TGA to launch new Breeze scooters at Naidex
TGA will be unveiling new additions to its award-wining Breeze mobility scooter range at Naidex 2025 – 19-20th March, NEC, Stand C170. For over 35 years, TGA has specialised in high quality mobility products that not just help people live better, but thrive. It remains a leader in design and service. On its stand at Naidex this reputation will be underlined once more with several new Breeze S and Midi scooters being available to see for the first time. These will include: Fit for the countryside, the Breeze X has been developed thanks to TGA partnering with the National Trust, National Parks and Forestry England. Finished in a stunning Matt Metallic Green, the Breeze X will now make locations owned by these organisations more accessible and enjoyable for all. This latest model builds on the respected Breeze heritage which includes two world record challenges, BBC Top Gear exposure and winning the international Red Dot design award. In addition to these new Breeze models, TGA will be unveiling new seating systems for the WHILL C2 Powerchair which provide greater personal adjustability and support. Recently launched and established products will also be on the TGA stand. This extensive range will include the innovative WHILL R mobility scooter. WHILL R has the same design, performance and technology the WHILL powerchairs are known for, in a smart scooter package available in 3- or 4-wheel versions. It has zero turn technology, active suspension and quickly dismantles for the boot. Perfect for public transport as well, the WHILL R provides an all-round better compact scooter experience. Every TGA scooter, powerchair, wheelchair and wheelchair powerpack will be available for test drives on the Naidex mobility track. Plus, TGA’s new range of rise and recline chairs, walking aids and rollators will be available to see and try.
Surewise Calls For Mobility Scooter Users to be Included In the Highway Code
Surewise are calling for the urgent addition of mobility scooter users to the Highway Code alongside other vulnerable road users, following alarming new data showing that fatalities among mobility scooter users in 2023 nearly doubled compared to the previous year. Department for Transport (DfT) road casualty data has revealed that 16 mobility scooter users were killed in collisions on the UK’s roads in 2023, up from nine fatalities in 2022. In January 2022, the Highway Code was updated to introduce a “Hierarchy of Road Users,” which assigns greater responsibility to those who can cause the most harm, such as heavy goods vehicles, while prioritising the safety of pedestrians. Despite their vulnerability, mobility scooter users remain absent from the hierarchy, leaving a critical gap in protection for these users. The Safer Mobility Campaign In response to the rising number of fatalities, mobility scooter insurance intermediary, Surewise, launched its ‘Safer Mobility’ campaign in 2024 to raise awareness about mobility scooter user safety. The campaign has since been supported by numerous UK police forces, local authorities and Nottingham Trent University. Richard Hannan, Director of Surewise, which has insured more than 130,000 mobility scooters, said: “Mobility scooter users are among the most vulnerable people on our roads, yet their unique needs are often overlooked. The fact that their exclusion from the Highway Code persists while fatalities rise is simply unacceptable. Their safety and prioritisation must be reflected in road safety policies.” Campaigners are also frustrated by the outdated terminology used in legislation to describe mobility scooters. The law continues to refer to them as “invalid carriages,” a term widely regarded as inaccurate and out-of-date. Mr Hannan continued: “This archaic term not only fails to reflect the reality of modern mobility aids but also perpetuates confusion and misunderstanding about their proper use and rights on pavements and roads. Such language undermines efforts to raise awareness and improve safety for mobility scooter users.” DfT road casualty data revealed that reported mobility scooter user injuries decreased from 270 in 2022 to 247 in 2023, but this reduction should not be interpreted as a positive trend. The decline may be due to underreporting or inconsistencies in how incidents are recorded, rather than reflecting an actual decrease in harm. Mobility scooter users – primarily elderly and disabled individuals – are among the most vulnerable road users. Many may be reluctant to report incidents, making it difficult to gain a full and accurate picture of the risks they face. Mr Hannan added: “Even minor collisions can have a profound psychological impact on mobility scooter users. For some, these experiences deter them from ever venturing out again, cutting off access to their scooter, which serves as a vital lifeline for independence and social connection. This highlights the urgent need for greater protections and awareness to ensure their safety and confidence on our roads.” Further research by Surewise highlighted the following: The Role of Research and Expert Opinion Professor Duncan Guest, a Cognitive Psychology expert at Nottingham Trent University, led a two-year study into how mobility scooter users perceive road hazards. Prof Guest said: “The significant rise in fatalities and serious injuries involving mobility scooter users underscores the urgent need for their inclusion in the Highway Code. These users face unique challenges navigating pavements and roads, often contending with inadequate infrastructure, poor driver awareness and a lack of clear guidance. By including mobility scooter users in the ‘Hierarchy of Road Users,’ we can ensure their vulnerabilities are recognised and that road safety measures are designed to protect them. Addressing this policy gap is essential to prevent further tragedies and support safer mobility for all.” Contributory Factors to Mobility Scooter Casualties Further research by Surewise reveals that in 2023, 23% of mobility scooter-related road deaths and injuries were caused by the driver or rider failing to look properly. Other key contributory factors included careless or hurried behaviour (9%), failure to judge another road user’s speed (8%), loss of control (7%) and poor manoeuvres (6%).
