I like taking walks. Lately, I’ve been trying to go on more walks with friends. Not only does it mean I get to see friends more, but there are also health benefits to going on walks with others.

First things first, going on walks with friends is a great form of socializing. Socializing combats isolation and loneliness, which are linked to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, chronic stress, and premature death. Additionally, socialization helps keep your memory sharp because you’re interpreting facial expressions, speech, emotions, and body language.

Walking with friends is also a good way to have accountability for exercising. It can be harder to motivate ourselves when we’re alone. When we commit to going on walks with friends, it’s easier to motivate ourselves because we don’t want to let others down. Friends can also encourage us when we feel like we can’t walk another block.

On a practical level, walking with others is safer than walking alone. A friend can help notice hazards, and walking in a group of two or more makes you more visible to drivers. Furthermore, if you have any health conditions, having someone else around can help in case of emergencies.

Walking offers tons of benefits. When walking with friends, you get double the benefits! So next time you’re thinking of going for a walk, why not invite a friend?

By: Anne Bakker, Home Healthcare CSR