\u2018So that’s another reason why we’re on the river here. And it does sort of tether me,\u2019 Rice told Balding during their conversation.<\/p>\n
When Balding asked what she meant by feeling untethered, Rice explained that walking offered a sense of stability as she opened up about her childhood.<\/p>\n
\u2018I had a very fractured childhood. My mother was evacuated during the war from Deptford to Leithy Surrey. I don’t know her brothers and sisters. I don’t know my cousins. My father also, when he joined the Army, lost touch with his brother and, I guess, other cousins,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n
Long walks give her an opportunity to connect with her surroundings and find a sense of belonging, but there are big physical benefits as you age, too \u2013 and Rice has some handy tips for upping your step count.<\/p>\n
![\"anneka](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ec501597-5c67-48c9-af28-e373b91862ad.jpg\" "\\"anneka")
<\/p>\n
Karwai Tang\/\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Anneka Rice\u2019s tips for increasing your step count<\/p>\n
In an older interview<\/a>, Rice explained that when her children were younger, she would play a game with them to find different walking routes, before getting the bus home. \u2018We do this thing where we write right and left on pieces of paper, pick them out of a box, randomly and then follow the directions on a walk,\u2019 she shared. \u2018We get seriously away from our home and end up having to get buses back. It’s just such a great game to play with kids.\u2019 <\/p>\n She added that she also walks over taking the car where possible. <\/p>\n Benefits of walking for ageing<\/p>\n Walking is one of the most accessible ways to stay physically active as you get older. It\u2019s totally free and can be scaled to suit your fitness level by reducing or increasing your pace, or adding or removing inclines or equipment (like wearing ankle weights<\/a>) \u2013 and it can benefit you in more ways than you might think. Research shows that regularly getting out for a stroll can support cardio health, boost mood, reduce risk of diabetes, improve sleep and even increase longevity. <\/p>\n It\u2019s particularly useful with age as it maintains mobility<\/a> by keeping you moving through a range of motion, which keeps you independent in daily life. It also supports bone health as walking is a weight-bearing activity, which places stress on your bones to encourage them to stay strong (though if building bone strength is your goal, resistance training<\/a> is essential). It also counteracts the natural age-related loss of muscle, as it works the muscles in your lower body and core. <\/p>\n Anneka’s experience is proof that the benefits aren\u2019t exclusively physical, either. Building walks into your everyday routine can give you a solid moment of calm in a busy day, reduce stress and maintain and promote cognitive health with age, including memory and thinking skills.<\/p>\n Name a health benefit and walking can probably deliver it. Thanks for the reminder, Rice. <\/p>\n Want to train like Liz Earle<\/a>? Liz\u2019s PT, Michael Garry, has created a 4-week training plan exclusively for members of the WH COLLECTIVE. It\u2019s designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to fitness: time. You\u2019ll train for just 35 minutes three times a week \u2013 Liz\u2019s exact strategy to build muscle, boost metabolism and support long-term health. Tap the link below to unlock 14 free days of training and start Liz\u2019s plan today.<\/p>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/7e5036c3-b382-46c6-9076-1c45bc47d13b.jpg\" "\\"woman")
![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792116257_182_3c8d88e6-1a98-41e9-804d-2de8b0b9d75a_1741783208.file.png\" "\\"Headshot")
<\/p>\n