National Autistic Society school uses AI software to enhance students’ learning
Autistic students at Sybil Elgar School are paving the way for more accessible computing with AI software. Autistic students at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School are among the first in the country to use innovative, bespoke touchless-computing with AI software (artificial intelligence), to aid development and enrich their education experience. The school has partnered with world-renowned University College London (UCL) Computer Science and MotionInput Games to demonstrate that touchless-computing, with just a laptop, webcam and physical gestures, can enhance learning and make computing more accessible for autistic people. Sybil Elgar School, an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rated specialist school in West London, has been supporting autistic children and young people for almost 60 years. Teaching and onsite therapy teams work together to provide a personalised approach to education for autistic children and young people from the ages of four-and-a-half to 22-years-old. The school focuses on creative development and independent life skills to educate every child and help them grow in confidence and independence. This ground-breaking technology allows autistic students and those with higher mobility needs to learn and develop through play, without having to use expensive specialist equipment. Marius Byleveld, Accessibility and Innovation Coordinator at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School, said: “It’s an exciting time for our students at Sybil Elgar School. They are using cutting-edge technology which is enhancing their education and personal development. “We want this project to push boundaries in inclusive approaches for autistic people so they can gain greater access to latest technology. “We’d like to thank UCL Computer Science students and MotionInput Games for their creativity and ongoing support. The transformative tools they are creating are not only benefiting our autistic young people but will help create a society that works for all autistic people.” UCL Computer Science is home to some of the world’s most influential and creative researchers in the field of computer science. A team of Master’s students has steered the development of the touchless computing game ‘Superhero Sportsday’, which is currently being tested by autistic pupils at Sybil Elgar School. The technology is possible because of AI software, computer vision and machine learning. The software recognises a user’s body parts and how their gestures or expressions relate to actions during gameplay. Professor Dean Mohamedally of UCL Computer Science and CEO of MotionInput Games, said: “It was incredibly heart-warming to see the pupils having so much fun with our games. They proved so intuitive for them to play. Congratulations to the MSc UCL Computer Science students who built Superhero Sportsday, with the MotionInput Games team, in just three months!” Superhero Sportsday is set on the island of Mauritius. Children can interact with the game through movement, whilst completing various sporting stages. You can see a video of the gameplay on YouTube. Tess Steventon, Occupational Therapist at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School, said: “Our Occupational Therapy team is working directly with UCL to tailor games to our students’ unique needs. Superhero Sportsday has proved hugely popular with our autistic young people. “The games encourage pupils to develop their motor skills whilst having fun and experiencing a sense of achievement. A mix of relaxing and active games help with self-regulation and our students also enjoy watching and encouraging their friends play while they wait their turn.” Sybil Elgar School’s innovative technology partnerships were set up following a charitable donation from the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London, a trade association formed in London in 1349. The support laid the foundation for exploring the use of innovative technology in school. In addition to touchless-computing, students have been practicing life-enhancing skills with immersive VR headsets which provide six degrees of freedom (6DoF) movement; and using motion tracking Senso gloves with haptic feedback to help develop gross motor, sequencing, and academic skills. Jack, a student at the National Autistic Society’s Sybil Elgar School, said: “Using MotionInput games and VR is really fun, interesting and clever because it gives me a chance to talk and get work experience. I am also able to exercise and stretch. My favourite games to play are kayaking and wind surfing. I also think VR has great potential for autistic people like me.” More exciting projects and collaborations are in the pipeline for 2025. Sybil Elgar School, along with another National Autistic Society school, Helen Allison School, is currently co-supervising nine new projects with UCL and MotionInput Games, including: • A winter version of ‘Superhero Sportsday’• An augmented reality (AR) reading application• A Makaton learning game Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine today and keep up-to-date with all the latest on accessible and independent living.
