Why it’s important to up your step count in 2024
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People in the far north are being urged to make regular walking part of their new year’s resolutions at the start of 2024.
The health benefits of increased amounts of walking as part of people’s daily lives have been highlighted by the World Health Organisation to a Scottish charity, which has released new figures that show a rise in walking since the Covid pandemic.
The 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland – commissioned by Paths for All – found that 85 per cent of adults walk several times per week or daily, with more than half (59 per cent) walking for leisure or exercise.
While 84 per cent said they enjoy walking because it is good for their health, a significant increase from 78 per cent in 2019, only just under a quarter (24 per cent) had heard or seen messages on the health benefits of walking.
Fiona Bull, head of physical activity at the World Health Organisation, presented evidence at a recent lecture held by Paths for All on how walking can save lives, and how Scotland is leading the charge.
Dr Bull said: “Walking more regularly can contribute to saving lives and brings so many health benefits, but too often walking is not being promoted enough.
"The work Paths for All has been doing to get more people active is incredible, bringing communities together and ensuring all have access to walking groups, as well as upgrading infrastructure, and educating the public.
“According to data released from Scotland, the country is bucking the trend, with collective action there has been a seven per cent increase in physical activity, and to see that nearly all Scots are walking for health benefits is commendable.”
According to the National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland, people with a long-term physical or mental health condition or illness were also significantly more likely to have encountered cars parked on the pavement, roads that were difficult to cross or poorly maintained pavements (53 per cent, 34 per cent and 54 per cent respectively).
Of those walking for short journeys, Paths for All found a desire to get fit, relax and unwind, and enjoyment to be the main motivations for people to get out and about.
Louise Bursle, communications and marketing manager at Paths for All, said more Scots clearly recognise walking's physical and mental benefits.
“The fact that so many people walk for exercise and relaxation highlights this,” she said. “We’re keen to eliminate barriers to make frequent walking possible for everyone in Scotland to reap wellbeing rewards.
“As we enter a new year, many people will be setting resolutions to be more active, but you don’t need to make big commitments to see the benefits. Just adding a short walk to your daily routine will have an impact.”
To boost regular walking, over seven in 10 Scottish adults also voiced support for 20-minute neighbourhoods, ensuring services are nearby. Delivering these communities could help more than 30 per cent of Scots who currently do not walk to places like shops and public transport stops because distances are too far.
Louise said the findings reveal clear priorities for Scotland's health: “By making streets more welcoming through improved lighting, seating, better surfaces, and amenities within reach, we can help fulfil people's desire to integrate walking into their days - ultimately getting Scots moving together.”
Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day. The charity facilitates over 850 Health Walks across Scotland, led by volunteers.
