Whilst on my rural prac this year I had the task of running a exercise class for a group of over 60 year olds each Tuesday morning. The exercise class consisted of exercises including balance work, general stretching and flexibility and also some very lite cardio work (really walking and air punches was about the most we did), and due to the fact that it was a small town there were only about 8 or so participants. The class was run at a recreation centre in a freezing dark gymnasium and would generally go for 45 minutes to an hour.
Whilst on my prac it generally rained most days or was overcast, so the gym was the safest bet. On my last week however the Tuesday was sunny and quite warm, so whilst on the way to the recreation centre with my supervisor I suggested almost in jest, not expecting anything to come of it, that we hold the class outside today. My supervisor thought this was a great idea (I think he was kicking himself he hadn't thought of it) and proceeded to open a sliding door which led to a basketball court which had the full sun.
The usual activities were completed, but following the class you could see how much difference doing it in the sun had made, they all seemed a lot more chirpier and couldn't stop thanking us for having the class outside.
SO FROM THIS EXPERIENCE I LEARNT THAT ALTHOUGH SOMETHING AS TRIVIAL TO US AS YOUNG GO GETTER'S AS DOING SOMETHING OUTSIDE, FOR THE PEOPLE WHO PERHAPS AREN'T ALWAYS ABLE TO DO THINGS OUTSIDE IT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE AND IT WAS REWARDING FOR THEM AND FOR US AS YOU COULD SEE HOW MUCH ENJOYMENT THAT THEY GOT OUT OF IT.
2 comments:
The sun and fresh air makes the elderly or others that have been in hospital for a while feel much better as well. Fortunately, many of the hospitals in perth and semi rural have great courtyards where pts can be taken. I've found ending a treatment session on walking/wheeled around the courtyard outside very rewarding for the patients emotions, and it also leads to rapport building as conversations can usually be made regarding gardening etc.
I know myself that I would prefer to complete exercise outside and I think that is carried on through the elderly population especially when a majority of them stay indoors.
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