Don’t let anyone tell you that your days of fun, adventure and achievement are over once you’ve finished working. #walk1000miles is teeming with retirees who are now happier and healthier than ever.
It’s common among non-1000-milers to talk about ‘your best years’ in the belief that once you hit 40, 50 or 60, they’re gone. Well at #walk1000miles we know that’s nonsense because challenger after challenger turns that notion on its head. When you retire with the 1000-mile bit between your teeth, you don’t start to wind down. Instead, challengers know they’re starting a journey to a more fulfilling life of freedom, fitness and fun.
It’s a journey that shows us the most important trappings of traditional ageing are the result of a choice. You can stay strong and fit. And you can live longer too. A daily walk reduces your chance of getting all cancers by at least 20%, and halve your risk of diabetes and heart attack. It significantly cuts your chances of getting dementia. “Walking is the absolute perfect exercise,” says Age UK’s expert on exercise Dr Lis Boulton. “Lots of older people don’t see themselves as sporty – they don’t see exercise as attractive. But if you talk about being physically active, and walking being part of being active, it becomes much more appealing.
“The thing that drives most people when they’re getting older is they want to stay independent in their own homes, doing everything for themselves for as long as possible. Being physically active is one of the best things you can do to maintain your independence.”
One thing many people assume is unavoidable is our muscles and bones getting weaker with age. But Dr Boulton says this IS preventable: “Being active increases your independence and enables you to live more independently and healthily for longer. As we get older we lose muscle mass and our bone density declines – that happens naturally, but it is reversible. You also need vitamin D for your bones, and you can increase the strength in your bones when walking just by the fact that you’re outside.”
Keeping socially connected as we age is also crucial for mental health, says Dr Boulton, and walking’s a great catalyst. “You can get a mental boost when walking on your own, but when walking and talking with others – or even just connecting with others in common cause – you get cognitive stimulation that nourishes you in so many ways.”
Despite the huge benefits to health and lifestyle, not nearly enough retired people are getting the exercise they need. Dr Boulton says it’s vital to keep going. “If you’ve had an active job or commute, think about how you can maintain that level of activity, whether it’s going to get the paper, or shopping more regularly during the week. Then take the opportunity to build a bit more walking into your week because the health benefits will quickly compound.”
Power pensioners
Meet the retired challengers who have walking to thank for feeling better than ever.
I’m fitter, healthier and happier than when I was working’
‘I retired two years ago and bought a VW campervan called Bear so I can go off exploring the countryside and finding lots of new walks. I love that I’m free to go out mid-week when there are fewer people about, and I can also do spur-of-the-moment trips if the weather looks good. I’m fitter, healthier and happier now than when I was working.’ Jan Kelway
‘I feel fitter than 10 years ago’
‘I retired in 2015 and joined #walk1000miles in 2018, just to focus on walking and getting out for a walk even when the weather isn’t very encouraging. I feel fitter than 10 years ago!’ Maggie Baldwin
‘I’m about to hit 10,000 miles’
‘I finished work just over 10 years ago and started walking 1000 miles in January 2014, when the challenge was first mentioned in Country Walking magazine. This will be my 10th year. I’ve been to so many interesting places, kept fit and made lots of new friends along the way. I plan to celebrate my 10,000 miles this year.’ Christine Henry
‘I’ve amazed my rheumatologist’
‘I retired 10 years ago and started the #walk1000miles in 2020. I’ve an autoimmune condition which has left scarring on my lungs that can cause breathlessness when exercising. My rheumatologist makes me take a lung effectiveness test every year. Last year my score increased by 10 points – he said he has never seen this before, as it normally worsens, and can only put it down to the walking. Keep walking folks, it really can perform miracles for your health!’ Michael Taggart
‘I’m walking five times as far as I could 30 years ago’
‘One of the great pleasures of walking in retirement is having the countryside almost to yourself in the middle of the week; eating your lunch in the open air, with a great view, and no need to rush back to the desk; having a pint in a pub garden... and then having another, just because you can. Plus, this challenge has got me to a level of fitness where I can walk about five times as far as I could 30 years ago. What a joy!’
Anne England
‘I walked from the Med to the Atlantic, and wrote a book’
‘My husband and I retired five years ago and to celebrate, we took a month to fulfil one of my dreams: to walk right across France from The Mediterranean to The Atlantic. Some 342 miles later we opened a bottle of bubbles on the beach at Capbreton! I even wrote a book about it! Last year I backpacked solo from Winchester to Canterbury along the old Pilgrim’s Way. I’m planning another slightly longer solo walk this September. Retirement and walking are a powerful combination and I’m so thankful for both!’
Penelope Swithinbank
‘Taking early retirement was the best thing we ever did’
‘Both my hubby and I took early retirement. Best thing we ever did! We have always liked strolling, but now we love walking. Some days we have a longer walk planned, other days we just go out the front door and decide at the end of the road whether to turn left or right. Walking with my best friend – what could be better?’ Ann Nobes
