As a Navy spouse approaching my husband’s retirement, I make it a point to get outside for daily walks to clear my mind and stay connected to my surroundings. Today, though, my stroll through the neighborhood sparked deeper reflections on the changes I’ve noticed over time. From fewer people enjoying the outdoors to ongoing trash issues and neglected backyards, these observations left me wondering about broader shifts in how we engage with our communities and shared spaces—perhaps shaped by lingering effects of COVID-19 or evolving lifestyles.

During my walk today, I noticed something that stood out. There were very few people outside walking. I remember when I used to see a handful of others—people biking, running, or families strolling together. Now, I might see only three or four others during my walk, unless it’s the start or end of the school day.

I get out for a walk because it helps keep me grounded, I need some fresh air, and I need Vitamin D. Lately, though, I’ve wondered why fewer people seem to be out doing the same. Was I just imagining this change? So, I did a bit of research–and it turns out I’m not alone. A 2024 study in the Journal of the American Planning Association found that Americans now spend 53 fewer minutes per day outside the home compared to 2019.

These shifts in outdoor habits aren’t just about walking—they seem reflected in how we care for our neighborhoods, too.

If I have time while I’m out, I will pick up trash in our neighborhood. Over two months, I have collected and disposed of 40 bags of trash. I started doing this because I was frustrated with how the main entrance of our neighborhood looked. Trash was collecting in the tall grass and shrubs, making the neighborhood appear uninviting.

I then decided to walk through and clean up the residential streets. I know that part of the trash problem is from the wind. Some of it is from the lack of lids on trash cans and the animals getting into the garbage. Wanting to help, I wrote a letter to base housing (our landlord) and to the nearby gas station for their help in keeping the neighborhoods clean and suggested a few solutions. I’m not sure if my suggestions were considered, because I recently submitted an online maintenance request to have trash cans in two of the parks emptied.

It reminds me of this verse, “Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” (Numbers 35:34, NIV) Do we no longer have care and consideration for where we live?

The other thing I noticed is the lack of maintenance of backyards. I see just as many overgrown yards as I do lawns that are cared for. Backyards are places to hang out with friends and family, enjoy warm days, and gather for food and celebration. My sister, who got married last year, had her wedding in my parents’ backyard. For many of us, these spaces are more than property–they’re where memories are made.

Having a backyard is an important “feature” of a home. When I think of homes in the city versus those in rural areas, I realize how much I value land privacy. When we purchased our home in Virginia, we set aside part of our backyard for growing our own vegetables and herbs. We also planted flowers–lilies, specifically–around the back patio. Our backyard was also the hangout for our Angel (our Jack Russell Terrier). She loved sunbathing, chasing toys, and investigating all the different smells.

In our house in California, we built an awesome outdoor pizza oven in the backyard. We’ve also enjoyed using a hot tub at various homes we’ve lived in. There’s something incredibly peaceful about sitting under the stars at night, feeling that connection to nature. All of this makes me sad when I don’t see backyards being cared for or utilized.

Maybe these changes–fewer people outdoors, more litter, and neglected yards–are connected. They all point to a growing disconnection from our shared spaces.

What are some changes that you have noticed? Do you think they’re a result of COVID-19? Are we becoming more isolated–or just redefining how we connect?

Originally published on LinkedIn on October 27, 2025. [Read it here]