7 Activities To Do At Home On Your Own

A window with cream curtains.

During this uncertain time of lockdown, some of us may find ourselves at a loose end when spending so much time at home. If you live on your own, it can feel daunting knowing that there is a limit on how and who you can currently spend your time with outside your home.

Here at Essential Mobility, it is our mission to keep people moving with the world. Whether it be out and about in one of our TGA mobility scooters or at home safely looking for advice to support your wellbeing, we are here for you!

We know that this blog is far from a solution, and things can still feel difficult given current circumstances. However, we hope our list of fun activities will be something for you to refer back to and bring you some joy over the next few weeks!

The Importance of a Routine

Let’s begin with why maintaining some form of routine is hugely beneficial for you.

Ensuring you have some steady schedule of when you wake up and go to bed each day can work wonders for your body clock.

Try to make sure you schedule regular times to eat throughout the day, keep on top of any admin duties that may need to be completed throughout the week and of course, dedicate time for fun!

A cup of tea and slice of chocolate cake.

Have Afternoon Tea With a Friend

Make your usual cup of tea a little more special!

Firstly, arrange a suitable time to video call a friend or a loved one and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea together!

Treat yourself to a delicious sweet treat such as a yummy cake and make a cup of tea in your best crockery.

If it’s sunny and your internet works outside, why not take it even one step further and sit in your garden! Bring Tea By the Taw to your own home!

As you may already know, if you have a Facebook account, you can use messenger to video call your friends and family, as well as other methods such as Skype and FaceTime too.

Watch a Live Video

If you have access to the internet, there are many live stream videos happening across the world at the moment.

From live concerts to sneak peeks of zoos, and tours of national parks to the browsing of art galleries, there are so many incredible experiences you can immerse yourself in all from the comfort of your own living room!

Similar to the afternoon tea idea, a why not organise a ‘trip’ to the theatre with a friend? Many theatre companies are streaming some of their most loved theatre shows on YouTube for us all to enjoy, including The National Theatre.

Make sure to have a glass of wine for you to sip while you watch with your friend over a video call!

A microphone with a computer in the background.

Listen to Some Podcasts

If you like the radio, you may be interested in exploring the world of podcasts.

Podcasts are usually pre-recorded audio shows, and you can find them on sites including Spotify, BBC Sounds and iTunes. There are a whole host of podcasts out there that cover a variety of topics. Some are informative, some are humouring, and some offer advice! So there is something for all interests and moods.

Think about something you would like to know more about and search for a subject or try and find something that makes you laugh. Podcasts are a great way to keep you up to date and connected with the rest of the world.

Organise Your Happy Memories

No doubt, you have plenty of photos throughout your house. Why not collect them and organise them by smartening up your photo albums. It is a lovely way to spend some time reminiscing while being productive. You could even write on the back of them who is in the picture, where it was taken and the year if you can remember.

A sketch pad and some paints on a wooden table.

Find Some Old Creative Hobbies

When was the last time you picked up your paints to create a beautiful landscape? Or perhaps baking, woodcraft, puzzles, crochet, knitting, or needlework used to be a peaceful and creative hobby you used to enjoy?

Whatever it may be, why not revisit it? Furthermore, maybe you would like to brighten your home? What kind of artwork could you create? Or cushion covers you could sew? Perhaps there is something you would like to make ready to give to a friend or loved one the next time you see them? It’s time to start creating!

Or Try a New One

Or maybe you would like to try something entirely from scratch! Why not set up a little challenge for you to try to accomplish by the end of the month, or whatever time frame would be suitable, in whatever activity you would like to give a go!

If you are unsure of how to order something to complete your new hobby, you could perhaps ask a friend or family member to order it for you and deliver to your door.

Don’t Forget To Do Some Gentle Exercises

Keep on top of any small exercises that you have been recommended to do! Short exercises are so important in keeping muscles and joints functioning. Try to give them time for completion each day and schedule them into your routine, so you don’t forget.

Do you have any fun activities that you would like to recommend? Why not let us know on our social media channels? We would love to hear about them, and so would our followers! For some inspiration on where to go after lockdown, why not take a look at our top pick of the best wheelchair-friendly attractions in the South-West?

The Best Wheelchair-Friendly Attractions in the South West

The South West of the UK is home to beautiful scenery, craggy moors and spectacular coastlines. It is also home to a variety of accessible attractions that offer experience, education and fun. So, pack up your TGA folding mobility scooter into the car and head out on a drive to one of these great, wheelchair-friendly attractions that are perfect for all the family:

Loggerhead turtle comes up to glass in aquarium at wheelchair friendly attraction.

