Doctors to prescribe fresh air for elderly

Doctors and health professionals could help getmore older people involved in outdoor activity by prescribing exercise, according to a new report.

Research by the James Hutton Institute for the Scottish Government highlighted the benefits of ‘green prescribing’ – or advising patients to be physically active outdoors.

Scottish data shows older adults are less likely than young and middle-aged adults to regularly take part in outdoor recreation.

Researcher Margaret Currie said: “We have been able to identify anumberof 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.

“Itmay be useful to tailor interventions to suit people of different abilities and preferences, and to target people at key moments of life-change such as retirement.”