On the eve of #WalkWeek, Queensland Walks president Michelle Wade featured in The Sunday Mail. Read her article in full …
By Michelle Wade
It is something we all do without really thinking, but the benefits of walking are profound and long-lasting. And, with the Coronavirus pandemic disrupting our lives in ways nobody has experienced or ever foresaw, the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other has taken on heightened importance – both for personal well-being, and society at large.
Many us will know what it is like to feel alone and socially isolated at times. I have experienced social isolation a few times in my life, with the birth of a baby, the loss of a job, or the death of a friend or family member. Like millions of other Australians, since Covid-19 I have felt it when social distancing forced me to work from home.
Walking was my saviour. It got me outside in the fresh air each day to pick up a coffee and the Courier-Mail. Those 20-30 minutes were just the thing I needed to feel part of the neighbourhood. Being greeted by a local or having someone to say hello during a walk doesn’t sound like much, but when you are feeling disconnected or lonely this social contact can mean a lot. Walking could be one of the best safeguards we have to help people who are feeling socially isolated. It’s free, doesn’t require any equipment and is accessible to people of all ages. Health professionals have long recognised the healing power of walking – it’s a treatment commonly suggested to improve mental wellbeing, and as the first step in physical recuperation from injuries.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare identifies social isolation and loneliness as “significant public health and wellbeing issues”. With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting every Australian, loneliness, often caused by social isolation, is becoming significantly worse. Concerns for mental health have been acknowledged by governments, with more funding being announced for services and support. Some of that funding should be used for prevention as well as treatment, with some investment to be allocated to walking and better walking environments.
Walking is the most popular form of recreational activity in Queensland and many people choose walking as their preferred form of physical activity – especially since the first Covid lockdowns, when so many avenues for fitness training were taken away from us.
But while it is as easy as stepping outside and strolling down the street, there can be obstacles. A lack of infrastructure (sub-standard footpaths and lighting, for instance) can be a deterrent. While governments are always eager to spend big on roads, wouldn’t it be worthwhile to see more public investment in improving the urban and environmental factors that encourage more people to walk?
The investment in walking on a local level doesn’t seem to match the popularity or need for walkable environments. A 2018 Victorian study found every $1 spent on walking benefits the community by $13. A terrific return on investment in anyone’s books. Besides, better walking environments can also lead to reduced pollution, improved local economies and encourage healthier habits in our children.
If you would like to see greater investment in walking, there are some simple steps you can take to help:
• Raise concerns about walkability of your local area with your council or your local MP.
• Notify council of problems or hazards on footpaths.
• Register for Queensland Walks Walk Week to highlight the importance of walking in your community.
• Join Queensland Walks as a friend or member.
We are all walkers in some shape or form.
Michelle Wade is president of Queensland Walks. Walk Week runs August 17-23. Get involved at https://queenslandwalks.org.au/
