Forget expensive gym memberships and punishing workouts, one of the best things you can do for your health after 55 might already be happening every time you lace up your shoes and head out the door.

Walking.

A recent article from Verywell Health has highlighted the benefits of tracking your daily steps as we age, and the message is encouraging: you don’t need to be an elite athlete to make a meaningful difference to your health.

In fact, you might not even need the famous 10,000 steps a day we’ve heard about for years. Researchers increasingly suggest regular movement, even at more achievable levels, can support better long-term health.

And overseas, governments are starting to think differently about how to get people moving. In the UK, a new NHS-backed walking initiative called Movement 26.2 is encouraging people to complete the equivalent distance of a marathon each month by building regular walks into their routine.

Participants could receive rewards such as shopping vouchers and discounts for staying active.

Could it work in Australia?

Which begs the question — should Australia look at doing the same? With healthcare costs rising and Australians living longer, perhaps rewarding people for staying healthy makes more sense than only spending money once they become sick.

Some might argue people shouldn’t need an incentive to look after their own health, but supporters of these types of programs believe a small reward today could help prevent much bigger health costs tomorrow. And it doesn’t have to be about chasing huge fitness goals.

For many Australians over 55, the biggest challenge is simply building movement into everyday life — especially after retirement, illness, injury or years spent sitting behind a desk.

Could a few extra dollars in rewards encourage someone to take that first walk around the block? Could it help create a healthier habit that lasts? It’s an idea worth talking about.

No excuses for daily steps

Walking is about as simple as it gets and is as easy as a stroll with the dog, a stroll along the beach/river, or parking at the far end of the shops instead of hunting for the closest spot. It all adds up.

For many over 55s, tracking steps isn’t about obsessing over numbers or competing with anyone else and is just a little reminder to keep moving.

Walking regularly can support your heart, help maintain fitness, keep you mobile and give your mental wellbeing a lift.

The big lesson is this is staying healthier as we age doesn’t always need to be complicated, and sometimes the simplest habits are the ones worth sticking with.

Check out Getting daily steps in linked to a ‘strikingly lower risk’ of a cardiovascular event

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.