Take a ‘nostalgia walk’ in the old neighborhood
Got the nostalgia bug? Craving some outdoor exercise? A walk around the neighborhood where you grew up could satisfy both.
Such a jaunt along sidewalks and through parks near your childhood home can reconnect you with your past while offering a chance to enjoy the outdoors just about any time of year.
For people with Parkinson’s disease, it’s an ideal “hike,” and here’s why. The trek can be any length at any pace. It’s a mood lifter. It might even increase feelings of gratitude, which fuels optimism – something we all need more of.
I tried a “nostalgia walk” on a visit to my hometown, which is two states away from where I live now. It was a late-winter day with just a bit of snow left on the ground. Sidewalks were clear. A good day to get outside.
Preparing for a nostalgia walk
To stay warm, I layered up my clothing in the same way I would for a hike in the woods. I also put on toasty socks and comfortable shoes.
A water bottle is important. Having something to drink is a no-brainer in hot temperatures, but did you know dehydration occurs in the cold, too? So fill ’er up.
It’s a good idea to plan your route beforehand. That way you won’t get stuck somewhere far away, too tired to make it back. I planned to walk a large loop with a few side trips to old sites, for a total of about 2 miles.
Parkinson’s hiking tip
As with hiking any trail, know your limits. Use benches to take rests. If you realize you have just enough energy to get back to the start, it’s time to turn around. Coming back exhausted will cloud up what should be a bright experience.
Consider bringing trekking poles with rubber tips. They ease the stress on your lower body while strengthening your arms.
Bring your phone or another camera so you can document the places that were important to your young self and help you remember what you saw. (I’m sharing a few of my photos throughout this post, if you hadn’t noticed!)
Parkinson’s hiking tip
Being forgetful is part of having Parkinson’s – and getting older in general. If you’re worried you’ll get lost, ramp up your safety and go with someone who knows the area well or can use a map.
Taking the nostalgia walk
I decided to walk alone. There was plenty of daylight left, and I felt I still knew the streets well, since I visit my parents several times a year.
I told family members where I was going and my estimated return time. I had my phone with me.
Within a couple blocks of walking, the memories started flooding back.
The parochial school I attended for a couple of years still had a parking lot behind the church, where we had recess every day.
With only a blacktop lot, we had to be creative with play balls and sidewalk chalk!
I was glad to see improvements in some areas of the neighborhood, but disappointed that some places, like the public elementary school I attended, had been torn down.
About a mile south of my parents’ current home is a house where our family lived in my earlier childhood.
My siblings to this day refer to it “Gertie’s house” after the elderly woman who sold it to us.
Some recent developments below. (By recent, I mean in the last 20 years, before cell phone towers and little free libraries.)
The walk was exhilarating – both physically and emotionally.
It allowed me to breathe fresh air during a season when I’m inside almost all day. I kept a brisk pace to get my heart rate up, so it was a decent workout for me, too.
My nostalgia walk made me glad for the “village” of my childhood that helped raise me, for the people who inspired me, the parents who supported me, the teachers who taught me and coaches that pushed me, the workers who kept the city safe and tidy.
Parkinson’s tip
For many people, a nostalgia walk will bring back sweet and poignant memories of their growing-up years. Even if not all your memories are positive, you can focus on the good ones and savor them. They can come in handy during periods of depression, also a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
A nostalgia walk is simple but can be inspiring, even transformative. Next time you plan to visit the old neighborhood, make sure to bring along your hiking shoes.
“Hike” info
PD difficulty level (see chart): Easy
Distance: 1-3 miles roundtrip is optimal
“Trailhead” location: wherever you can park your car
Bathrooms: gas stations, perhaps?
Costs: free, minus travel expenses
Insider tip: Take your walk during a time when you typically feel your best. Especially for those with Parkinson’s, stay on your medication schedule, and bring extra doses if needed.
For more ideas on different kinds of outdoor walks, click on my earlier blog post here.
Oh my gosh, Tilden! Always a joy to walk around the old neighborhood.
Another sibling responds! Thanks for supporting your sis.
One of my favorite (nostalgic) things about being in the old neighborhood is hearing the Holy Childhood church bell chime on the hour…
I was hoping my sibs would add to this, and I agree on the church bells. 🙂