by mobilityplus | 22nd Aug, 2019 | Inspiration
In the UK, there are around 27 million people who partake in gardening. It’s never too late to take up this wonderful hobby. It’s something you can continue to enjoy as you get older and even when you begin to experience a few lifestyle changes. Regardless of any restrictions, you may have, you can modify your garden to suit your needs while still being able to express yourself.
Gardening as you get older
One of the great things about gardening is it is a hobby that can be easily adapted as you get older. From the type of plants you grow to the tools you use; you can change the way you do things to make garden maintenance easier. Here are a few useful tips to consider:
Opt for lighter tools
Expert Alexandra Campbell recommends ‘Using the new generation of lighter tools. New technology means that tools can be light, but still strong.’ You can also buy tools specially made for those with mobility issues.
Table top planting and raised beds
Another option is to consider table top planting and growing plants that can be cared for at a higher level, which means less bending over. One of the most common ways older people modify their garden to suit their requirements is to have raised beds. These can obviate the need to bend, crouch and, more importantly for some, get up from a kneeling position.
Listen to your body
The key here is not to do too much. Know your limits and enjoy your hobby as and when you can manage it.
Gardening keeps you active
There is no doubt that continuing to exercise regularly as you get older offers some great benefits. It decreases the likelihood of deterioration of mind and body. It has been shown to delay the onset of many conditions, including arthritis. Some minor modifications might be required, but these need not impinge on your ability to enjoy your pastime while still being creative.
It’s no surprise that communities who are famed for living longer have gardening in common, with some individuals gardening well into their 80’s and 90’s.
What effect does gardening have on your wellbeing?
Remaining active is not the only advantage of gardening as you get older. It nourishes the mind as well as the body and has been proven to reduce stress. A Harvard study found that people surrounded by lush greenery lived longer. Did you know that simply gazing at green plants can lift your mood?
Studies have also found that those who do gardening regularly have a 36% lower risk of dementia than those who don’t. Pottering about with a trowel is wonderful for the person holding it, as well as the plants.
The feeling of connecting with nature is one that increases as the year progresses. The bulbs you plant late one year are there the following spring. You feed the plants and they feed your mind and body and, perhaps, even your soul.
It’s why many people get into gardening when they retire because it offers a new and rewarding focus. There’s something very therapeutic about growing and nurturing living things, and the creativity that goes with maintaining a beautiful backyard.
How gardening can help you meet new people
There is a community spirit between gardeners, both online and in clubs and meetings. If you prefer meeting like-minded people face to face, then most garden centres will have advice and help for those needing to either change their methods of gardening or take up the hobby in later life. Many provide classes where you can bounce ideas off people just like you, as well as provide mutual help.
Despite the image given on television of a person dallying about in a potting shed, gardening can be very social, but only if you want it to be. If you want to explore the social side of gardening, have a look to see if there are any local groups you can join.
You can also meet up with friends who share your passion and discuss gardening tactics, perhaps over coffee or whilst shopping for new plants and tools. If it’s online advice and support you’re after, Age UK has some handy resources including tips from TV experts and fellow enthusiasts.
The benefits of creating your own fresh produce
A packet of seeds is very cheap. Tend to their needs and your reward will be a blaze of colour in the spring. Or, if your enthusiasm moves you more towards vegetables, you will have the added bonus of being able to eat your own produce straight from the plants. It doesn’t get tastier than that.
Furthermore, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour knowing they’ve been grown fresh, in your garden, with no nasties or chemicals used. One of the main health benefits is the food retains more nutrients and vitamins, as it’s not been transported and stored. Plus, spending some time outdoors will ensure you get a healthy dose of vitamin D (just make sure you wear sun cream to protect your skin).
by mobilityplus | 7th Jun, 2019 | Inspiration
Grandparents often possess a great deal of knowledge and wisdom and are often considered the “wise owls” of the family. Whether they are sharing long lost stories from the past or giving advice you just cannot get anywhere else – the lessons from grandparents can be priceless.
A child-grandparent relationship can be fundamental in youth development and family life, we must do all that we can to improve healthy longevity for older generations. We’ve compiled just some of the ways that grandparents can offer so much, and what can be done to appreciate their presence long into the future.
1. Models for healthy relationships
Not only do grandparents bring purpose, optimism, and laughter into the family, but they also provide unconditional love and provide a role model figure for grandchildren – an unbreakable bond that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
From a grandchild’s perspective, a healthy relationship with a grandparent that offers intimacy and emotional support helps them to experience what a positive relationship should look like. In order to reap the benefits of having grandparents close for as long as possible, there are ways to take care of your health and well-being to ensure you live long into old age and make the most of time with your loved ones.
