Many grandparents already spend plenty of time with their grandkids, but a summer-long celebration is being launched to encourage them to get more active together. Bruce Koeppl is state director of A-A-R-P Iowa which is sponsoring the Grandparent-Grandchild Summer Festival through August.Koeppl says Iowa grandparents are encouraged to invite their grandchildren to take part in any of four specific summer activities — biking, hiking, golf or tennis. He says it can help build better bonds and better bodies for everyone involved.Koeppl says research shows if children start young, they can develop physical fitness habits that’ll carry them through a long and healthy life. He also says, when grandparents and kids get together for hiking and biking, it activates the seniors and helps prod them into a healthier lifestyle too. The A-A-R-P Iowa is offering free information packets that include safe biking and hiking tips and maps, tidbits from tennis and golf pros, and something called a Passport to Memories. It helps the grandchild keep a diary of the event to keep the rest of their lives.For more information, call (515) 697-1006 or send email to: [email protected].
