By nurse Anette Kjær Seidler, Seidlerprivatecare.dk
Staying active is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, no matter our age. A simple walk outdoors can do wonders for anyone and is one of the top activities people associate with a good quality of life.
Quality of life is about more than being free from serious illness—it's also about enjoying life's simple pleasures, like walking in nature. Research shows that time in nature stimulates our senses, lifts the spirit, and actively reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels. When we spend time outside, we experience a sense of belonging to the natural world—a feeling that brings calm and helps us regain balance.
The healing effect of nature for conditions like stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, and more is gaining increasing recognition. Both young and older adults may need support in regaining strength and mobility after an injury, surgery, or hospital stay. During rehabilitation, assistive devices of various kinds can be invaluable, whether needed briefly or for a longer period.
A Real-Life Example:
As a private nurse, I visited Ida (not her real name), who was struggling to walk after a hip operation. My goal was to help her recover and rebuild her independence. Ida lives in a lovely natural setting, which she once enjoyed regularly. She had great difficulty walking and needed a walker to move around her apartment—her gait showed that much rehabilitation was still needed. During our first discussion about her recovery, Ida seemed very doubtful; she couldn't believe she'd be able to walk safely outdoors on her own again. She was clearly anxious at the idea of being independent once more.
She told me during our initial meeting that she hadn't left her apartment in over three months—partly because walking was so difficult and also due to a lack of social network. Knowing how crucial it is for wellbeing to get out in nature and be among others, I arranged for a rental wheelchair the same day. I helped Ida dress warmly, and together we went out to enjoy the beautiful landscape around her home. Tears streamed down Ida's cheeks—not from the weather, but from the joy of once again feeling the breeze in her hair, hearing the ducks by the lake, leaves rustling overhead, the scent of the earth, and children laughing on the playground. After this outing, Ida's outlook on rehabilitation improved dramatically. She lit up when we talked about being able to go outside again on her own.
Today, Ida is well on her way—her wheelchair has been returned, and she enjoys daily outings with her walker, her renewed strength, and the beautiful nature all around her.
