Incredible medicine for aging well: Walking!

Wow. I didn't think this many people would comment so positively. I think this is because it's the truth. And it can make your life so much better in every way, even in ways you had no idea of.

Most of the population in the US is sick (overweight, obese and unfit) and it's spreading to the rest of the world! I believe we need a cultural mindset change where most people engage in aerobic exercise like walking, running or bicycling daily. I believe in honor, that one does not need an outside incentive to do what they should do but maybe in this case the government should reward people for engaging daily in aerobic activity. It certainly would lower healthcare costs, increase productivity, lower pollution, air and noise, (from bicycle commuting) levels and most importantly make people happier. Happiness, next to safety, is, according to the US Declaration of Independence, the purpose of government.

Such a wonderful post!!! All so true!!! I used to walk every day, for three miles, and I felt great! Then I had knee problems and slacked off because of knee pain. I have noticed such a difference in my lack of stamina and energy, as well as my mood. Your post has truly encouraged me to “get back out there” with walking! I live in MA and now it is getting cold, but on any days that might be mild, I will go out there and walk. I have walked around my block off and on, which is not far, and I have really noticed my lack of stamina in that short distance. Walking is such great exercise and you have encouraged me to get back to doing it! Thank you!

Congratulations! Each time we get a little bit farther along. After hip-replacement surgery, the going is slower, but I'm still going, bit by bit.
And I'm in total agreement with the recommendation for Brooks shoes, however I'd add the caveat to get which ever moddel best suits your foot. You won't regret good footwear. You may very well regret inexpensive foot wear.

My walking and mood were fading for a number of reasons, but I'm perking up, walking twice a day and will be working with a Physical Therapist on some balance issues.
For now I'm staying away from hilly woods trails.
And I ordered a set of Yak Traks in case of ice. I'm actually hoping for some icy weather so I can use them!
My doctor agrees that walking is the most important thing for me to do, and I'm glad that it's something I really like to do. I can walk the same path daily, but reframe my mind setting, intentionally or spontaneously, so that it is an ever new experience.

I'm so happy your are able to get back on the path again! When you said "...I can walk the same path daily, but reframe my mind setting, intentionally or spontaneously, so that it is an ever new experience...", I thought about my meanderings during 2020 and early 2021. I was feeling some stress - isolated from most friends and family (especially my "littles"), a sick (adult) kid, many hours on Connect mentoring in the Covid group... We were also working with my work-at-home daughter on keeping up her little guy's spirits while isolated from his daycare and preschool.

One of the strategies the preschool teacher found was "my 5 senses" - each day, my grandson and daughter would concentrate on one sense in their daily activities and talk about them. My role was to do afternoon walks with him, no matter the weather, and use the same sense to observe the world around us. Eventually, I incorporated this in to my own much longer ramblings.

That segued into topical rambles - observing squirrels one day, spider webs the next, maybe changes neighbors were making to their yards, etc. Now, when I walk with friends in Texas, I try to get them to join me in observation - it gives us whole new questions to explore and great conversational topics for our coffee, patio and happy hour gatherings.

Sue-
That’s it, exactly!

We are "puzzlers" on the cold days in Texas - one or more jigsaw puzzles set up at a time. My best friend from there just moved home to Nebraska, so as a "apartment warming" gift I am sending her a jigsaw puzzle made from a flower photo I took on one of our rambles. For our resident "puzzle boss" I have ordered another puzzle of a flowering plant near his camper.

For our grandsons, I had puzzles made from pictures taken on our adventures. All little side benefits of rambling.

I think I'm going to try the "5 senses" strategy...even on the days when I'm stuck inside. We're usually so oblivious to our normal mundane surroundings that I think "intentional awareness" through the senses will be a great challenge and will help to live in and enjoy the moment. Thanks for sharing that.

Wonderful post! I have fallen off my walking routine. Too much travel and came home with a serious sinus infection. I am now 100% healthy and want to start walking again. But, i just find some excuse everyday. Do you have any suggestions on how to push myself out the door? With thanks!

Susanjane wrote: Do you have any suggestions on how to push myself out the door?

I like positive, playful motivations-
-I like my shoes and walking pole. I'm happy to have them.
-I like going to see how many turtles are on the log in the river.
-If I'm moody I remember that walking will change my mood and bring good ideas to the surface.
-I like the "five senses" strategy.
-I like thinking what a good boy I am.
-And of course Hazel is always glad to join me. Hazel's in the lower left of our photo.