This walking club for seniors calls members ‘Golden G.O.A.T.s.’

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (Aging Untold) — A walking club for seniors in South Carolina calls itself the “Golden G.O.A.T.s.”

The goal of the club is to stay fit and have fun. Members walk up to three miles three days a week.

Member joined to walk and be around people

“I’ve always enjoyed walking. I wanted to be able to be among people because I like people,” Virginia Holladay, a member of the group, said.

She addressed the unique name for the members.

“You know — you don’t want to be called an old goat. I think it’s a healthy benefit for us,” she said.

Camaraderie along with cardio

Aging Untold host Amy O’Rourke said the “camaraderie” is as important as the cardio.

“Golden G.O.A.T.s walking together hit me on so many levels. It’s the camaraderie of the interaction between all of them. It’s being in nature and feeling the ground and getting that fabulous air, and then all the exercise that they’re getting. They’re moving their body, so on every single level they’re hitting all the points that you want to hit,” O’Rourke said.

‘Iron G.O.A.T.’ title earned at nearly 600 miles

John Kester walked nearly 600 miles with the group and earned the title “Iron G.O.A.T.”

He said he likes the social aspect of the group.

“Talks continuously while we’re walking. We’ve gotten to learn about each other — so it’s a good social get-together,” Kester said.

O’Rourke also spoke about goals.

“When I think about having a goal and having that purpose, I think of how excited I would be, and I think others would be, having that goal and then accomplishing it, and then setting up the next one and having an inner purpose is so meaningful,” O’Rourke said.