80-Year-Old Woman With Alzheimer's Tackles 3,000-Mile Walk to Inspire Healthy Aging

At 80 years old, Judy Benjamin isn’t just defying expectations—she’s walking right past them. Thirteen years after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the California native has set out on a bold 3,000-mile walk from San Diego, California, all the way to St. Augustine, Florida. Her goal? To show the world that taking action matters, no matter your age or your medical history.

Benjamin started her journey on April 5, accompanied by a dedicated support team and a film crew capturing the trek for an upcoming documentary. Over the next five months, she plans to cover roughly 20 miles a day—weather and terrain permitting—with one rest day each week to recharge. She’ll be traveling in style, too, with an RV equipped with a comfy bed, shower, and kitchen, and isn’t opposed to the occasional hotel stop when available. Personally, I think anyone who can walk 3,000 miles at 80 has more stamina than most people half her age (myself included!).

Benjamin’s story with Alzheimer’s began at 67, which, given her family’s history, wasn’t entirely unexpected—her mother and nine uncles had also faced the disease. She recalls the fear and confusion of early symptoms: forgetting phone numbers, getting lost while driving, and even struggling to remember her grandchildren’s names. A close friend pointed her to Dr. Dale Bredesen in California, whose research suggested that Alzheimer’s isn’t caused by a single factor, but rather a mix of assaults on the brain, often tied to inflammation.

Armed with Dr. Bredesen’s advice, Benjamin overhauled her lifestyle. She prioritized sleep, improved air quality, adopted meditation, and started an exercise routine. Her diet did a 180—out went diet soda and processed foods, in came veggies, fruits, and whole foods. It wasn’t an overnight fix, but slowly her memory sharpened, and her spirits lifted. Eventually, she became a national board-certified health and wellness coach, specializing in brain health. Now, she’s pushing the message even further—literally—across the country.

"People wonder why would I put myself through this," Benjamin told Fox News Digital. "I really want to share with others not to be discouraged. Life is here to enjoy, and age is a number, but you don't have to be identified and characterized by that number." Talk about walking the talk.

Benjamin’s cross-country trek is supported by sponsors like Apollo Health and CareScout, and she’s inviting others to join her for stretches of the walk. She’s active on social media under @judywalksamerica and hopes her journey motivates people to take steps—big or small—toward healthier living and better brain function.

Looking back, Benjamin says she feels younger at 80 than before her diagnosis. Her message is simple but powerful: "When I received my diagnosis, I had a choice—let it define me, or take action. I want people to see that, no matter your age or circumstances, there are steps you can take to live a healthier, more vibrant life. This walk is about proving that possibility."

You can follow her progress at Judywalks.com, or on her social channels. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to lace up your sneakers too.