Inspiring Group of Women Make an Impact One Step at a Time

An amazing group of women at American House Lebanon recently proved it’s never too late to make a difference while enjoying the benefits of exercise in Tennessee. These strong-minded women, ranging in age from 70 to 93, participated in a senior fitness challenge to Walk Across Wilson, a countywide four-week wellness initiative sponsored by the Wilson County Health Council.

The event took place from March 23 to April 19 and challenged participants to walk 36 miles—the distance of Wilson County itself—by tracking their steps and minutes using pedometers. American House became the first senior living community to compete and the team’s performance was incredible and showcased staying active in assisted living. The group of 15 residents logged 10,165 minutes of walking in support of Wilson Rides Inc., a local nonprofit that provides transportation and holistic support for adults over the age of 55 in Wilson County.

The experience and success of the 15 walkers brought a sense of excitement and unity to the entire American House Lebanon community.

“Our residents absolutely loved the competition,” said Amber Wallace, the Activities Director. “They had so much fun and they truly wanted to win. They set daily goals and worked hard to finish strong. It wasn’t just about the steps. It was about representing our community, supporting a great cause and proving there are no limits to getting older. We’re all so proud of them.”

So, how did this group of women fare in the actual competition itself? Well, the results were truly jaw-dropping: They took 2nd place in the entire county! Their inspiring story even garnered newspaper articles in a local newspaper. Perhaps most impressive, the group of women claimed 1st place among all Assisted Living communities in the American House challenge—with an astounding total of 1,162,175 steps.

The leadership team at American House took note of the achievements of this determined group of women.

“At American House, it’s about living well and being well. This steps challenge gave our residents both meaning and purpose,” said Rachel Cherry, Executive Director of American House Lebanon. “I’d be walking past residents during the competition and hear them comparing steps with big smiles on their faces. It brought such joy to all of us. We’re grateful to be part of assisted living community with activities that celebrate vitality at every age, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!”

Visit an American House Near You

You’ll see how our maintenance-free living lifestyle promotes staying active in senior living. With healthy chef-prepared meals, senior wellness programs that promote healthy aging and engaging activities, our residents—many in their 90s and beyond—are securely set on a path to longevity. Visit a community near you and meet our dedicated team. In fact, join us for a lunch or happy hour.