After the new year begins, many people search for different ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are multiple options to choose from when it comes to physical exercise, including running, weight lifting, dance classes and more. But many people often forget that something as simple as walking has many health benefits. Research shows that walking can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mood, lower stress and strengthen bones and muscles. Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco realizes the importance of physical pursuits, and to make this healthy activity more fun, the community is encouraging people of all ages to join its senior residents and keep Frisco healthy. The goal is to complete a 25-mile walking challenge.
Residents are lacing up their tennis shoes and walking every day to reach 25 miles before the contest ends on March 6. The community developed creative tracking charts to log miles, and anyone interested in participating can pick one up at the senior living community (1200 West Main St. in Frisco, House F) from Monday to Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Those who can’t pick it up at the designated time can email Tami Sandefer at tamis@mustangcreekestates.com to schedule a different pick up time. Participants who turn in completed charts will be entered into a raffle for exciting prices, including a Fitbit fitness tracker.
This initiative is especially important to Bennie Potter, 91, a resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco who strongly believes that maintaining good health and engaging in physical activities is critical for people of all ages.
“I am excited about this challenge because walking is my favorite exercise, and I think it’s fantastic that we are encouraging the greater Frisco community to join us,” said Potter. “Sitting around doing nothing for your physical health is not good for anybody. I have always enjoyed exercise, but I especially take pleasure in it now because I have more time for it. I would like to remind other seniors and the younger generations that they need to make time to preserve and improve their physical health.”
Potter, originally from Short, Texas, was married for 36 years and has three children: one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Because her husband served in the military, she lived in different countries, including Germany and Italy. Potter always tried to keep her family healthy by providing them with nutritious meals and reminding them to exercise. She is a retired pianist who used to play in churches and eventually started teaching piano classes. She plays for residents at Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco every Sunday. Potter participates in different exercises at the community and sometimes even walks twice a day. The senior living community offers diverse activities to ensure that every resident can choose among many favorites.
“We do our best to remind the residents that exercise doesn’t have to be a chore, and that it can be fun as well,” said Candy Jiwa, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco. “We were thinking about what can we do to involve the local community and remind them about the importance of staying fit, especially in the beginning of the year. We believe the walking challenge is perfect for everyone and extremely beneficial as well. We hope people of all ages will join us and help us keep Frisco fit.”
Mustang Creek Estates – whose mission is to provide seniors with high-quality residential-style assisted living and memory care at an affordable price – has additional locations in Allen, Burleson and Keller. Recently, Mustang Creek Estates opened its newest senior living community in Sachse.