Healthy Aging, Adventure, and LIVING
By Christina Staff
September was first recognized as Healthy Aging Month in 1992. While the intent behind the label was to inspire people to adopt a healthier lifestyle through dietary changes and physical activity, it also encouraged getting out and continuing to live a full life. The target audience was/is adults aged 45 and over, but is it ever too soon to embrace a healthy aging mindset and lead by example? Admittedly, I’m probably not the one to talk you off the ledge from eating that bag of Doritos or second piece of cheesecake, but when you ask about FUN family activities and adventures to keep you feeling young and alive – it’s my time to shine! So, how about it? Let’s “zip” into Healthy Aging Month!
Less than an hour drive from St. Louis, a thrilling treetop canopy tour awaits in Grafton, Illinois. With four ziplines, two suspension bridges, short hiking trails, and an ATV ride through the woods, the entire family will relish the outdoor adventure that is Grafton Zipline at Aerie’s Resort.
The first thing to know is you won’t be on your own. Certified guides are with you every step and zip of the way to ensure a SAFE and enjoyable experience. Helmets are required and provided. You’ll be fitted with a full body harness, so wear comfortable clothing that allows flexibility. The majority of the tour is flying through the air, but you need to be capable of walking short distances and negotiating stairs. For this reason, closed toe shoes are required. Tours last an hour on average, but sometimes longer with larger groups.
Having a soon-to-be 8-year-old son, my first question was, “Is there an age minimum?” There is not, but each participant has to weigh at least 50 pounds. (I’ll refrain from sharing my weight, but Marshall weighed in at 58. You’ve never seen a kid so excited to get weighed.) Coined “little man” by the guides, he made an immediate impression by fearlessly jumping from the platforms to zip through the trees – even when the zipline was 125 feet high in the air! Our group of eight included ages ranging from seven years old to a woman in her late-60s. We all had a terrific time and left there smiling.
Ready to suit up and soar? Head to Grafton! You’ll find free public parking along the Great River Road near the Grafton SkyTour. (The zipline check-in office is only accessible via the SkyTour. Tickets for this portion are sold separately from the zipline tour.) SkyTour tickets are valid for the entire day and include unlimited trips up and down the hill by an aerial lift where you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Once you reach the top of the hill, follow the zipline signs. Don’t forget to bring your sense of humor; the friendly staff keeps you on your toes with their enthusiasm and wit!
Whether it’s ziplining or exploring a museum, healthy aging means continuing to invest in ourselves and those around us with shared experiences and trying new things. It means LIVING. Despite all the hiking trips, road trips, waterfall chasing, and outdoor exploring we’ve done, Marshall told me the best part of summer was… ziplining. Granted, he’s an adventure seeker, but I think my heart soared just as high as that 125’ zipline knowing we’d created a core memory within him – and had fun in the process. This healthy aging thing is alright. or m
For more information on the Grafton Zipline, visit aeriesresort.com. If ziplining isn’t your thing, check out their Alpine Coaster!