HEALTH AT HOME
A newsletter by Home Visit Physiotherapy Australia
BRINGING YOU HEALTH NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
EDITION 3
JUL-SEP 2015
NATURE’S OWN REMEDY
Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/karen_roe/
A
recent study carried out in Vancouver
has found that access to nature, and
natural environments can improve the
health and wellbeing of older adults. It
is something that has always been seen as common
sense – spending time in beautiful surroundings or
simply getting out for some fresh air should make us
feel better, but now for the first time there is proof.
The research has found that green and blue spaces
(areas which have running or still water), are
particularly beneficial for healthy aging in the older
generation.
Don’t worry however, the report isn’t suggesting
that we all have to start trekking in the mountains or
spending days in the wilderness. The report,
published in the Health and Place journal, says that
simply spending time near features such as ponds, or
sitting on benches with a view of flowers and trees
promotes feelings of renewal, restoration and
spiritual connectedness. Even if you aren’t able to
get out every day, or you don’t live in an area that
has these features on your doorstop, even just
watching nature from inside – for example potted
plants on a windowsill, will provide some benefit.
There are other benefits to visiting green and blue
spaces. As well as being an encouragement to
actually get out of the house, it can help older adults
to regain a structure in their lives that was maybe
missing. This is essential in order to improve the
quality of life, and help prevent boredom, isolation
and loneliness, which in turn can go a long way to
offset chronic illness and disability.
One of the great things about these spaces is that
they more often than not provide a place for multigenerational social interactions. These can take the
Continued Page 2
WOULD YOU EAT ALGAE? PAGE 3
BENEFITS OF WALKING PAGE 4
This publication is produced by:
Home Visit Physiotherapy Australia
Level 1, 530 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Ph: 1800 890 898 Fax: 03 8672 7650
www.homevisitphysio.com.au/healthathome