Mental Health and outdoor Leisure pursuits

While it is understood there may be a relaxation in outdoor exercise it would be helpful if this were comprehensive in regard to all outdoor activities. Many people, particularly older people, have pastimes that do not include jogging/running. The following is not exhaustive but they include golf, bowls, boating, hill walking etc.

Why the contribution is important

Mental Health and physical fitness.

by colinfrier on May 07, 2020 at 09:30PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.6
Based on: 24 votes

Comments

  • Posted by RucksRus51 May 08, 2020 at 01:47

    Many disabled people are unable to exercise for an hour, suffer from lower levels of Vit D and suffer from mental health issues. As a result, we are missing out on important time outdoors, so can we add a list of "mental health activities" (photography, fishing, a disability scooter "walk," etc) that we can do while still practising social distancing equally important is that we don't touch anything that others may have touched without gloves or "Hand coverings." Better still have specific times when others are discouraged from being out, as some of us are likely to be in the shielding group. Find a solution that allows us to follow the spirit of the guidance if not 100% to the letter of the guidance. It is important that we have the opportunity to partake of well-documented benefits of getting outside in the fresh air. Currently, we are being protected from Covid-19 but our other conditions are getting worse as a result of the lockdown rules. Please help us.

  • Posted by Josephclive May 08, 2020 at 07:38

    Its important to recognise the mental health of physically disabled people, of any age. Some activities appear sedentary but can require the use of more energy than usual and lift people's spirits.

  • Posted by alaine May 08, 2020 at 08:10

    Some people rely totally on activities for their mental health when they don't have any, or close friends and family.

  • Posted by weemcd May 08, 2020 at 08:19

    Good for everyone.

  • Posted by JimDodds May 08, 2020 at 08:23

    Add fishing. Many of these pursuits make social distancing very easy and are done in isolation. Good for physical and mental health.

  • Posted by JuliaM May 11, 2020 at 17:37

    This change of policy in England looks like a sensible & workable change: From Wednesday 13 May, the government will also allow outdoor sports facilities – such as tennis and basketball courts, golf courses and bowling greens – to open, but you should only use these alone, with members of your household, or with one other person from outside your household, while keeping two metres apart at all times.
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