Seniors Embrace Walking for Fitness and Friendship in Langley

On a bright but chilly Wednesday morning, seniors gathered at the Langley Senior Resources Society centre to participate in a popular walking group. The event, which took place on January 21, 2026, has become a staple for local seniors seeking both fitness and social interaction.

Community and Health Benefits

As the clock struck 10 a.m., organizer Al Frost, aged 84, welcomed participants and highlighted the dual benefits of being part of the group. “The appeal for me is fitness, exercise, and getting out,” Frost stated. After each walk, the group typically gathers for coffee, reinforcing community bonds among members.

The walking club originated eight years ago when Frost, also a fitness class instructor at the centre, began informally leading walks. “It just grew and grew in numbers,” he explained. The Langley Senior Resources Society later initiated a monthly newsletter, The Loop, which now informs readers of upcoming walks on Wednesdays and Fridays, led by Frost or co-leader Renate Reichert.

Exploring Langley’s Scenic Routes

On this particular day, Frost guided the group along a favorite route from the centre to Sendall Gardens via the Pleasantdale Creek Trail. “We walk all over Langley,” he noted, mentioning other scenic paths in the Nicomekl floodplain and various routes in Fort Langley and South Langley. The walks, lasting about an hour, cover distances ranging from 3.5 to 5 km.

Elaine Desnoyers, a 71-year-old resident of Brookswood, shared her enthusiasm for the program. “I joined about three or four years ago. It’s a fun thing to do,” she remarked. For many participants, the walks serve as both a physical activity and a means of making new friends.

At 83, Victor Kirkman, a Walnut Grove resident and volunteer driver at the centre, reflected on his active lifestyle. Although he has slowed down from participating in the Sun Run, an annual event that attracts around 50,000 runners, he remains committed to his walking routine. “I used to run,” he said, adding that he plans to walk in his 42nd Sun Run this year.

Health experts emphasize that walking is a low-impact exercise beneficial for seniors. Regular walking can improve balance, strengthen muscles, and reduce the risk of heart attack, depression, and dementia. The Langley Senior Resources Society provides an essential platform for seniors to engage in such healthy activities.

For those interested in joining the walking club or learning more about programs offered at the Langley Senior Resources Society, visit their website at lsrs.ca.