Depending on where you live, Spring may be in the air (or you may still be wrapping yourself in scarves and mittens). With the arrival of Spring, many of us look to head back out and resume a walking routine. While some may have walked outside (or on a treadmill) during the colder months, others may have to be coddled and convinced that getting back out there is the right thing to do, both for your physical as well as emotional health. To refresh yourself about the significant health benefits that come from walking, lace up your sneakers and click here.

To kick off your spring walking sojourns, you should know that April 1-7 is National Walking Week (and April 6th is National Walking Day), so be on the lookout for group walking activities in your area. Worried that your winter legs may not be up for the challenge of resuming a walking regimen? One recent study has made it clear that if you aim for just 6000 steps a day, you’re doing right by your body. According to this new research, published in Lancet Public Health, the number of steps someone in the 60+ age range needs in order to improve health and longevity is closer to 6,000-8,000 steps a day, rather than the typical mantra of 10,000 steps every day. Analyzing the data of thousands of people across 4 continents, scientists determined that walking those 6,000 steps every day can lead to a 40-53% lowering of your risk of dying, in comparison to those who only walk 3500 steps a day. But beyond the 6,000-8,000 steps, you likely won’t achieve additional benefits, at least in terms of longevity. So step outside, start your count, and read more here. 

And about that counting: Another new study out of the University of Michigan found that those of us who wear a Fitbit or other type of step tracker are likely motivated to walk longer than those who don’t have such a “wearable.” On average, those who wore a fitness tracker during the study walked 900 more steps a day than those who did not. Participants wearing the fitness tracker enjoyed the self-awareness and motivation from watching their step count go up. To find out more, strap on your tracker and click here. And to peruse the best fitness trackers for older adults, read here. For further motivation, as one psychologist recommends, keep a record of your daily steps, and even give yourself a little star for the effort- this will go a long way toward inspiring you to embrace your walking routine.

Finally, as you undoubtedly know, the ability to walk and move helps support your independence in your later years. Those who lose that ability are more likely to wind up in long-term care facilities, become hospitalized, or even succumb to premature death. So maintaining your mobility is a must! And a new research study out of the UK found that even a once-a-week group exercise session will help you maintain and sustain the muscle strength and balance you need to keep yourself upright, mobile, and walking independently. Apparently, similar to the fitness tracking devices, participating in group classes can also keep you motivated. To find out more, grab a friend and click here.