A New Path to Health: How AARP Orlando's Walk with a Doc Is Building a Stronger, Healthier Central FL

It starts with a simple walk — a few miles, friendly conversation, and a chance to ask a doctor real health questions. That’s the idea behind Walk with a Doc, a national nonprofit that partners with AARP Florida to help older adults stay active, informed, and connected.

Across Florida, this initiative has become a trusted way for participants to move their bodies, learn from medical professionals, and build friendships that extend well beyond the event.

In Central Florida, retired nurse practitioner Lydia Rivera leads two monthly walks – one in Celebration (Osceola County) and another at Merritt Square Mall in Merritt Island (Brevard County). Each walk begins with a short discussion on a health topic, followed by light stretching and a relaxed group walk. Many participants stay afterward for coffee and conversation, forming friendships and informal support groups.

Rivera says the walks are designed for everyone, from active seniors to those taking small steps towards better health.

“Walking helps with high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and stress,” Rivera notes. “There is not a magic pill for a better health – walking is the key to keeping yourself active.”

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AARP Orlando Lead Volunteer Lydia Rivera leading Walk with a Doc in Merritt Square Mall.

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Participants receiving t-shirts at the Merritt Square Mall Walk with a Doc event.

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Check-in at the Merritt Square Mall Walk with a Doc.

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AARP Orlando Lead Volunteer Lydia Rivera leading Walk with a Doc in Celebration.

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The Merritt Island walk, hosted in partnership with Helping Seniors of Brevard, has quickly become a community favorite. Kerry Fink, Executive Director of Helping Seniors of Brevard, describes it as a perfect mix of education, movement and community.

“Every doctor tells every older adult they need to be moving,” Fink says. “Walk with a Doc gives people the chance to do exactly that, while also asking questions they might not have time for in a regular doctor’s visit.”

Yazmin Alfonso, Associate State Director of Outreach & Engagement at AARP Orlando, credits volunteers for the program’s success. “AARP Orlando volunteers love being part of it,” she says. “It's our most popular event because it builds community, and people enjoy walking together and supporting each other.”

And the program continues to grow. In 2026, AARP Orlando will launch a third Walk with a Doc in Ocoee (Orange County), led by health professional Lonette Bolden-Smith from LH Care Management, expanding the initiative’s reach across Central Florida area.

“We are excited to bring Walk with a Doc to a new community,” Alfonso states. “Our goal is to make these walks accessible to as many Floridians as possible.”

Ready to get moving?

Join AARP’s Walk with a Doc in Central Florida or find a walk near you at aarp.org/FLWWAD.