This blog post is part of a spotlight series featuring examples of programs and community design changes that get older adults moving. The posts were first published as part of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults and highlight ways to apply strategies from the report in different settings.
At a glance
Who? Walk with a Doc
What? A doctor-led walking group that combines movement and conversation to help people of all ages take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
Where can I learn more? https://walkwithadoc.org/
Back in 2005, cardiologist David Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him at a local park in Columbus, Ohio. To his surprise, more than 100 people showed up — and Walk with a Doc was born.
Today, Walk with a Doc helps people across the nation take steps toward a healthier lifestyle — both literally and figuratively. True to its name, the program offers free doctor-led walking groups to give people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities a safe, accessible, and fun way to get active. And doctors kick off each event by discussing a health topic, empowering participants to make informed decisions about their health.
Walk with a Doc also promotes conversation and camaraderie. The walks give participants an opportunity to socialize with each other and with a doctor — who they can also talk to about their health. “There’s no doubt that our walking groups provide health benefits,” says Program Manager Bryan Romey. “But social connection is really the glue that makes the program work and keeps people coming back.” This kind of social connection can be especially important for older adults, who may be dealing with isolation and loneliness.
Strategy: Prioritize Accessibility
Walk with a Doc is rooted in the core belief that, “at any age and any ability level, the simple act of walking and rolling has the power to change lives.” So the program’s staff and volunteers take special care to make sure all Walk with a Doc events are accessible.
“We want people with wheelchairs and walkers to attend the walks,” says Romey. That’s why the program provides participating doctors with guidance on how to ensure walks are accessible for as many people as possible, including older adults — like by choosing routes with paved walkways.
Romey also emphasizes that the program offers another type of accessibility altogether: access to doctors outside of a clinical setting. He says that for many people, the opportunity to get to know their doctor and ask questions in a relaxed environment is a primary motivator for regular participation in walks.
Impact: More Movement, Connection, and Knowledge
Today, Walk with a Doc has more than 500 chapters worldwide, including in 46 states. Each year, Walk with a Doc hosts more than 8,000 walks in rural, urban, and suburban communities — and more than 120,000 people participate.
In 2017, a study on Walk with a Doc found that:
- 40 percent of Walk with a Doc participants reported meeting the recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity per week (compared to the national average of 23 percent)
- 71 percent of participants reported getting more exercise after starting Walk with a Doc
- 90 percent of participants reported feeling more educated about their health after starting
Walk with a Doc
Key Takeaway: Keeping It Simple Is Key to Success
Rachael Habash, Walk with a Doc’s Chief Operating Officer, says that Walk with a Doc’s success comes down to staying focused on a simple, clear goal: bringing people together to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
“Walk with a Doc offers opportunities for movement, social connection, health education, and the benefits of being in nature,” Habash explains. “The idea is keeping it simple for the sake of sustainability.”
