While in the bus this morning on my way back from work, I noticed a young girl who boarded at the same stop as I did but got off at the very next one, a distance that’s less than a five-minute walk. It was the third time I’d seen her do this, so it was clear she hadn’t simply forgotten something. I started wondering why she chose not to walk. She’s young and appears physically strong.
I know many people who avoid even the shortest walks simply because they’ve become too accustomed to the comfort of cars and buses.
But that’s not healthy living. Walking is important for both the young and the old. Personally, I can’t go two days without walking a reasonable distance.
Just last week, my job required me to go to the hospital, which is fairly close to where I live. I ended up walking there for all four days I worked there, a 55-minute journey each and I enjoyed every moment of it. It has become a habit, and I’ve gained so much from it.
Taking a walk isn’t just a pleasant activity. It’s a powerful, health-boosting habit that benefits people at every age.
For children, walking helps build strong muscles and bones, improves balance, and supports healthy growth. It encourages them to stay active early in life, which helps prevent childhood obesity and sets the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. Plus, being outdoors supports better sleep and reduces restlessness.
For teens and young adults, walking is one of the easiest ways to protect both mental and physical health. Regular walks help manage stress, improve mood, and support healthy brain development. Physically, it boosts heart health, strengthens the immune system, and keeps energy levels steady.
For adults, walking is a powerful tool for preventing chronic diseases. It reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers. Walking also lowers stress hormones, improves sleep quality, and supports weight management. Just 20–30 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in energy, focus, and emotional balance.
For older adults, walking helps maintain independence and mobility. It keeps joints flexible, strengthens the heart, and improves balance, reducing the risk of falls. Walking also supports memory and cognitive health by increasing blood flow to the brain. Even gentle walks can boost mood, ease arthritis symptoms, and help maintain a healthier, longer life.
No matter the age, walking is one of the simplest ways to care for your health. It requires no equipment, no gym membership, and no special skills, just a pair of comfortable shoes and the willingness to take that first step.
So drop that car for a while, skip using the bus for some distance, and activate your legs. If your children’s school is minutes away from home, encourage them to walk sometimes. A daily walk is truly a small investment with lifelong rewards.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
