Did you know that spending 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with improved wellbeing?
From lowering stress and anxiety to boosting your physical health, there are many reasons to spend more time outdoors.
At Humfree, we’re here to help you get out of the everyday – whether that’s nipping to the shops, exploring the great outdoors, or simply spending time in your garden.
Read on to discover the many benefits of getting outside and how a mobility scooter can help you make the most of every outing.
Key takeaways:
- Spending time outdoors can help improve your mood, reduce stress, and even encourage social connection.
- A mobility scooter can help you stay independent and give you the confidence to get outdoors.
- Even short trips outside can make a real difference to your wellbeing.
The health benefits of getting outdoors
Exposure to natural light
Did you know 1 in 6 adults has low levels of vitamin D?
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and weakened bones. As you age, it can get harder for the body to produce enough vitamin D naturally, making getting outside more important than ever.
Less anxiety & stress
Stepping outside for just 15 minutes can measurably lower cortisol and adrenaline. Spending time in nature is also calming, helping to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.
Improved mood
Know that dopamine hit you get scrolling on social media? Well, you can get the same feel-good boost by simply going outside.
Unlike social media, spending time outdoors can help calm the mind, encouraging you to be present and mindful – making it easier to cope with whatever life throws your way.
Social connection
Spending time with your loved ones is what’s life’s all about. Talking on WhatsApp or over Zoom just isn’t the same as spending quality time in real life.
Getting out more also gives you the chance to make new connections. Take a class or join a group about something you’re passionate about and meet like-minded people.
Better still, make it creative. Recent research from University College London shows that taking up arty hobbies can help slow down ageing.
Better sleep
Struggling to get your forty winks? Getting a little more daylight can help with your circadian rhythm (aka your internal body clock), making falling asleep as easy as riding one of our scooters.
How mobility scooters can help you stay independent
At Humfree, we believe life is for thriving, not just surviving. A mobility scooter isn’t just about getting from A to B – it can make plans feel easier and more enjoyable.
This is how:
- Go further with confidence: You can do more and travel longer, as using a mobility scooter is easier than you think.
- Make everyday tasks easier: Because popping out to the shops doesn’t need to be a big deal.
- Reduce the need to ask for help: A mobility scooter doesn’t need anyone to push or steer it, reducing the need to rely on friends or family for lifts.
- Enjoy spontaneous plans: Don’t think twice when a friend asks you out for a coffee – life’s all about saying ‘yes.’
Easy ways to get outside more often
Going outdoors doesn’t have to be a big commitment. You don’t need to spend hours’outside or make elaborate plans to feel the benefits.
Here are a few simple ideas that might make spending time outdoors a little easier:
- Taking a stroll through your local park.
- Grabbing lunch or coffee with a friend.
- Browsing a local market.
- Attending community events and workshops.
- Sitting in your garden.
Once you feel more confident in getting out and about, why not plan a day out? There are more accessible attractions than you might think.
Tips for getting out comfortably with your mobility scooter
- It may sound obvious, but make sure your scooter is fully charged. Having trouble with your battery? Click here for our top tips.
- Something not feeling right? If your scooter is feeling wobbly or making unusual noises, get it serviced as soon as possible.
- Check the distance you’ll be travelling and make sure it’s within your scooter’s range.
- Plan your route before setting off. Google Street View is your friend – check to see whether the roads or pavements look scooter-friendly.
- Take regular breaks when needed. It’s perfectly OK to take it slowly if you need too.
Choosing the right mobility scooter for getting around
A mobility scooter is great if you need a little help when you’re out and about. But make sure you choose the right one for your plans.
If you want to get around as easily as possible, here are a few things to consider:
Outdoor use
Is your scooter suitable for use outside? And how well does it perform on uneven terrain?
Driving outside shouldn’t be a challenge. So, look for a model designed for the outdoors with handy puncture-proof tyres and rear suspension, just like our Humfree Fold.
Driving range
No one ever wants to be stranded with a flat battery… If you’re planning a longer trip out, make sure your scooter has enough range to get you there and back.
Our models go up to an impressive 9 miles – more than enough for a full day out.
Storage
Hands up if you’ve gone out to the shops and come back with more than you planned? We’ve all been there.
Luckily, every Humfree scooter comes with a handy front basket that’s big enough for your spontaneous purchases and travel essentials.
Portability
A portable scooter gives you the freedom to move on your own terms. Whether it folds up like a concertina, like the Carbon, or breaks apart into ultra-light pieces, like the Five, it makes getting there easier – so you can focus on wherever you end up.
Let Humfree get you moving
Staying active and independent is easy when you’ve got the confidence. That’s why our scooters are lightweight, portable, and simple to use – as nothing should stop you from getting out and about.
