Ambling In Ambleside

 

After a few days of Spring sunshine, we have some rain today. The magnolia tree outside my bedroom window is in bud and just about to start blooming. It is hard to get movitived today to walk, even though the rain is light. I would rather stay home and check out the changes in the red leaves on the laurel bushes and the buds on the magnolia tree.

Walking at least half an hour a day, we are told, will keep us healthy and happy. I need a destination when I walk; only occasionally will I simply wander around. I do have some destinations - one day I walk east on the seawall - the next time west. Sometimes I will start my walk going up hill but most of the time I head down to Marine Drive or to the water. In fifteen to twenty-five minutes I can walk to the library or the senior centre to the west or Park Royal to the east. It is less than ten minutes to get down to the beach.

Once I am out of doors, ambling in Ambleside is quite enjoyable. There is usually something new to see, the air is fresh and people are friendly. Often I run into someone I know.

The CDC tells us that "Adults aged 65 and older need: At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running. We also need at least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles". I almost have this down - I just need to change my ambling to some brisk walking.