We all know that walking is a great way to improve overall health and fitness. But did you know that walking with a buddy is also a great way to socialise?
City of Stonnington's Engaged Walk and Talk Buddies (WTB) program encourages walking for seniors by exploring local parks and gardens with easy accessibility and inclusion for all.
The aim of the program is to encourage people to socialise and form connections in the community, while building on their sense of wellbeing and reducing isolation.
Long-time Stonnington resident and Walk and Talk Buddies (WTB) participant, Jan Gallo, says that Walk and Talk Buddies has helped her forge new friendships which have improved her life since taking up the activity in February 2021.
The connections Jan has made have created other social opportunities for her. Jan met Ruth and Gail when she first started walking and the trio have become very good friends and they often catch up during the week outside of WTB. On a recent walk to the St. Kilda foreshore, the friends topped off the WTB outing with cake and coffee in Acland Street.
"Both Ruth and myself [SIC] own dogs, so we walk at least once a week with them and then come back to my place for coffee. We have been to each other's homes for dinner once or twice," said Jan.
"Ruth organised a barbecue at her place for the group in the beginning of this year which was great, and a few weeks ago we went on a two-hour organised walk- through Melbourne's arcades and laneways."
Through Walk and Talk Buddies, Jan has explored urban parks far and wide, including Hedgeley Dene Gardens, Central Park, Gardiners Creek, Caulfield Park, Dights Falls, Albert Park, Prahran laneways, St.Kilda and Brighton foreshores, to name a few.
Another aspect of WTB that appeals to Jan is getting out of the house.
"I am getting out and about more and feel I have something to look forward each week that doesn't involve just family.
"I love walking and have had to curtail a lot of what I used to do due to getting older. Not driving myself, the community bus has been a godsend for me," said Jan.
"Walk and Talk Buddies has helped me forge new friendships which have improved my life over the past eighteen months and hopefully into the future."
Check out summer Walk and Talk Buddies dates and locations
WTB is part of Stonnington's Engaged program, providing social activities, healthy living programs and special events for people aged 55+, people living with disability and carers. It runs every Monday and Thursday – Monday's walk is suitable for those who want a gentle, leisurely walk. Thursday's walk is great if you want a moderate-to-brisk walk.
Walk and Talk Buddies for young and old
Walk and Talk Buddies also welcomes families from Stonnington's Maternal and Child Health Services with children aged 0-6 years. This offers intergenerational connections enriching the experiences of Stonnington locals, both young and old.
