It’s never too late to get moving. The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day that has been sponsored by the American Heart Association since 2007.

April 3 is a wonderful opportunity for aging adults to get out with friends and family members and stretch their legs, weather permitting, of course.

National Walking Day encourages adults, children and grandchildren of all ages to walk at least 30 minutes, keeping active, getting off the couch and ending winter hibernation. Count me in.

I usually do not need a reason to go for a walk. At 76 and a two-time cancer survivor, walking is my first, and sadly often only, exercise of choice. Local parks are my main natural treadmills.

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District has 17 developed parks with more than 10,000 acres and more than 151 miles of walking, biking or equestrian trails. The longest trail is the Gary L. Haller Trail located in the Mill Creek Streamway Park at 17 miles. Among the shortest trails is the West Loop Trail at Camp Branch Glade, at 0.26 miles. More information about the county trail system is available at jcprd.com/592/Trails.

The local park system is senior friendly with the opportunity to enjoy a friendly and healthy walk alone, as a couple or with family members, friends and even pets dear to you.

Over the years, I have walked trails in most county parks and several city parks, too.

According to the AHA, some of the health benefits of walking are improved circulation, improved bone strength and improved sleep. Walking can also help with weight loss and blood pressure.

By the time spring has sprung (March 19), I have already laced up comfortable walking shoes and am on the go, stretching my legs, getting my heart pumping and taking simple steps to stay healthy.

The National Institutes of Health recommends healthy seniors should walk 7,000 – 10,000 steps per day. That’s an average of 3 to 3½ miles throughout the course of a day .

It is challenging but rewarding. As we grow older, we should always find ways to stay healthy – in mind, body and spirit. – to live life with ener gy and verve.

Even for the adults who haven’t exercised or actively walked in years or even decades, research suggests that late is still better than never. It may not only lead to longer life, but to a better life as well.

Walking does not have to be a hassle and it can be fun setting personal goals.

Heading into 2024, I plan to visit the five county parks that I have yet to enjoy, explore and walk: Camp Branch Glade in Stilwell (already noted, a very short walk) and Stilwell Community Park; Lexington Lake Park and Sunflower Nature Park, both in De Soto; and Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, Overland Park. All have trails, ranging from a few miles to a mile or so.

The Extension Office offers from good advice (page 19) about staying safe while exercising. Agent Chelsea Reinberg also provides information about the upcoming Walk Kansas program from March 31 to May 25. Last year , I completed 389 miles (recording daily steps at work, home and leisure) as a walking team member. That’s about the distance from Olathe to Hutchinson or Wichita and back. 2024 goal is 400 Walk Kansas miles.

It would be great for participants of all ages to form teams as couples, families or local retirement communities. Naming the team is part of the fun each year . As the oldest walker, I still like being a member of the “Not Over the Hill” team to participate in an imaginary walk across Kansas and to get ready for National Walking Day.

So, mark your calendars for March 31 and April 3. It’s just two opportunities at stepping in the right direction for many good reasons.

Any walk-on is most welcomed to join in.