Tri-State Mobility Blog

“In the Spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” Alfred Tennyson famously wrote these words, but the late English poet only partially captured the human response to this season.

Most everyone, it seems, wants to shake off the shackles of a long, cold winter and get out and do things — the young and not-so-young alike.

Age and mobility struggles don’t have to keep you or yours indoors when the warm sun and light breeze peek out.

Here are some ideas of how to navigate the great outdoors safely (and Tri-State Mobility can help you along the way), as spring has sprung:

Garden

This is, of course, a very broad pastime and can be tailored both to mobility and to interests. Want some fresh vegetables and fruits to improve your diet? Enjoy looking at colorful flora and the accompanying fauna? There are various approaches that can satisfy your desires.

And beyond the actual yield of the garden, building and maintaining it can provide a sense of purpose, feed independence, ease stress and boost physical strength.

It should be remembered that using a raised garden bed or pots can be beneficial in terms of keeping plants reachable for those who might struggle to bend down.

Visit a park

These are good places for human interaction, as well as a less labor-intensive way to see plants than building or maintaining a garden. Many if not most parks provide an opportunity to move around — be it on foot or on a scooter or power chair, and we carry products specifically designed for outdoor use.

It’s been scientifically proven that being outdoors in good weather improves mood and relaxes the mind.

Spring cleaning

Tidying your living space is another method proven to decrease stress and improve mood. In addition to the obvious tangible benefits, this simple act of taking responsibility for one’s property and belongings fuels a sense of independence.

If you live in a multi-story home or work in a multi-level place of business, our line of stairlifts can safely help you navigate the building well enough to clean it.

Fish

Find a pond, lake or stream with easy access from a vehicle — the Tri-State Area is loaded with them — and, sure, try to catch a fish, but more importantly, enjoy being outside, breathing fresh air and the company of whomever you may choose to accompany you.

Pack a lunch

Picnicking is a great idea for one simple reason: food tastes better outside! This can, of course, be incorporated along with earlier suggestions such as going to the park or fishing. Make sure you avoid ants and bears and don’t feed the squirrels, and you’ll be in good shape.

This is only a starting list of ideas. The important concept here is to enjoy being outside — it’s good for your physical and mental health, and just plain fun.