Encouraging a healthy relationship with a grandparent makes it easier to help each other out, particularly considering all that they’ve done for others. When we feel close, we feel comfortable asking one another for some assistance.
Asking a younger member of the family to help around the house, complete daily tasks and run errands is a great way of maintaining a lifelong relationship that gives both us and them an enormous sense of self-worth.
2. Advice-givers for new parents
Grandparents have years of life experience behind them – from being teenagers themselves to experiencing the joys and challenges of parenthood, relationships and so on. Asking older members for advice can give a new perspective, whilst also making them feel valued and appreciated.
Particularly during tough moments, grandparents can offer an extra ear or provide security for grandchildren and parents. They are vital in raising the youth of today, particularly those that are close enough to their children and grandchildren to act as an occasional carer or babysitter. This can be a great comfort for many parents as they know that they are leaving their children in capable hands and offers a trustworthy source of counsel.
3. Narrators of family history
Grandparents can be better seen as our very own personal historians. Their years of wisdom means that they are instrumental in teaching values to younger generations, instilling the heritage of different cultures and passing on the age-old tradition of storytelling.
It is important to reap the benefit of grandparents while we still can – asking them as many questions as possible, sitting, listening and reminiscing their tales of a time gone by. Children get a better understanding of who they are and where they come from, thanks to valuable connections with their grandparents.
With the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s affecting more than half a million people in the UK, spending time and inquiring about their lives works wonders for improving brain function among older members of the family.
4. Intergenerational teachers
Keeping grandparents in the loop of family affairs gives them a sense of purpose and well-being that cannot be underestimated. For grandchildren, they can be seen as a means of intergenerational learning, as they are often removed from the strain of discipline and parenting. In other words, they are fantastic stress relievers.
Having fun with grandparents can work wonders in improving a grandchild’s healthy development far into their lives. They are some of the best partners for fostering imagination and creativity – and in turn, love the role they have.
As grandparents grow older and less mobile, encouraging them to stay active does them the world of good. Whether that’s going for a morning at the local swimming pool followed by some coffee and a cake with a member of the family, or treating them to their very own walk-in bath installation at home – there are so many ways to make things easier so that we can enjoy our time together for as long as possible.
by mobilityplus | 30th Apr, 2019 | Inspiration
With the risk to your heart similar to years of smoking, isn’t it time we took more action to combat loneliness? We uncover how feeling alone can impact your health and why turning to your neighbours can help you to feel more connected.
Loneliness is an increasing problem with society today. And, it unfortunately, doesn’t get easier with age. Roughly one in five people in the UK feel lonely each day. With around one in ten adults having no close friends to talk to, it’s easy to feel isolated.
Whether you’ve moved to a new area, live alone, or your friends have passed away, feeling alone isn’t uncommon. As we get older, making new friends can seem like an impossible task. Yet, it isn’t as difficult as it may appear.
One way to make new friends and immerse yourself in your local community is to reach out to your neighbours. You’ll appreciate the opportunity to talk about your day, discover any updates in your local area, and create a comfortable safety net when you need it most. A small step outside of your comfort zone could have huge benefits for your health.
What causes loneliness?
Loneliness is a complex emotion that is unique to each individual as a direct response to feeling isolated. There isn’t one singular cause to loneliness, yet there are common factors that can trigger this unpleasantness.
How old you are, whether you live in a city or village and your overall health are contributing aspects that can influence loneliness.
As this low state of mind takes over, it can actually cause your health to get worse. Studies have shown that health problems such as heart disease and strokes can occur as a result of loneliness. With the feeling of isolation having a similar risk as smoking for heart disease, it’s time to act now.
Why can connecting with your neighbour’s help?
Moving home to a new area where you don’t know a lot of people or living alone makes it harder to connect with others during your day. Making new friends can feel next to impossible. It can be a daunting experience to join a new club or to spark a conversation with a stranger at the supermarket. Yet, the opportunity to make new friends could be easier and closer to home than you think.
Reaching out to your neighbours is just what you need. It’s a great chance to make new friends, whether it be speaking about your day or learning about the updates in your local community. And your mind will be grateful you did.
If you’re unsure on how to start the connection, why not take over a baked cake (or bought) or invite them around for a cup of tea one afternoon. They’ll appreciate you making the effort and your kind gesture will be rewarded in no time.