 

Continue reading “The Best Wheelchair-Friendly Attractions in the South West” »

Driving with a Disability – How Cars can be Adapted to Help you

While our all-terrain mobility scooters are great for getting people out and about for shorter distances, being able to drive when you have a disability also makes a huge difference in your life. Having a disability does not mean you are unable to drive; in fact, staying on the road is an essential factor in maintaining independence. With this in mind, you may want to consider a specially adapted vehicle to suit your needs.

disabled person parking bay sign

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6 Tips to Help Keep Your Brain Healthy in Later Life

Even if our bodies need assistance with walking sticks or high-quality mobility scooters, our brains have the capacity to strengthen and we can reduce the signs of ageing. Neuroplasticity is our brain’s ability to develop with new learning and experiences; throughout our lifetime, our mind will continue to go through this development process.

There are a lot of negative associations with ageing and many people feel a need to reduce the symptoms as well as pressure to stay fitter and healthier for longer. However, age should be something to be celebrated and appreciated, as with it comes a greater knowledge and outlook on life.

In this blog, we take a look at some simple ways to care for your brain to help keep it fresh and ready to learn new things.

two men standing and talking with bike

Ageing

Cognitive ageing refers to the developments and changes in our cognitive abilities as we age, and this varies from person to person. However, as we develop from infancy to adulthood, our bodies and mind go through a multitude of changes, which are usually embraced when we are younger.

Getting older, we can expect several differences in the way our brains work. Common changes include slower processing speed and reduced abilities in our working memory which can cause issues.

It is established in current society that poor memory is just part and parcel of getting old; however, this could be detrimental shared viewpoint to have as it discourages people from investigating the changes in their cognition. With such focus on the negative changes age brings to our mind the positive ones are often overlooked.

An Older Brain is Different

As we get older, our level of wisdom and knowledge increases, with our knowledge becoming useful in late adulthood. It has also been shown that as we age, our levels of happiness can peak as our capacity for appreciations and happiness increase, while stress and anxiety will tend to decrease.

Try Something New

Older adults who participate in new learning experiences are shown to be healthy ones, as this strengthens cognitive abilities. Healthier, older individuals all tend to share the same characteristics which include high energy and activity levels, regular exercise, balanced diet, lower cases of chronic medical conditions, have regular check-ups and a pleasant and diverse social life.

man drawing a heart in the sand

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can have a significant number of benefits for you, including the release of endorphins that improve mood and studies have shown that moderate physical activity can improve your cognitive abilities.
Exercise guides and plans can help you organise the best route for you and your needs.

For some accessible activities in and around North Devon, take a look at 2020 Activities for Seniors.

Reducing Risks

Reducing the risk of diseases is a great way to manage your health as you get older. Exercising regularly, as advised by your doctor, and eating a healthy, balanced diet can be some of the most effective ways to manage your health. Other techniques include managing stress, regular engagement in activities that boost your mood, meditation and practising a positive outlook.

Reviewing Your Health

Self-managing your health can be an effective way of managing a healthy mind. Understanding how your physical health may affect your brain can be the first steps to preventing damaging ageing processes.

Eating Brain Foods

Similarly, it is important to care for yourself when it comes to diet. Did you know certain foods can help to improve mental tasks, including concentration and memory? Try and include some of these foods into your regular diet:
· Fatty Fish
· Blueberries
· Broccoli
· Pumpkin seeds
· Eggs

Maintaining a Good Social Life

Maintaining a good social life in older age can be an effective way to keep your mind healthy and happy. Joining a club that relates to a hobby or passion can be a great way to learn something while making new friends.

Spending time together can help to combat loneliness

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep helps our brains recover after the day and can promote overall wellbeing. The amount of time we need to sleep fluctuates depending on age, and according to sleepeducation.org, older adults should be aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

It is clear to see that a few simple lifestyle choices can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing as you age. Remember that a little self-care can go a long way.

 

 

5 Places for a Disabled Activity Break in the UK

If you require a fun getaway and want to experience some new activities, treating yourself to an adventure break may be the ideal holiday for you. As providers of high-quality mobility scooters in North Devon, we know how important it is to have the accessibility to an adventure! Here at Essential Mobility, we have selected a variety of accessible sites across the country which are specifically aimed to offer activity holidays for those who have disabilities. If you would like some handy tips on travel, take a look at our blog on Travel Advice for the Disabled.

