The Elder Empowerment Committee of the Boothbay Health and Wellness Foundation is delighted to announce a new pilot program in conjunction with the YMCA.

Anyone who is 65 years old or over who would like to walk on the indoor track at the Y is welcome to come and do so between 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You don't need to be a member; in fact, this program is intended for people who are not currently members of the Y.

There will also be coffee/tea and social time available after you walk. For those of you who don’t drive, we recommend that you carpool with a friend or neighbor. But, if you need a ride to/from the Y, please call the Y at 207-633-2855, ask for Doris Welch and leave your name, address and phone number by noon on Monday (for Tuesday pick up) or Wednesday (for Thursday pick up), and a volunteer from the Elder Empowerment program will call you to try to arrange transportation. This “Seniors Walk Free at the Y” program starts Tuesday, March 18.

Any senior who can walk on their own, with a cane, or with a walker is encouraged to come.

“My 96-year old mom loves to walk on the Y track,” said Patty Seybold, Wellness Foundation president. “She normally walks with a walker or a cane, but she finds she can hold onto the railing and walk at her own pace. At first, she was doing half a lap and resting on the bench at the end. Soon she could do one lap, and eventually, she graduated to two laps. She is very proud of herself.”

Andy Hamblett, executive director of the YMCA, is delighted to be able to provide this outreach to welcome more seniors to enjoy the Y.

“We have an active older adults program for our senior members, run by Doris Welch, with luncheons, trips and other activities. We’d love to expose many more seniors to all the Y has to offer,” Hamblett said.

Jeannie Hamrin, board member of the Wellness Foundation and an enthusiastic Y member, instigated this program. Hamrin met with Hamblett, YMCA Board Chairman Peggy Pinkham, and Maxine Tourtillotte in early January to brainstorm ways to open up the Y to seniors in the community who aren’t members. The Wellness Foundation is concerned that there are many people who stay in their homes all winter long and don’t get much exercise because it’s so hard to walk with the ice and snow. The Y leadership was eager to help and is excited to offer this program.

The Elder Empowerment Committee is a small group that has been meeting monthly since the fall of 2013 to work on meeting the needs of elderly residents on the Boothbay peninsula. The committee hopes to be of help to individuals and their families who wish to grow older at home rather than in assisted living or nursing care facilities. With a good social support network, elderly people can remain safely in their homes, retain their independence, and live fully engaged lives in their communities.

Many studies have shown that people who are able to age gracefully in their own homes tend to live longer, be happier and stay healthier than those who move into nursing homes. It’s also a lot less expensive. There are many efforts going on throughout the country now that all basically have the same focus of assisting elders to "Thrive in Place."

We’re looking for people who would be willing to volunteer to drive seniors in their neighborhoods to and from the Y. To volunteer to drive, or if you have ideas about needed services, or if you want more information about our Elder Empowerment program, contact Patty Seybold at 207-633-4368. Our committee welcomes new members. Meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Boothbay Town Office. Our next meeting will be Monday, March 24.