Being outdoors naturally gives us more space to move and gives us different obstacles than we might find in the home. Increased movement helps us build strength in our joints and muscles. It also energises us, giving us the momentum to do and achieve more. For those needing a little more assurance before heading out, we have a variety of rollators and walking aids that we can fit to you!
This can be as simple as a gentle walk around the garden and beyond. Depending on the level of physical ability, one might also tackle some gardening. This is particularly good for building strength around the body, acting as a low-key, full-body workout. It is worth investigating mobility-friendly places near you. That way, you can venture beyond, tackling different activities one might not face in the home.
We all know that being out in the sun is good for our health. Yet many don’t know how this works. When UVB (Ultraviolet B) is emitted from the sun, it reacts with the proteins in the surface layer of the skin and produces Vitamin D.
The benefits of Vitamin D are greater calcium absorption, therefore preventing brittle bones, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia. It also helps the overall immune system, and a lack of Vitamin D can lead to cognitive decline.
Too much exposure to this is bad and is what results in sunburn and worse. Therefore, always remember your sun lotion. Learn more about the importance of Vitamin D.
One of the most impactful and noticeable benefits of getting out and about is the interaction with other people. People are not solitary animals. We are meant to socialize in groups. Even if you are not making new friends every day, it is increasingly recognized that interactions are beneficial to our mental health.
Regular socialisation guards our minds against the development and progression of conditions like dementia. It also brings our stress levels down.
Exposing ourselves to the outdoors makes us face natural elements and bacteria that exist in the air. Some might think it best to avoid this as much as possible. There is plenty of good bacteria found in plants and the soil. Exposure to this strengthens our immune system.
Furthermore, spending time outdoors is a great de-stressor. There is more science to this than you may think. It is not simply being exposed to nature; spending time outdoors in a low-risk state lowers levels of cortisol and adrenaline. These are elevated during times of stress.
For more information and to learn how you can safely get about, even with mobility restrictions, contact our team. We have a wide array of mobility aids + guidance available for what will work during the spring and summer time.
