Courtesy of Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
As the sun rises over the Detroit River, the city’s beloved Riverwalk becomes more than just a scenic destination; it transforms into a pathway to better health for hundreds of local seniors.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Riverwalkers program is back for the 2025 season, launching on Tuesday, June 10, with Henry Ford Health once again returning as the presenting sponsor. The free, twice-weekly wellness program is designed for adults 50 and older, encouraging participants to embrace movement, community, and self-care against the backdrop of one of America’s most celebrated riverwalks.
Held every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. through August 21, Riverwalkers gathers at Cullen Plaza (1340 Atwater Street), where participants walk at their own pace and take part in an array of fitness and health-focused activities.
Heather Geisler, Henry Ford Health’s executive vice president and chief brand and experience officer, is thrilled to spend another summer along the Detroit Riverfront, supporting the health and well-being of the community.
“We can’t imagine a more beautiful place to walk beside Detroiters on their health journeys,” Geisler said.
Research consistently shows that just 30 minutes of walking a day can lead to significant health benefits, especially for older adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular walking can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 35% and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30%. These numbers are especially impactful for adults over 50, who may be more vulnerable to chronic health conditions. Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that doesn’t require special equipment or a gym membership, making it one of the most accessible and sustainable ways to stay active and healthy.
In addition to improving physical health, walking has proven mental health benefits. Regular walkers often report lower levels of anxiety and depression, and studies have shown that physical activity like walking can improve overall mood and mental well-being. Walking also enhances balance, coordination, and joint mobility, key factors in preventing falls and maintaining independence as people age.
These benefits make programs like Riverwalkers not just enjoyable social gatherings but vital tools for long-term health. Whether someone is new to exercise or looking to stay active in their later years, walking offers a simple, effective way to improve both body and mind.
For older adults, walking is also linked to lower fall risk, greater independence, and even enhanced cognitive function. A 2019 study published in the journal Neurology found that seniors who walked more regularly experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those who were sedentary.
Tuesdays feature a robust lineup of health education, including talks on stroke prevention, eye health, Medicare, and cancer awareness, led by Henry Ford Health experts. Participants can also access blood pressure screenings, free giveaways, and fitness classes tailored for older adults. Returning partner AARP will host their popular “Best Kept Secrets” presentations and resource tables, offering guidance on aging, caregiving, and financial security.
Thursdays keep the momentum going with an 8 a.m. group walk, followed by a 9 a.m. Hustle Fitness class, led by local instructors who blend movement and music to motivate every step.
First launched in 2008, Riverwalkers has welcomed thousands of participants over the years, many of whom credit the program with helping them build consistency in their wellness routines.
The program is part of the Conservancy’s mission to make the Detroit Riverwalk, named USA Today’s Best Riverwalk in America, a place for all ages and abilities to gather, connect, and thrive.
Renee Rodriguez, program manager at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, highlighted being honored and pleased to partner with Henry Ford Health once again on the Detroit Riverwalkers program.
“This program means a great deal to many people throughout our community and every year it’s very rewarding to see so many returning participants and make so many new friends who are experiencing this program for the first time,” Rodriguez said.
Registration is now open for the 2025 season. Seniors can sign up at
https://detroitriverfront.org/2025DetroitRiverwalkers
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