National Walking Month and better weather prompt calls to get out and enjoy being outdoors

Senior local doctors have urged residents to walk more, as a new survey released as part of National Walking Month (May 2024) reveals that over half of the population who walk say they do so to improve their mental health and happiness.

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board continues to support the campaign organised by the national charity Living Streets to encourage people to #Try20 and walk for 20 minutes each day as part of National Walking Month.

While walking is a proven way to improve mental and physical wellbeing, it’s clear that many people aren’t doing it often enough.  Living Streets commissioned a survey which found that a fifth (22%) of walking Brits say they spend less than 20 minutes walking in an average day, even though 40% say they feel “anxious, irritable, or lonely” after spending an entire day at home.  36% of survey respondents also said they feel “less fit” after just one day without leaving the house.

Dr Ian Reckless, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“We’ve already been encouraging people to move more for their mental health, as part of the recent Mental Health Awareness Week, but now that the weather finally seems to have taken a turn for the better, the beneficial impacts of 20 minutes’ outdoor exercise every day couldn’t be more obvious from both physical and mental health perspectives.

“Why not use a fine day to walk the children to and from school?  With a bank holiday weekend and half-term coming up, it’s also a great opportunity to get out and explore local parks and other beauty spots.  Enjoying the fresh air is free and you don’t need any special equipment: just a pair of shoes.  Best of all, anyone can join in, whatever their age and level of ability.

“A daily walk can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke and cancer, as well as improving your fitness in the long run.  It’s also one of the easiest ways to socialise and stay connected to the rest of the community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated.”

As part of the campaign, Living Streets has produced a #Try20 checklist, and is challenging everyone to see how many tips they can tick off.