Seattle is home to a one-of-a-kind Alzheimer’s outdoor program in the U.S. that offers people the opportunity to enjoy guided hikes in nature.
The Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience (SOAR) program is a unique partnership between the UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Seattle Parks and Recreation. SOAR organizes outdoor adventures for people who have been diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s (diagnosed before age 65). It’s the only program of its kind in the nation.
Through SOAR, groups of caregivers and individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer’s gather to go on hikes in or near Seattle. Brooke Sciullo, a Seattle Parks and Recreation Lifelong Recreation Specialist, intentionally plans hikes that are seasonally appropriate and facilitate connections between participants and nature. Hikes range from seeing the salmon at Carkeek Park to hiking down to Lake Washington at St. Edward’s State Park to observing migratory snow geese in the Skagit region.
Marigrace Becker, Director of The Memory Hub at UW Medicine, says, “Folks (with younger-onset Alzheimer’s) can often feel isolated or like they simply don’t belong within other activities, such as adult day programs or more low-impact physical fitness activities.”
Through SOAR, these folks gather with others who experience the same life-altering diagnosis while sharing a sense of community, adventure, and movement.
These shared experiences are significant because, Becker notes, “Staying physically active is one of the best ways to promote brain health, and doing so in a group is a way to counteract the isolation many people with younger-onset Alzheimer’s feel.”
Sciullo points out that walking is a great way to build connections and it’s not as strenuous as other exercises. When you walk, it’s easy to talk and connect with others, and to take time to notice and enjoy the things you’re seeing. “We love fostering excitement around nature,” Sciullo points out, “and a lot of conversation.”
Throughout a SOAR hike, Sciullo says people are encouraging others while “laughing and making jokes and connecting.”
A caregiver reflects on the impact of the SOAR program, “I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. He used to be a social butterfly but doesn’t get the chance without a group like this.”
Participants don’t need any specific hiking experience or gear to participate, and can join anytime. Registration is required. Sign up with Marigrace Becker at mbecker1@uw.edu.
Want to help this amazing program? Spread the word! Becker says, “The best way to help is to get the word out, so people with younger-onset Alzheimer’s hear about this tailored, unique resource!”
Learn more about SOAR here.
Ellie White is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of her adventures here.
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