A walk in the woods recommended for older people

The Forestry Commission Wales has suggested that outdoor walks could benefit older people both mentally and physically. Just a nice simple walk in the woods could do the trick in holding back the years and safeguarding health of over 60s.

A five-week pilot scheme has been initiated by the Commission, which promises to recommend doctors to prescribe lots of outdoor exercise for older people.

The Commission's policy and programme advisor Richard Davies said that outdoor exercise led to greater mobility, reduced incidences of falls due to old age and reductions in occurrences of some cancers.

Mr Davies said:"Currently, health professionals tend to refer people to indoor activities, such as gyms, rather than to the outdoors."

He added that this was due to a lack of awareness of the benefits that outdoor walking especially in woodland can bring.

Recently, it was found that people with Alzheimer's would benefit from walking at least five miles daily as this would slow progression of the condition. A research study conducted by scientists from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania found that walking just six miles per week can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's in the first place.

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