6 Different Walking Styles Popular Among Boomers

Walking is one of the most popular physical activities for older adults. There are lots of documented benefits to walking. Walking is something we’ve all done, so you would think people would know how to do it. Of course, they do. But it’s interesting to me how everyone walks differently.

Take my very own Deaton Creek Parkway, for example. You can see examples of the different walking styles there every morning. There are the dog walkers, with their constant tug-of-war battle with Fido. They probably get a pretty good arm workout handling those leashes!

There are the romantic couples. They hold hands and tend to walk at a slower pace, engrossed in their own private world. Then, there are the strollers. They’re the pros of the walking world, consistent with their walking routine. They know how to walk at a comfortable pace for a moderate distance.

Surprisingly, we have very few social walkers. You know the kind. They tend to walk in small groups, chatting and then encouraging each other with a “See you next time.” I did this type of walking at the Johns Creek Senior Center and had the best time. We rarely missed a day in two years of walking.

Next, there are the commuters. They migrate to the athletics fields or clubhouse. These are usually pretty good walkers, as they frequently tend to walk rather than drive.

Then there are the fitness walkers. The real dedicated ones who like to start early. They move pretty fast. Many are former runners. They still want the cardio from moving fast, but now walking is the better way to do that.

Then there are the distance walkers. They start early and really cover a lot of distance, going at least six miles at a time. Several people in our community frequently walk six miles, and even longer. Bruce, a retired veteran, told me that he once walked fifteen miles in a day. Needless to say, he’s a pro.

In Conclusion

All walking is good for you. Any chance you get to take a walk, do it. Better yet, make walking a daily part of your life. We are fortunate to live here in an active adult community. Walking to and from places is easy and safe. Yes, we certainly are fortunate to live in an active adult community!