Your neighbours are in walking distance and are probably having the same feelings as you are. And you never know, it could spur a fluttering friendship.
What are the benefits of reaching out to your neighbours?
Connecting with your neighbours is a great first step towards building a happier and healthier life. With blossoming new friendships, you’ll have a great outlet of communication for everything that’s on your mind. And a connected society means you’ll grow a close-knit community and each help to combat loneliness.
How else can you meet new people?
Reaching out to your neighbours isn’t the only way to meet new people in your local area. You can join a sports club, start a new hobby or even sign up to an online project like the Campaign to End Loneliness.
Taking the first step is always the hardest part, but once you do, you’ll love the rewards. So, why not take a leap of faith today? Spark a conversation with your neighbours about their holiday plans, local delicacies or your hobbies. For more ways to connect with new people and give your life a renewed sense of purpose, you can read our article on a range of equipment to make your life easier here.
by mobilityplus | 21st Jan, 2019 | Inspiration
The bathroom can pose numerous challenges to anybody facing declining mobility. As one of the most dangerous rooms at home, safety is key for everyone. Discover our top tips on creating a mobility friendly bathroom by maximising your space.
Consider a wet room
Wet rooms are a sensible and safety-first option that give easy access to everyone. They are – as the name suggests – easily accessible, with entry at ground level and with no shower door or tray, they are far less hazardous obstacles to think about.
The minimalistic design, including no unwieldy enclosures, makes this an ideal choice for small rooms. It will open up your space with simplicity and security. Forget impractical features; a wet room will ensure that high-quality design is met with safety, ideal for any individuals with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.
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Discover different accessories
You don’t have to change your entire bathroom to enhance accessibility. There are accessories, from shower seats to shower systems, that will add additional safety features to your bathroom.
At Mobility Plus, there are different shower systems you can opt for – the Thermostatic Mixer Shower or the Electric Care Shower – that will conveniently enhance your bathing experience. These cleverly designed systems will give a consistent water temperature for the duration of your shower to help prevent scalding.
These accessory features are perfect for anyone with mobility issues as they encourage easy bathing and lower the risk of injury, whilst assuring independence to shower safely without the care of someone else.
Try a walk-in shower
A convenient alternative to a standard shower, a walk-in shower combines comfort and easy-access with long-lasting durability. Our range of mobility bathrooms has the added bonus of being fitted with a fold away shower seat, for added ease and safety grab rails, for practical safety. If you have mobility issues, our range of walk-in showers means a shower no longer has to be a hassle. You can bathe with support and comfort to suit your needs.
So, whether you’re looking to improve safety for less mobile individuals or to future-proof your bathroom. With our special features, it also lowers the risk of falling; making a walk-in shower the ultimate choice to instil your bathing experience with confidence.
What’s more, they are a savvy solution when looking to maximise smaller spaces: they can fit into an awkward corner to provide a better bathing experience for everyone. The practical aspect of walk-in showers allows for more passage space for mobility aids.
Updating your bathroom to suit anyone with mobility issues doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you’re looking for a long-term investment for your future, then switching to a walk-in shower, for example, could be the perfect choice for all the family. Yet, for a budget-friendly alternative, there are numerous accessory features you could include in your bathroom that require little effort and have huge benefits.
For more information on how to make your bathroom experience more comfortable, discover our guide on the best bathroom accessories to ease your bathing.
by mobilityplus | 7th Nov, 2018 | Inspiration
The UK has some of the smallest homes in Europe. Even in countries with dense populations – like the Netherlands and Germany – people tend to have more floor space than we do.
So, what does this mean for your bathroom? Well, the incentive to find space-saving solutions doubles. This is particularly true if your mobility needs have changed, or are likely to change in the future, and you need a little more room to get around.
At Mobility Plus, we’re always looking for ways to make small spaces more comfortable. Here are some of our best ideas.
Plumbing pipes
Plumbing pipe connectors can take up unnecessary space if they’re not gathered together in one place in the bathroom. They can also increase the risk of tripping.
Consult a plumber or bathroom installer to find out where your pipes are, if you’re unsure, and ask if they can be connected to create one single drainage system to save space. A small space gain may not be worth the money, but you won’t know until you ask.
Smart storage
Keeping your bathroom neat and organised will also help free up space. Tidy away towels and hair and body products by adding under sink storage or attaching a cupboard to the wall.
