At the moment I am visiting my family in the UK and while out for a walk I met an old friend. I didn’t recognise him as he approached because he was walking backwards! I was intrigued because I had seen someone a few days earlier doing the same thing in another part of the country. I must admit the thoughts that ran through my head were along the lines of “maybe they have something wrong with their legs and so find it easier to walk backwards?.”, “maybe they are a bit ‘strange’ and I should be wary” or “maybe it is a new form of exercise?” 
He explained that he was doing it because it was thought to be very beneficial for the brain and helped to build confidence too. Apparently it has been known in China and Japan for years that ‘retro walking’ is good for you in many ways. For those over 50 its thought to be particularly good for improving balance and coordination. It improves the functions of the cerebellum which coordinates and balances our bodily movements as well as flexibility. It also sharpens your senses as you have to be constantly aware of pot holes, dogs and other potential obstacles!
As I walked away from him it did occur to me how amusing it would be if I then walked backwards too and we would gradually see each other disappearing into the distance in a ‘long goodbye’!
