Making the most of our Natural Health Service

26 August 2016
Making the most of our Natural Health Service

Posted on the BBC about a study on the benefits of being active as we age from a study conducted in Scotland:

More should be done to overcome social and motivational barriers that stop older people doing outdoor recreational activities, a new report has said.

The James Hutton Institute carried out research for the Scottish government.

It found less than 50% of over-60s and 40% of over-75s participated in outdoor pursuits one or more times a week.

It said GPs and medical professionals could help by giving out so-called “green prescriptions” – encouraging older people do more outdoor exercise.

It also outlined measures aimed at removing or reducing those barriers.

The report said “green prescribing” by GPs and other medical professionals could be a “valuable” way of helping older people maximise the benefits of spending more time out side.”

“We have been able to identify a number of potential interventions, such as green prescribing, which should be integrated with existing initiatives like health walks that offer opportunities for overcoming social and motivational barriers.

“It may be useful to tailor interventions to suit people of different abilities and preferences, and to target people at key moments of life-change.”