Career opportunities in 3D graphics and gaming for disabled developers
New inclusive technology developed by BCU to transform career opportunities in 3D graphics and gaming for disabled developers Disabled developers will be able to use voice control and other innovations to take full advantage of employment opportunities in the 3D graphics and gaming industry thanks to technology developed by Birmingham City University (BCU). With the assistance of an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games, the University has created software that aims to help people with physical impairments launch and progress careers in the sector. The project is led by Dr Chris Creed, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction, and Dr Carlo Harvey, Professor in the College of Computing at BCU. Professor Creed said: “Disabled users are often excluded from careers within 3D design and development because they can experience significant challenges in using traditional devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stylus, or touch. “Unfortunately, software developers often aren’t aware of these challenges or may not see accessibility as a priority due to competing demands. “So rather than considering all audience needs from the start, there can be a tendency to bolt accessibility features on afterwards. Not only can this give disabled users a bad experience, it’s also morally wrong.” The software will be made freely available to all Unreal Engine users in the first half of 2025. According to disability charity Scope, there are 16 million disabled people in the UK, 23% of whom are working age. The disability employment gap is a staggering 29% – with just 53% of disabled people in employment compared with 82% non-disabled people. “Accessibility challenges within software and across the web has created a digital divide,” added Professor Creed, who leads BCU’s Human-Computer Interaction research group. “With the support from the Epic MegaGrant, we’re beginning to bridge this divide by creating inclusive technology that will provide opportunities to address the disability employment gap moving forward. “If we don’t act now, the people who could benefit most from technology will continue to be excluded and have their opportunities limited, both in their careers and personal lives.” Dr Creed and Dr Harvey led development of the accessible extension, which uses a combination of voice control and mechanical switches to operate the software. The software, which is currently in the testing and user evaluation phase, will be released as an open-source extension, which means developers can build on the software to continue to increase accessibility for Unreal Engine users with physical impairments. The research demonstrates how BCU is creating knowledge that positively impacts people, communities, and industries – a key pillar of the University’s new 2030 strategy. “People with physical impairments will soon be able to participate in the 3D graphics and games community, opening up new creative and employment opportunities,” said Professor Harvey. “When you have fresh perspectives, you have fresh ideas and designs that can be revolutionary. I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have for the future of the industry, too. “It’s also great news for experienced professional designers and developers who may have acquired physical impairments later in life, to keep them creating and innovating.” The project recently received industry recognition at the prestigious TIGA Games Education Awards, where it received an award for ‘Excellence in Games Research’.
‘Game-changing’ Deafblind UK research centre to launch at BCU
A new Deafblind UK Centre for Education and Research based at Birmingham City University (BCU) has been hailed as “life-changing” and a “game changer” in the fight to address the “frustrating and overwhelming isolation” felt by many deafblind people. The centre, which is the first of its kind, will connect researchers, practitioners, and people living with deafblindness to increase knowledge and raise awareness. It will also equip junior researchers and the workforce with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in deafblindness research and practice. British Labour Party politician Lord Blunkett, who is himself blind, said: “A great deal is known about sensory challenges for blind people and those with profound deafness, but much less about the dual challenges that deafblind people encounter on a daily basis. “This Centre will make an important contribution – both to greater understanding and public awareness to the ways in which social and technological innovation can assist in the future.” Deafblind UK CEO Nikki Morris added: “There’s an urgent need to better understand the impact of deafblindness on people and their loved ones. This new Centre will help to fill that gap.” David Childs, Associate Professor, Head of College of Education and Social Work at BCU, said: “This Centre will be a game changer in how we understand more about deafblindness and what we can do to make the lives of all those affected better. “The research undertaken in this area is shockingly low. The new Centre won’t just meet the knowledge gap, it will be an important beacon of hope to those affected by dual sensory loss.” Deafblindness affects everyone in different ways. Some people might have mild sight and hearing loss whereas others can’t see or hear anything. It can be isolating and lonely and can lead to mental health issues – but it’s far more common than many people realise. Around 450,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK. “The spectrum of deafblindness is unique,” said Deafblind UK member Ricky Blair. “Certain situations are isolating and overwhelming, like knowing when it’s your place to speak. “Frustratingly, there are often adjustments in place for those who are deaf or blind. People often forget that many people have to grapple with both disabilities simultaneously.” Deafblind UK partnered with BCU in 2019. The University went on to launch the Certificate and Diploma in Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies) in collaboration with Deafblind UK and a consortium of charities in 2021, welcoming its first cohort of students in March 2022. The only one its kind in the UK, the course is run by BCU’s Dr Peter Simcock, who is internationally renowned for his work and will lead the new Centre. “Helen Keller, author, disability rights advocate, political activist and perhaps one of the world’s most well-known deafblind people, described life as either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” said Dr Simcock, an Associate Professor of Social Work and a Deafblind UK ambassador. “Our Deafblind UK Centre will play a vital role in responding to the urgent need for more research, supporting deafblind people to enjoy this daring adventure to the full.”
