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Recreational activities abound for boomers

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published October 6, 2009

The birthdays continue to come, but there are those who know they aren’t ready to go to the senior center. For those who fit into that 45-65 age group, there may be more recreational activities out there than boomers might think.

In Fort Payne, opportunities abound for boomers who want to get out and get some exercise. According to Roger Ingle with the Fort Payne Recreation Department, golf appears to top the list in popularity.

Earlier this year, the DeSoto Golf Course opened to the public, and Ingle said it’s especially popular among boomers.

“A big segment of our golf patrons are in that age group,” Ingle said. “Golf is a sport that, no matter your skill level or age, you don’t have to depend on someone else to play.”

Ingle said in addition to exercise opportunities at the Wills Valley Recreation Center, there is a bowling group that goes to Orchard Lanes in Rainsville, running, bicycling, summer adult basketball and adult softball.

And currently being refurbished, the tennis courts at Fort Payne High School attract boomers who want to stay active.

“I know there are a group of ladies who fall into that age group who are playing right now,” Ingle said. “That is another popular sport among the 45-65 age group.”

In Mentone, Cloudmont Golf and Ski Resort and Shady Grove Dude Ranch have a number of activities for boomers.

“I ski and golf and ride horses and I’m 57,” said Janice Carrier with Cloudmont. “We get some up here skiing and a lot of people in that age group play golf.”

Dancing is also a popular activity among both men and women in Fort Payne. Ingle said a group meets to line dance every Monday at the Wills Valley Recreation Center.

The Duos and Solos Dance Club is another group that boasts big numbers.

“Fort Payne has the largest square dance club in the state, and it’s for all ages,” said past president Jim Stephens. “We may have to move to Rainsville because we have outgrown the senior center where we dance now.

“The majority of our dancers are in that age group. It’s pretty strenuous exercise. It’s a lot of fun, and there are a whole lot of good people there.”

The group offers square and line dancing on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. currently at the Fort Payne Senior Nutrition Center. Round dance lessons are taught Tuesday nights at the Christian Life Center.

Ballroom dance lessons are also offered Monday nights for all age groups at the Fort Payne Senior Center.

DeKalb County Council on Aging Director June Brewer said those nearing – but not yet at – the retirement age can take advantage of some programs at the senior center.

There’s currently a walking club for those 60 and older. Brewer said walkers exercise on their own and document how much they walk for three months. They receive a T-shirt for their efforts.

“Walking is one of the best exercises you can do,” Brewer said. “This club is just to get people moving.”

There is also a senior wellness program that meets each month for those 55 and older to get information on wellness and fitness.

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811 Greenhill Blvd.NW, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 | Tel: 256-845-2550 | Email