Morefolk stepitup tostayfit

More Buddies are walking the walk and not just talking the talk when it comes to keeping active.

Scottish walking charity Paths for All, which champions everyday walking in pursuit of happier and healthier lives, has been encouraged by the findings of a Scottish Government study.

The Scottish Household Survey, which shapes the Scottish Government’s approach to policy, found that 86 per cent of adults had participated in physical activity in the four weeks leading up to the survey – and of that large cohort the most common activity was walking – with 82 per cent of adults having walked for at least 30 minutes.

Disabled adults also opted for walking with 61 per cent saying this was their most common activity, while women were just as likely to pull on trainers or walking shoes than men – 85 per cent compared to 87 per cent.

Younger adults – aged 16 to 24 – were more likely to take part in recreational walking (89 per cent) than those aged over 75, and the survey found 36 per cent of this older cohort did not participate in any physical activity.

Paths for All chief executive, Kevin Lafferty, said: “Scots of all ages are putting their best foot forward in large numbers and as the survey demonstrates, walking remains one of the healthiest and easy-to-access activities which can enable people to enjoy healthier and happier lives.

“Our objective is to get Scotland walking, and while it is encouraging to see that more than 80 per cent of those surveyed had walked for at least 30 minutes in the weeks before the study, that still means there is room for significant improvement.”

Paths for All launched their “Step it Up” strategy in January which places walking and physical activity at the heart of the response to tackling some of Scotland’s biggest issues, including physical, mental and social health and well-being.

Step it Up promotes walking, by foot or with a wheelchair or mobility aid, as the natural choice in improving health.

For more information visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk