Older adults across Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas will have an opportunity to move, connect and access wellness services when the Ministry of Health and Wellness in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and its agency, the National Council for Senior Citizens, hosts the Park Walker & Ageing Fair on Thursday, September 10 at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.
The event forms part of the Ministry’s Jamaica Moves Programme to promote physical activity, healthy ageing and social connection among adults aged 60 years and older.
The Corporate area activation will combine a structured park walk with an Ageing Fair and Wellness Village, featuring free health screenings, wellness education, stretching exercises, dance aerobics, an obstacle course and other age-friendly activities. Participants will also have opportunities to access wellness services, receive referrals where necessary and connect with organizations supporting older adults.
Launched earlier this year at Harmony Park, St. James, the Park Walker initiative aims to establish and strengthen community-based walking groups across Jamaica. The September 10 event marks the initiative’s second regional activation as part of the national execution.
Following the activation, participants will be encouraged to form walking groups within their communities, with technical support from Health Promotion and Education Officers and Physical Activity Specialists.
According to Director of Health Promotion & Education in the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Miss Takese Foga, “Through continued support and periodic monitoring, the Park Walker Initiative seeks to encourage sustained physical activity, strengthen social connections, promote healthy ageing and contribute to the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.”