Humana’s Guidance Centers* provide opportunities for people to live healthier, happier lives. In addition to offering free classes that help improve mental and physical health, the centers create a sense of community through the development of close friendships and shared interests.

As part of Humana’s ongoing efforts to enhance people’s overall well-being, a walking program was added at most of the 24 centers that are spread throughout the country. Participants are motivated to become more active by using pedometers to track their progress and to walk as a group in local parks. The program, which was started in November 2011, has already had a positive impact for hundreds of participants. Since the program launched, more than 900 participants have logged more than 35,000 miles, lost weight, gained strength and agility – and created new friendships. In this video, residents of Zephyrhills and Orlando, Florida, explain how the program has improved their health and well-being.

The walking program is only the latest success at the Guidance Centers. Participants in other exercise programs also report increased mobility and energy and a sense of revitalization. But equally important, many of the program participants say, is a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

In the video below, Humana Medicare Advantage members tell us how the activities, learning opportunities and friendships have made a difference in their lives.

* The Guidance Center classes and activities vary by location, and some are offered only to Humana members. Please check with your local Guidance Center to verify the availability of activities and classes. 

Humana launched a national Well-being Tour from the Humana Challenge on Wednesday, creating a dynamic way to demonstrate Humana’s commitment to help people achieve lifelong well-being and live life fully. Raja Rajamannar, Humana Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer, introduced the tour, which features an 18-wheel tractor trailer mobile display with opportunities for visitors to participate in a variety of well-being activities, including stationary bikes, biometric screening stations, registration for Humana’s WalkIt program, and the new Xbox Kinect game sponsored by Humana, “Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012.”

Following the Humana Challenge, the mobile display will visit communities across the country for eight months. Tour stops will include PGA TOUR events, Humana Guidance Centers, KaBOOM! multi-generational playground construction sites and other health-focused venues.

“This [Well-Being Tour] is going to go across the country…We’re trying to spread the message far and wide, and this is just the beginning!” said Rajamannar. “We are giving away 12,000 pedometers at this PGA TOUR event today. The whole idea is to get people to start moving and counting their steps.”