Joyous Community: “We are so happy when we walk together”

On a gloriously sunny Monday morning, EBALDC senior residents at Lion Creek Crossings were outside, taking in the fresh air and enjoying a walk.

L-R: Xin Xue Lu, Miaobing Li, Xiu Yin Wu, Xiuhua Luo, EBALDC staff Mei Sze Phung, residents Zhumei Tang, Ai Di Ye, Yingfu Huang

On Mondays for the last few years, these seniors know that their neighbors will be gathering at 9 in the morning to walk together.

“We all like to walk,” said Xiuhua Luo, in Cantonese. “But it’s not always easy to see other people and socialize with them. [On Monday morning], we know that our friends will be out. So we feel happier, not so lonely, when we can be together with other people.”

She continued: “It’s very nice to be able to have this park here. That’s why I always say that I’m so lucky to live here. This is a good environment, and in the afternoons, the kids in the area come out to play too.”

Walkers typically go for more than one lap on the concrete pathway that winds around the grassy field in the middle of the Lion Creek Crossings complex of buildings. “We timed it once,” said Xin Xue Lu, also in Cantonese. “Some people go faster, and some are slower. Eight minutes one circuit around if you’re faster. The slower pace is 10 minutes. It usually takes about half an hour when we walk, so three or four times around.”

“Some people live alone, and so this is a good way to come together with other people. Also the weather has been cold lately, but when it is sunny like this, a lot of us older folks like to come out into the sun. You feel better after walking,” said Xin Xue Lu.