Beyond the Physical: Mental and Social Benefits of Walkable Communities

Walking and walkability is not only good for our bodies, but it’s also good for our minds and interpersonal relationships. Learn about the myriad of benefits of walking that extend beyond our individual physical health. This webinar is intended for those who are familiar with topics and issues related to walking and walkability.

Attendees of this webinar will be able to:

• Explain how walking and walkability are associated with social connectedness and a positive sense of well-being.
• Give examples of the mental and social benefits correlated with walking and walkability.
• Discuss ways walking advocates should be engaging with topics related to this work.

About the Panel

Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha, Ph.D. is Professor of Psychology at West Chester University of PA. She has more than 20 years of experience teaching, conducting research, writing, and doing community work promoting health well-being in adulthood. She conducts research and writes a blog for Psychology Today on exercise, loneliness, isolation, social engagement, and longevity. Jasmin also coordinates WCU’s program in the World Health Organization Global Consortium of Age Friendly Cities and Community and AARP’s Livable Cities for all People. She has written several books and many articles on factors promoting physical and social activity, combating loneliness and isolation, and other factors influencing the health and well-being of adults of all backgrounds. Her books include Ageing, Physical Activity, and Health (International Perspectives); Stress Management and Longevity and The Social Geography of Aging.

Dr. Shannon Rogers serves as the State Specialist of Nature Based Economic Development on the Community and Economic Development Team. Trained as an ecological economist, she focuses on how people use and value the environment and natural resources. As such, she is currently leading several applied research projects on topics such as how communities can connect downtowns with natural assets to create vibrant economies and an effort to better understand the value and cost of New Hampshire’s water resources. New programming and technical assistance for communities will result from this research. Dr. Rogers is also an Associate Extension Professor and is affiliated with the Natural Resources & Earth Systems Science Doctoral Program at UNH.

Rogers has experience working in the private sector at Industrial Economics, Inc., an environmental economic consulting firm in Cambridge, MA. She has also held positions in government and non-profit sectors and most recently has worked in academia as an Assistant Professor at Plymouth State University. Rogers maintains affiliated faculty positions at Plymouth State and Dartmouth College and is a Senior Fellow in the Environmental Leadership Program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College, a Masters degree in Resource Administration and Management from UNH and a doctorate degree in Natural Resources & Environmental Studies with a minor in College Teaching from UNH.

Location

International

Trail Competencies

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.