Revitalizing Well-being: Exploring How Vacation Strolls Harmoniously Blend Health Improvement and Joy for Senior Citizens

In the pursuit of maintaining an active lifestyle as we age, one author finds inspiration in the encouragement of Sarah Fussey, Marketing Director at walking holiday company Inntravel. This renewed interest in walking is backed by the research of Dr. Paddy Dempsey, a research fellow at the Australia-based Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition.

Dr. Dempsey affirms that our muscles, heart, lungs, and balance systems respond well to being used, emphasizing the importance of movement in our lives. Studies show improvements in strength, mobility, mental wellbeing, and reductions in disease risk when older adults begin moving more.

Two-thirds of adults between 50 and 65 fear that they will lose their independence as they get older. However, Inntravel walking and cycling holidays are designed to be enjoyable, gradually building up health without feeling like exercise. These holidays offer options for a few miles in the morning, a leisurely lunch, and more in the afternoon, totaling around 8 miles per day. They do not require extreme fitness levels to maintain a base level of fitness as one ages.

Peter Charlesworth, a long-time Inntravel customer, praises the company's excellent route guide notes, stress-free luggage service, and the ability to walk at one's own pace. Engaging in walking holidays can improve psychological wellbeing, as confirmed by numerous studies and Inntravel customers' testimonials.

Concerns that deter adults between 50 and 65 from exercising include finding the time, finding the money, fear of injury, and embarrassment. Dr. Dempsey suggests that enjoying an activity increases the likelihood of continued participation, thereby reaping health benefits. Simple steps such as walking more, climbing stairs, standing up after sitting for a while, and gardening can help maintain a reasonable level of fitness as one ages. Movement can be considered "medicine", particularly in this day and age where activity is engineered out of our lives.

Inntravel's 'easy walking' offers align with Dr. Dempsey's prescription. The company has been promoting these offers, encouraging everyone to embrace walking as a means to a healthier and more independent life. Age UK has launched its "Act Now, Age Better" campaign, echoing this sentiment. The campaign, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), encourages everyone to "move better for a later life".

The earlier movement is made part of one's daily routine, the better. Ralph, the author's cricketing mate, continued playing cricket until the age of 80, exemplifying the health benefits of maintaining a loved activity. So, whether it's a walk in the park or a walking holiday, let's embrace movement as a crucial part of our lives and strive for a healthier, more active future.