Programs such as the United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County's Walkable Neighborhoods for Seniors promote safe, walkable neighborhoods for older adults. Although the program is small and not as visible as the Safe Routes to School programs, which operate on the same principle, such programs serve the important role of finding ways for seniors, many of whom can no longer drive or feel less and less comfortable driving, to feel safe walking to the store, the bus stop, or simply taking a stroll around the block for exercise. The Oakland program sponsors walking clubs, lead by one of the program's organizers. These clubs are designed to increase seniors' confidence when it comes to walking and to provide opportunity for exercise and socialization, but they also allow the program coordinator to identify factors that inhibit seniors from walking alone, such as dogs, broken stoplights, lack of crosswalks and lack of sidewalks.
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