We say this over and over, age is nothing but a number.
It can’t be denied that growing older makes the body weak. There are activities, especially outdoors, that older people can no longer do.
However, studies show that older people should continue being outdoors because it gives the body more energy and other physical health benefits.
As listed by West Hartford Health, there are plenty of ways to be outdoors.
- Take your daily workout outdoors
- Walk around the block
- Spend time gardening
- Bike around your neighborhood
- Relax in the backyard
- Plan a hike close to home on an even trail
- Partake in golf, bocce, shuffleboard, or another game typically played outside
- If you swim, head to the local outdoor pool
- Pick up a hobby that takes you outdoors, like photography or birdwatching
- Join a nature group for seniors
- Schedule a picnic with friends and family
While a simple walk in the park is already good for the body, this woman had a different idea.
If a “simple” walk is good for what ails you, a long walk should be even better, right?
We’re sure it is, but our idea of a long walk and Jane’s idea of one are two very, very different things.
Jane Dotchin, an 80-year-old lady, has been going on a long journey every year since 1972 with her pony and dog.
They travel 600 miles from Hexham, Northumberland, to Inverness, and it takes about seven weeks.
Diamond, her 13-year-old pack pony, has been joining her for four years now. Diamond is the fourth pony Jane has raised over the years.
Her dog, Dinky, is 10 years old and has deformed feet, so he rides in a saddle bag on Diamond’s back and enjoys watching the world.
Jane, who wears an eyepatch, carries all she needs for the trip.
She brings a tent, food, and other things, but her main worry is crossing busy roads.
Sometimes drivers don’t slow down for horses, which can frighten Diamond. However, Jane is confident she can keep her pony calm.
Because of her eyepatch, Jane struggles to read maps, but since she takes the same route each year, she knows the way well.
She likes this path because she meets friendly people along the way, and she knows they will help her if she needs it.
“It’s nice going back and seeing them every year, that’s why I keep the same sort of route and also I like to keep the same roots because um, I’ve only got one eye and I’ve had trouble with this eye. I went and got a branch in it so it’s all stitched up but still stitched up, but I can see, but I can’t read maps very well,” Dotchin said. “But I know the roots so well I don’t need to read much stuff, I can manage. Yes, if I keep to the roots I know and then people I know, and if I’m ever in any trouble, I know that somebody would be there not far away to help you.”
Her journey amazed many eyes and touched many hearts.
Dotchin’s story made quite a buzz on the internet and some local news channels.
Not only that but she somehow turned into an internet star with a lot of people praising her.
One online viewer commented, “What a woman! A great example of determination. I will take a bow to this Lady. BRAVO”
While another wished to be like her in the future, “I hope I have “THIS” still in me at 80 years old!! Amazing! I would love to share a campfire with this woman. ❤️”
Learn more about Dotchin’s story in her interview below!
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