physical and emotional well-being has been profound. Participants in the program frequently sing their praises to Adventure Cove and its employees for continuing to offer the program. It is a great exercise, and the social aspect of the program promotes a sense of community, contributing to improved mental health and emotional well-being.
If you are near Abilene, TX, and are interested in joining the program then visit Adventure Cove to discover the benefits of aquatic exercise for seniors! And for all of you who aren’t close by, feel free to share this article or program with your local aquatics facility and discuss with them the importance of implementing a similar program. Aquatic exercise is great for seniors, great for the community, and can be great for any facility that hosts it!