Exmoor pony in a field.

The Calvert Trust

The Calvert Trust is an exceptional charity who specialise in providing accessible, adventure holidays for everyone to enjoy. There are three centres in total, and these are situated across England in Exmoor, Kielder and the Lake District. The accessible sites each offer a range of activities specialised to each centre and include experiences such as abseiling, kayaking, cycling and horse riding. Here at Essential Mobility, we are proud to know that Calvert Trust Exmoor is located not far from our Barnstaple store. Located close to the stunning North Devon coastline, a more recent addition to the list of activities, Calvert Trust Exmoor now provides one to one surfing lessons which make for an exciting adventure break!

Swans grazing at the edge of water.

CanalAbility

This award-winning charity offers exciting activity breaks for those who would like to experience life on a canal. They host adapted canal boats which can be used by those who have disabilities or special needs. The canal breaks can be enjoyed as a full day out or as a weekend getaway. Situated in Essex, the charity offers journeys through the beautiful countryside belonging to Essex and Hertfordshire along the River Stort and Lee. Adventure trips allow you to steer the canal boat and you can try your hand at managing the locks. Longer breaks will enable you to experience the city of London through the Grand Union Canal. Fully equipped to meet requirements necessary for passengers, the boats are fully centrally heated to deliver fantastic adventures all year round.

East Soar Outdoor Experience

This accessible site can be found in South Devon, nestled amongst a charming National Trust farm, close to the well sought after coastal town of Salcombe. It is home to a variety of activities which offer the opportunity to team build. Whether you would like to make the most of the stunning nearby beaches, have a go at bushcraft, test yourself with problem-solving challenges or cook up a feast with outdoor cooking, there are plenty of options to choose. It is mainly aimed to provide outdoor activities for children with educational needs but can also be accessed by mainstream groups. The accessible site stretches across seven and a half acres of glorious countryside and farmland.

Close up on the deck of a white yacht.

The Nancy Oldfield Trust

Their motto is ‘making adventure possible’, with a stunning site located in the idyllic village of Neatishead on Barton Broad, at The Nancy Oldfield Trust, you will want to indulge in the all the water activities offered here. The site specialises in water based activities including sailing, canoeing and motorboat trips. The motorboat trips soar across the Barton Broad, offering a sense of tranquillity amongst the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the area. Available for holidays over a week or a couple of days, this accessible site is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Woodlands Adventure

Located in the West Midlands, Woodlands Adventure is geared to bringing groups of people together through fun and life-enhancing activities. Whether you belong to a university social group, want to organise a school trip or require a bonding experience for work purposes, this adventure break is the perfect place to make memories and try new experiences. On hand to ensure any necessary requirements are met, Woodlands Adventure is equipped with hoist and slide boards to ensure all guests can have a go at a desired activity and staff are fully trained to support all guests. Popular experiences at this accessible site include paddle sports, a climbing wall and abseiling.

Have you experienced a memorable holiday in the UK? Do you have any suggestions for accessible sites in the UK? We would love to hear about them! Share your experiences with us via our social media channels- we look forward to hearing from you.

Five 2020 Activities for Seniors in North Devon

As the New Year begins and the inspiration of New Year’s resolutions surround us, the urge to try new things and meet more people may feel more motivational. Here at Essential Mobility, we are dedicated to providing high-quality mobility scooters and know how important it is to get out there and feel a sense of freedom. Our stores in Barnstaple and Bideford are surrounded by an array of activities for senior citizens to enjoy, and the year 2020 is no exception! We have found some of the most social and influential experiences for you to try this year! Whether you would like to complete more exercise, get creative or learn a new skill, there is something for everyone to try! For some inspirational places to visit in the area, please take a look at our blog on 6 of the Best Wheelchair-friendly Routes in North Devon.

Tea and IT

These educational sessions are a product of the fantastic support by Age UK. If you are curious about the world of technology and would like to educate yourself on the subject, two-hour sessions are provided every Thursday at the Bideford Library from 2:00 pm. The group sessions require a donation of £3 per person. If you think you would benefit from one to one sessions, these are available and cost £7 per hour, by request. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, you can contact Trish Warren by phoning 0333 241 2340 or email p.warren@ageukdevon.co.uk.

Cup of coffee and reading glasses on wooden table.

