On the second Saturday of every month, athletic trainer Nicole Hovey meets Tampa Bay community members to walk and talk about health. Hovey, a Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital employee, is a volunteer with AARP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

"If I can help one person every time I go, it's worth it," says Hovey.

Since 2022, AARP has partnered with Walk with a Doc (WWAD), a nationwide nonprofit organization that creates safe, free, physician-led walking groups that promote physical activity, health education and social connections. The goal of WWAD is to increase engagement with multicultural audiences by addressing health disparities, combating social isolation and increasing access to local, in-person health education and practices.

"It's a consistent monthly opportunity for people to interact with health care providers and peers in a safe, supportive environment," Hovey says.

Hovey is paired with Noella West, a Tampa General Hospital doctoral nurse practitioner, during the walks.

"Nicole is engaging," says West. "She's always smiling and in a good mood. She's the first one to approach a new person."

Hovey volunteers with AARP Tampa Bay to help people like her grandfather. When her grandfather was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Hovey became his advocate.

"You must treat older people with dignity and respect," Hovey says. "The people we walk with rely on us for information about their health. If they change even a little thing, like walking a little more, their health often improves."

Amy Matovina, AARP's associate state director of outreach and engagement, says Hovey and her husband also volunteer at local events to spread AARP's message.

"She's wonderful at communicating with others," Matovina says. "She is bubbly, outgoing and always willing to help."

Michelle Cyr, community field support manager with AARP's Office of Community Engagement, describes Hovey as knowledgeable and caring.

"People are drawn to her," Cyr says. "She consistently shares valuable information, practical tips and thoughtful guidance that promote health and wellness. What truly sets Nicole apart is her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. That genuine relatability makes her an exceptional leader and an invaluable volunteer for this program."

For more information about AARP, visit www.aarp.org/volunteer