Linda Manwarren | Chair , Wellness Committee , ARTA

I have loved Dr . Seuss for a very long time — any of his well-aged sayings resonate with me even today .

“ You have brains in your head . You have feet in your shoes . You can steer yourself in any direction you choose .”

— Oh , The Places You ’ ll Go by Dr . Seuss

For me , well-aged shoes are not about the length of time but about the quality of experiences I had wearing them . Here are three pairs of my well-aged shoes , each of which has led me in many directions .

Running shoes became a key element of my footwear when I took a Learn to Walk clinic at age 50 . This eight-week program taught me the benefits of consistent practice , how to gradually increase my pace , how to maintain good form , and how to match my shoes to my gait for maximum support . Graduation was a five-kilometre race ! As short and simple as it was , the euphoria of this race had a profound and lasting effect on me . Following the race , I continued to walk and race with family and friends . We challenged ourselves with ten-kilometre races and half marathons all around Canada and the United States . These shoes are replaced often , but each pair is well-aged with memories of walks and feelings of accomplishment that fill my heart and support my heart health .

There was much to learn about hiking boots when I first began to hike in the mountains . Over the years I have tried low-cut , mid-cut , and highcut and different treads as well . I joined an outdoor club several years ago and have aged several pairs of hiking boots , while exploring mountain trails

throughout the Rockies . Doing part of the Camino de Santiago and hiking to Machu

Picchu created challenges to overcome and rich memories . The final pair of shoes are what I call stylish walking shoes . From the perspective of creating memories , they are the most treasured . They were with me on a trip to Europe with my husband — his first time leaving North America . Last year we travelled from New York to Southampton and spent seven weeks on our feet , exploring Europe .

We walked through many a train station , on sidewalks and cobblestones , through museums and churches , on and off ferries and boats , and on the trails of Cinque Terre and the Scottish Highlands .

A characteristic of well-aged cheese is that it adds intense flavour . Memories created with these well-aged shoes have brought me intense happiness — even more than a good foot massage !

Linda Manwarren will complete her term on the Wellness Committee in October 2023 . She has enjoyed her time and appreciates the knowledge gained in the vast arena of seniors ’ wellness . Linda hopes to continue walking and hiking and building powerful memories for many years to come . news & views AUTUMN 2023 | 31