Moving, travelling, or just getting around, for most of us, is easy. But for some older people and those with a physical disability it’s often difficult, indeed well-nigh impossible. Fortunately, these days there are many clever devices to assist us move about more safely. And, when we are out and about, there’s better signage, clearer footpaths, safer, well-lit pedestrian crossings and some buses even have a step-lowering feature to enable safer entry.

“Variety is the spice of life” and so we all try to get out and about while we can. Luckily, in Melbourne, the weather is usually mild enough for us to go walking (or mobile-chairing) almost every day, year-round and I walk and travel around as much as I can, while I can. There will come a time when being active outside is not an option; we all need to “make hay while the sun shines”!

Being active outside is easier if we are able to use a walking-stick when walking is safe and comfortable. Many of us can also still drive safely, albeit with some distance restrictions, or are able to use public transport to close-by places where there are paved and pleasant walks. If you have a motorised chair, use it to get out into some fresh air whenever you can; perhaps to simply explore your neighbourhood streets, homes, and gardens.

Retaining mobility does require effort and a degree of discipline and regularity is important to maintain the flexibility and strength of our muscles and tendons. We all know friends of our age who have had falls or operations and who, after a period of time in bed, need many months of physio to regain their mobility. Safety and stability needs to be our motto when walking and being mobile, especially outside. Pace yourself, be careful!

So, here are my two rules: first, use a walking stick at all times outside home; the second is don’t walk where it’s rough underfoot, keep to the paved tracks.

And here’s a tip to get your mileage up: when you are supermarket shopping, even for just the milk, use one of their trolleys for an ‘exercise’ stroll around the store! And, if you have a mobile phone, you should be using it to track and monitor your daily walking activity, too.

Main thing is to walk! It’s good for muscles, circulation, breathing, and appetite – and it’s free. You can tell I’ve been thinking a lot recently about my older, chair-bound friends and how restrictive that must be for them, and that’s my spur to keep moving safely while I can, weather and health permitting! But, when walking stops being an option, mobility aids and fresh air are the next best options!

So, off I go, walking stick in hand, hat on head, phone in pocket (and don’t forget keys!) for a stroll along the freeway path. Pausing awhile to watch the bulldozers as they build new laneways for more cars and renew and enhance our walking tracks.