Bridging generations with new walking program

A PILOT program in the Geelong region will bring two generations together as they strive for improved connection and physical activity.

Aimed at women aged between 18 to 25 and over 55, Side-by-Side Nature Walks is a space for the age groups to explore local spots while making new friends.

Chief Escapee Richelle Olsen said the days will involve an informal get-together before heading off for a short walk while getting to know the other participants.

“We take it easy it’s always at the pace of the slowest person and the idea is to just get to know each other as we walk, we swap around a bit and we take turns to talk to someone new.

“You may be talking to someone in the same age group as you, you may be talking to someone much older or much younger.”

The concept of the program is new; however, Ms Olsen has been running walks through Escape your Comfort Zone, centred around women’s body positivity hikes in Victoria.

Inspiration for Side-by-Side Nature Walks came from the TV show Old People’s Home for Teenagers, with the show highlighting the value of connection across age and what it can do for both age groups.

Ms Olsen spoke to one of her colleagues about how great a program in nature would be before discovering an opportunity for a grant and kickstarting the new walks.

Ms Olsen said the Side-by-side nature program is all about getting people out in nature and experiencing the benefits that come with connecting with others, especially for the younger age group.

“We know that coming out of high school, you’ve got the world at your feet and every option in the world, but sometimes it gets really daunting.

“We want to capture those people who might be feeling a little bit like this and pairing them up with older women who may be feeling a little bit the same way.

“Often as people retire, life changes and suddenly there’s a lot of time, or the kids might have moved out, or partners passed away or separated and just capturing those women who might be feeling a bit lost and give them a real purpose and build their confidence.”

Expected to start in mid-August, the walks will take place across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine over eight weeks, meeting on a weekly basis for 90 minutes.

While the program has received plenty of interest from the over 55 age group, they are still on the hunt for participants aged between 18 and 25.

For more information and to register for the walks, head to escapingyourcomfortzone.com