Staying Fit: Waltonwood Cary Parkway Residents Walk Their Way to a Healthy Lifestyle

November 10, 2020

CARY, N.C.,–- You’ve heard it time and again; physical activity and exercise are good for you, and you should aim to make them part of your daily routine. Working out not only enhances flexibility and range of motion, it also decreases joint pain and stiffness and improves circulation. For these reasons and more, residents of Waltonwood Cary Parkway, a family-owned senior living community, are improving their health by walking. Resident Hal Brandon, 93, has walked each day since he moved into the senior living community eight years ago. He says it is his normal routine to walk over a mile around the community each morning, and he has reaped the benefits.

“Walking has improved my overall physical and mental health. I make it my goal each day to go out and walk no matter what the weather is,” said Brandon. “I usually walk between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. I enjoy the scenery outdoors and hearing the different noises. It’s something I look forward to doing each day, and I try not to miss a day. If you have the right attitude you can accomplish anything. I used to be a runner, so as I have aged, I switched to walking. I feel great and that is what matters. I appreciate Waltonwood encouraging its residents to remain active.”

Resident Tom Johnson, 84, is an avid walker as well. His typical day consists of 12 laps around the community, totaling just over a mile and a half. Johnson walks six to seven times a week and has maintained an active lifestyle for the past 20 years. Johnson says he notices the difference it makes on his overall health and well-being, and that is rewarding.

“I had a heart attack several years ago, and I knew I needed to make a lifestyle change. That is when I picked up walking more,” said Johnson. “Walking really made a difference in my life. I usually walk alone inside the senior living community. I am able to safely keep my distance from others, but still get in the workout I need. I have also used the machines in the fitness center and the elliptical is my favorite. I just find it very important to stay active. You know the song ‘staying alive?’ That’s the key, working out helps prolong your life, so I will continue to walk each day.”

If you’re looking for Joan Smith at Waltonwood Cary Parkway, she is likely walking or attending a fitness class. Smith says she walks about 30 minutes a day and attends at least one fitness class a day. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and says she tries to do what’s best for her body.

“It is good to be active. I listen to suggestions from Waltonwood associates and my doctors on what workouts are best for me,” said Smith. “I have noticed both my physical and mental health have improved, especially during a time of such uncertainty. I usually start the day with walking. I walk inside and outside the community and tend to walk alone so I can go at my own pace. The better balance and strength and resistance classes are my favorite to go to after my walks. You leave feeling like you accomplished a lot. I have been active my entire life, so it is important to me to take care of my body. I can’t accomplish much sitting down, so I am always moving.”

“We offer many workout options for residents to thrive in their own unique ways. We try to keep everyone in the community active and motivated, and individually walking or doing group exercises is one way to get people involved,” said Brian O’Hara, executive director at Waltonwood Cary Parkway. “I love seeing the determination in each resident as they start or continue their fitness journey, and we are here to help along the way. Each journey is different, but we love seeing each resident accomplish their goals and continue on the path to a healthy and active lifestyle.”

If you are a member of the media interested in sharing the story or setting up an interview, please contact Chelsi Smith via phone at 214-378-7970, ext. 238 or email at csmith@thepointgroup.com or Martha Cook via phone at 214-378-7970, ext. 240 or email at mcook@thepointgroup.com.

ABOUT WALTONWOOD CARY PARKWAY

Waltonwood Cary Parkway offers seniors a dignified, individualized community where residents can thrive. The community offers independent living cottages, and independent, assisted living and memory care apartments in studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans, creating a continuum of care where residents can enjoy an active lifestyle and receive care if they need it. The community offers many engaging amenities, including a theater, therapy pool, putting green, garden view lounge and private courtyards throughout its acreage. Residents receive the most up-to-date advances in senior living, including the specially designed Forever Fit program and life enrichment programing.

Singh is a family-owned company and for more than 45 years they have remained multifaceted in real estate development, with a strong foundation in luxury apartments, commercial properties, land development, high-end single-family homes and, for 30 years, senior living communities which have been branded “Waltonwood.” The vertical integration of the company, which provides for development, construction, finance and management under one umbrella, allows Singh to be poised for new opportunities in expanding markets. All projects are wholly owned by Singh and continue to be owned and managed by Singh.

The company is headquartered in West Bloomfield, MI and has regional offices in Cary, NC. Learn more about Singh and its Waltonwood communities at www.singhweb.com. If you are interested in learning more about Waltonwood Cary Parkway, please visit www.waltonwood.com or call 919-275-0983.