Greece was the goal. Two chairs were the starting point.

Alexandra, 93, had one dream: to walk the streets of Greece again for a family wedding.

The trouble was, she’d lost so much confidence in her walking that even the distance from her front door to the letterbox felt daunting. Greece felt impossible. Her TPC physio, Katie, suggested they not think about Athens just yet, and started Alexandra walking between two chairs inside her house.

Two chairs. That was it.

Then the driveway. Then the footpath. Alexandra’s daughters came along, chatting about the Greek streets they hoped she’d soon explore, as they practised on Aussie ones.

Six months later, Alexandra walked those Greek streets for real. Full heart. Full life.

Whether your goal is Greece, the corner store, the garden, or the letterbox, the focus is on making a plan to get you there.

You don’t need fancy equipment or a complicated routine. You need a safe place to begin, a goal or dream that actually matters to you, and a bit of support from the people around you. Here’s how.

Aiming for up to thirty minutes of walking a day is a great goal to work towards. Not a stroll, but not a sprint either — a pace where you feel like you’re actually getting somewhere. You might be a little puffed, but you can still chat. If that feels a long way off right now, that’s completely fine. The whole point of this chapter is to help you figure out where you’re starting and how to build from there.

Your first steps

Here are a few simple steps to help you get started in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and even enjoyable.

Start smaller than you think

Begin with very short walks in a safe place. Two chairs in the house or garden, placed a short distance apart, can be a great starting point: walk between them, with someone nearby if that feels reassuring. When that becomes easier, gradually increase the distance: doorway to hallway, hallway to letterbox, letterbox to the corner. Small steps really do add up quickly, especially when you focus on what you can do today.

Two chairs might sound almost too simple, but you’d be amazed at how many people have started exactly there and ended up some- where they never expected!

Set a goal that means something to you

Once you’re ready to get going, start thinking about what you’re walking towards. Something that genuinely excites you.

“Three sets of ten” rarely keeps anyone going. But “coffee at the café with my granddaughter and her new puppy”? Now you’re talking.

When your goal is tied to a person, a place, or a moment you love, it stops feeling like effort and starts feeling like something worth get- ting out of bed for. You’ll find yourself thinking about it naturally, and that’s exactly the right kind of motivation.

So have a think: where would you love to walk to? Who would you love to walk with? Start there.

Walk with someone

Walking with a friend, family member, or a small group makes the whole thing easier – and more enjoyable. Having someone along- side you often makes you feel steadier, too. Shared goals are also great for keeping everyone going, even on the days when motivation is a bit low.

And if you’d love a bit more reassurance about how you’re walking, or you’re not quite sure where to start, ask for help from someone that knows. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Have a chat with your GP

If you haven’t been active in a while, or you’ve had a recent health concern, a chat with your GP is worth it before you get going. They can help you understand what’s safe for your situation, and help you set goals that are right for you. Think of it as starting on the right foot. Literally!

Remember Alexandra? Two chairs to start. Then the driveway. Then Greece.

Part of what made Alexandra’s journey possible was having the right support around her, not just her daughters and her physio, but the practical stuff too. The right shoes. The right aid. Knowing what to do before she headed out the door.

If you’d like that same kind of practical picture for yourself, our team at The Physio Co offers a Stay Strong + Active Check-up – a short home visit from one of our trained physiotherapists.

They’ll look at your walking, balance, and strength, and give you 1–3 simple next steps in writing within 24 hours. It’s practical, it’s personal, and there’s no ongoing commitment. Just a clear, helpful place to start. To arrange one, give our team a call on 1300 797 793.

*** THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE PHYSIO CO’S NEW BOOK – Moving is Living: Simple steps to stay active, confident and full of life in your 70s, 80s and beyond – written by TPC founder, Tristan White. Click here for more.

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The Physio Co helps Aussie seniors to move more, with confidence! How can we help you (or your elderly Mum or Dad?) Contact us today on 1300 797 793 and speak with Nancy, Julia and Jess from the TPC Client Care team to discuss your situation. If they’re busy on other calls, leave a message and someone from the team will call you back for a chat! Alternatively you can email us via [email protected]