The HH and I were at the mall the other day {for the first time in I don’t know how long} and I spotted this elderly gentleman on his morning walk.
His VSP vest put an instant smile on my face and I just had to snap a picture to share.
In fact, it just wasn’t this particular man who was at the mall walking, but the three others I spotted walking the perimeter as well.
Did I miss the memo? Is the mall the new hangout spot for men of a certain age? It used to be that you could drive by a McDonalds window in the mornings and there’d always be a table full of older men sitting at a table drinking coffee together.
I loved seeing that. I loved thinking this was the one thing they did everyday to get out of the house {and away from their wives} and to meet up with their guy friends. But now, maybe they all go walking at the mall.
That’s it. That’s all I’ve got for today.
I hope you have a good one,
~Mavis
Lesley says
Love that even the turtle (attached to his back) is behind him. Mall-walking … it’s a thing for seniors for sure!
Patti Vanderbloemen says
Mall walking, especially for the elderly, is a huge thing where I live (Northern Virginia), for years now! There are no weather constraints, it’s a chance to meet/greet new friends, and there is Mall Security for safety purposes. Some of the malls even open early….just for the walkers!
Bobbi says
In Florida too!!!
It’s a good way to get steps in.
Nancy Settel says
Our huge mall in Delaware has had for a good 20 years the morning walking club. You have to sign up and then you go before the stores open and they have it mapped out as to how far each place is and they can walk early in the morning. Do have to say love the vest with the turtle on it.
Christy says
You must be talking about Christiana Mall! I live just over the PA line. In college around 1994 I worked a holiday season there and people were mall walking back then.
Tracey says
Good for him getting out and moving at any pace! I love that so many malls have these safe places (even floors, not slippery or too hot) for people to walk. Great way to use the space.
andrea d says
Yes! Mall walking has been a thing forever. I can remember my grandparents used to do this probably 30+ years ago. That vest is the best.
Diana says
I walked at a local mall to prepare for a 60 mile charity walk I did. It was convenient not to have to worry about weather or safety since I was by myself. The mall was open early before the shops were, and actually had quite a few people that regularly walked.
Ashley Bananas says
During Summer I have been known to mall walk during the day as it’s just too hot outside. You have to go out very early for very late here to avoid the sun and heat.
Love his vest! Good for him. Seniors who don’t leave the house and don’t socialize have a higher risk for depression and memory related issues. He is keeping himself going!!
Tracey says
Our mall, out on Long Island, took the defunct Sears location at the mall and turned it into a satellite office for outpatient hospital doctors. Great use of empty space, with tons of parking. Our cardiology dept sends RNs to do monthly blood pressure clinics for the mallwalkers!
Linda Sand says
That vest makes me think he would be fun to talk with.
Our malls not only have lots of mall walkers they have benches placed here and there for those who need a break.
Tiffany F says
It’s the same here in Southwestern part of Virginia. We’ve had mall walkers for many years. Our mall opens early for the walkers also. When my oldest child, now 19 years old, was a toddler, I took an exercise class that also met at the mall during those early hours. We used our strollers, walked and lunged our way around the mall, using walls around the landscaping to do arm dips, used our babies for weights for some exercises… It was great! I do love that gentleman’s vest!
Mary says
Mall walkng has been going on for decades. Even ground, out of the weather, and safe.
Bonnie in GA says
Your description of the men at Mcdon’s reminded me of what my pastor use to call their ROMEO Club (Real Old Men Eating Out). Lol!
Deb says
Our mall actually had mileage markers posted at varying intervals throughout. In Florida, having a cool place to walk was very nice and also during rain or (the occasional) cold weather.
Mary Keen says
I noticed on the vest of the VSP he has stuffed animals on his back waist and shoulders and I see little ears on the front right chest area. Too Funny, Good Fun.