Mental movements: How long‐distance walking influences reflection processes among middle‐age and older adults

By providing a distinctive room for reflection, long‐distance walks can help people similar to professional counselling. To understand reflection processes’ influence on mental health, a framework focusing on personal transformations, specifically through the concept of liminality, can be used. Through nine semi‐structured interviews with middle‐aged and older long‐distance walkers, this study answers the following question: How do middle‐aged and older adults experience long‐distance walking, and how do their experiences influence their reflective process? Four themes emerged during the analysis: (1) overcoming strain and achieving a sense of capability; (2) simplicity in obligations and having the time to pursue emotionally difficult experiences; (3) solitariness and reflection on oneself; and (4) calmness and embracing thoughts. These findings illustrate how going on long‐distance walks may be similar to entering a liminal, or transformational, space. The findings show how long‐distance walks can be helpful, or perhaps even therapeutic, in situations where personal transformation is required.