Or, if space is too limited for built-in storage, a simple row of hooks can make all the difference. You could even hang a couple of hanging organisers off them, storing toiletries and other small items in the pockets. These can be put on the back of the door, inside a closet or on the wall.
Walk-in showers
It may seem counterintuitive to describe a walk-in shower as space saving, but our Kendal design has just a single panel shower frame, creating more open space to dry and dress yourself in. It will also let more light into the shower. The fold-down seat can be packed away when not being used, helping the whole bathroom feel more spacious.
Essential for checking your appearance, mirrors can also help a small bathroom appear larger. They not only give the illusion of depth, but reflect both natural and artificial light, making a room brighter during the day and night. Go for an unframed, wall-to-wall mirror to maximise the effect.
Mirrors
Essential for checking your appearance, mirrors can also help a small bathroom appear larger. They not only give the illusion of depth, but reflect both natural and artificial light, making a room brighter during the day and night. Go for an unframed, wall-to-wall mirror to maximise the effect.
Walk-in baths
A walk-in bath often saves on floor space because most designs – like our Hampton Elite modern walk-in bath – are twice as high and half as long as a standard bath. This frees up room around the bath, making it even easier to get in and out.
The comfortable built-in seat makes bathing more comfortable and safe. You can also choose to add our chromotherapy light system, which promotes balance and healing, or our hydrotherapy spa system, which is known to soothe aches and pains in muscles and joints.
If your bathroom is small, we hope we’ve given you some practical ideas about how to save floor space, while creating the illusion of greater light and room. Feel free to call one of our advisers if you’d like further advice.
by mobilityplus | 27th Sep, 2018 | Inspiration
Wet rooms are a superb solution for those with mobility problems or disabilities. They offer modern style and peerless functionality, and, although they may have that million-dollar look, they are surprisingly affordable too.
However, there’s always scope to add a little something extra to your wet room. Here at Mobility Plus, we’ve compiled a list of the best plants for your bathroom.
Air plants
Air plants are perfect if you’re looking for something low-maintenance. South American in origin, they take water from the moisture in the air, making them ideally suited to the humidity and warmth of a wet room.
They’re often sold on decorative bases, such as rocks or driftwood, adding a further touch of nature, and will look beautiful on a stylish piece of bathroom furniture. However, it’s also possible to buy them in sea urchin shells.
Ferns
Photo by Greg Tockner on Unsplash
While you may associate ferns with jungles, they’re perfectly adapted to live in a humid and low-lit environment. There are various breeds available – from the dense, glossy fronds of the Dwarf Tree Fern, to the delicate, dill-like leaves of the Asparagus Fern.
Ferns require some watering, but only now and again. Hardy and lush, they’ll keep any wet room looking fresh and classy.
Eternity plant
Another serious contender in the low-maintenance stakes, eternity plants are originally from East Africa and have adapted to low-lit conditions. Their thick stalks and shiny, emerald leaves add a touch of the tropics to a wet room and have a reputation for being virtually impossible to kill.
Water yours once every couple of weeks or once the soil has run dry.
Grape ivy
Photo by Manja Benic on Unsplash
If you have high cabinets in your wet room, or a large window, grape ivy will trail and climb in spectacular fashion. Another low-maintenance plant, its only real requirement is access to light, which is why you’ll often find it draped across interior window recesses.
Grape ivy does bear small berries, which look remarkably like grapes. However, it’s worth remembering that they should never be eaten.
Pitcher plants
For something out of the ordinary, pitcher plants are for you. A tropical plant, they sport bulbous ‘pitchers’ on the end of their leaves. These are filled with a liquid that attracts flies. Once the curious insect climbs in, the hairs lining the interior of the pitcher ensure that it can’t get out and the fly is slowly ingested.
While that may sound a bit grisly, pitcher plants can be very beautiful, coming in a range of bright colours and with a variety of pitchers to choose from.
Happy in high humidity environments and without much need for light, they’re easier to maintain than you might think.
Peace lilies
Photo by Marta Pawlik on Unsplash
If you’d rather go for something with an elegant edge to it, peace lilies are the way to go. Their long, graceful stems are topped with trumpet-mouthed flowers and vibrant stamens.
They do take a little more looking after than some of the plants on this list, so you’ll need to water them regularly. However, they enjoy the humidity offered by a wet room and are not troubled by low light. If you find yours isn’t flowering, just move it closer to the window and it should pick up.
Whether you want something soft and discreet, or big and colourful, there are a range of inexpensive and comparatively easy to care for plants available. Spruce up your wet room today.