Seated Vitality

Another session put in place by the inspirational charity Age UK, Seated Vitality is, as you’ve guessed, a form of exercise which requires you to stay seated! It is a steady form of exercise which encourages mobility without too much strain and pressure on joints. These exercise sessions can be found at Barnstaple Social Club. The sessions will begin on Wednesday 8th January and continue for a total of four weeks. Get down there at 11:30 and feel rejuvenated after an hour of exercise! Each class costs £5 per person. For more information, please phone 0333 241 2340 or email info@ageukdevon.co.uk.

Stained Glass Workshop

Based in Bideford, these classes in the art of stained glass are a lovely opportunity to try your hand at creativity and to try something new. The workshops consist of designing your own stained glass and choosing driftwood to accompany your beautiful design. You will practise:
• Glass cutting
• Grinding
• Foiling
• Soldering
The stained glass painting workshops are currently available throughout January until April 2020 and cost £55 per class. For more information and details about session times, please ring 07761998651.

A white vase full of paintbrushes.

VE Festival

Get your dancing shoes on and head to the streets for a friendly and welcoming celebration! The festival runs from 9th until 10th May and has been created by the wonderful Veterans Charity as a way to remember the guns falling silent when the war in Europe ended 75 years ago. The occasion is a free celebration and is a fabulous way to meet up with friends and family in the area. Feel alive with live music and enjoy a lively street party of dancing and remembrance.

The Square Dance is an event which is a part of the festival and is situated in the Town Square of Barnstaple. It is a forties themed occasion, be sure to get involved!

Snowdrop Weekend

The RHS Garden Rosemoor is hosting a Snowdrop Weekend at their stunning location in Great Torrington on the weekend of 1st February. A beautifully blossoming display of springs earliest offerings, this makes for a peaceful and refreshing day out. Make sure to visit the Lecture Hall and see the Desirable Plants nursery, Cottage Plants and Triffids Nursery to indulge in some unique displays from 10 am to 3 pm. Make the most of the outing and enjoy a guided walk from 11:30 am where you can learn about the snowdrops and the many other early bloomers! Dr Julian Sutton is offering an illustrated talk at the Small Garden Room on both days, which explores ‘Snowdrops in Context’. If you’re an RHS member, the visit is free of charge! For those who are not, it’s £11.80 for adults and for children aged five to 16 it’s £5.90 per ticket.

Close up of a snowdrop flower.

With so much activity in 2020, make sure you can get around with ease. Here at Essential Mobility, we are dedicated to providing mobility scooters to suit a variety of needs. For those who require more transferability, our TGA folding mobility scooters may be the perfect solution. If you know of any fun activities for 2020, please let us know on our social media channels. We would love to hear about them!

Car Adaptions for the Disabled

Living with a disability can make some activities more difficult than others and that can certainly be said for driving. However, getting from A to B with ease is imperative for the disabled and can play a major role in establishing independence. Here at Essential Mobility, we understand the importance of those living with disabilities to be as independent as possible and provide a diverse range of all-terrain mobility scooters to ensure just that, but for those embarking upon slightly longer journeys, car adaptions will enable you to drive with confidence. We’ve put together a list of just five fantastic car adaptions that are designed to deliver a seamless solution for those that need extra assistance when driving.

Man drives car with lower body driving aids

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Accessible Tarka Trail Highlights

Last Bridge To Bideford

CC by Andrew (Last Bridge To Bideford)

The Tarka Trail is a beautiful walking and cycling route spanning North and West Devon, as well as Torridge. The trail is one of the most extensive dedicated walking and cycling paths in the country and has an array of highlights along the route. This blog will explore some of those attractions that are wheelchair-accessible, and will hopefully encourage you to visit some of them for yourself.

Most people think of the Tarka Trail as only consisting of the 30-mile stretch between Braunton and Meeth. However, the full Tarka Trail is actually a figure of eight around Devon, reaching from Bideford to Exmoor, and from Exmoor to the tip of Dartmoor. In total, the trail is over 160 miles in length, with many attractions along the way. This blog will include the extended 160-mile trail’s attractions.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Sense of Freedom as a Wheelchair User

The determination and independence of Paralympic athletes is something to be admired. It can be challenging to know where to start in gaining a fully independent life or even know where to find the right information on getting started. We have put together some ideas on ways to achieve more independence and ultimately give you a new sense of freedom.

Disability symbol on a parking space

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