Pembrokeshire Providing Access For All Visitors in 2025
Pembrokeshire is an inspiring place and to ensure everyone has access to its natural coastal beauty and experiences, Visit Pembrokeshire is stepping up its commitment to inclusivity with the launch of a dedicated portal on its website https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/open-to-all Part of a destination initiative called Open to All, the portal will feature a directory of businesses and organisations across Pembrokeshire offering services for those who face barriers to travel and tourism. It will include, for example, information about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s all-terrain equipment and easy-to-hire mobility trikes and beach wheelchairs. Plus, details of accommodation providers offering wheelchair equipped rooms, the location of adaptive toilet facilities, information about those businesses with hearing loop facilities or sign language trained staff. In short, it will reference those Pembrokeshire businesses and organisations – from coastal foragers to yoga providers – featuring inclusive elements within their offering. Providing positive examples in action, the case study section will highlight specific operators such as North Pembrokeshire based Havard Riding Stables, whooffer lessons for all abilities. Also Windswept, the Dale-based paddleboarding-for-all company who provide individual as well as family and group sessions with adaptive kit and hoist facilities too. Plus, Blue Horizons, a surf school with an operation at Broadhaven Beach, is one of the only surf instruction schools to offer itself exclusively to those with disabilities and their families. Not just limited to disability specialists, other case studies will include businesses who, just by implementing small measures, have made a difference to visitors with extra needs. Celtic Deep, for example, a marine conservation and wildlife adventure company, tailors its experiences by offering small group sessions and minimising walking distances to its activities. While bushcraft expert Buzzard Chris Bushcraft offers a range of courses that can be tailored to meet specific needs. As well as being useful for visitors, it is hoped this case study section will inspire other Pembrokeshire operators to follow suit. To this end, providing practical help to do so, there will be a Resource Hub, featuring free education and support tools. This section will include suggestions on how small tweaks to a business’s website, such as enlarging the font and tailoring its messages on its social media, can make a difference to a visitor’s experience. Links to free training opportunities offering a diverse range of sessions from British Sign Language to cultural awareness and how to help those with partial autism is also included. These will be supplemented with information about forums and in-person meet ups such as beach days, designed to encourage businesses to network and share ideas about best practice. While a positive step, Visit Pembrokeshire understands that the launch of the website is very much part of an ongoing cultural change. Says Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire “The initial work conducted by the Open to All team alerted us to reports that a lack of accessibility provision was in fact discouraging potential visitors. “To turn this around, we initially began to highlight those organisations where accessible provision was already central to their offer, then used them as inspiration to other businesses to instil changes. “We’re now working with businesses across Pembrokeshire, helping them, where they can, to make changes and to tailor their own accessible offer; and we’re already seeing positive results. Some businesses for example have created new and bespoke access guides with accompanying videos. Others have added detailed information to their website about their inclusive offer for potential visitors to view. These positive tweaks demonstrate to potential guests that their needs are being taken into consideration. It says, ‘we’re listening,’ empowering them to feel confident in booking and visiting us.” She continues “Alongside this social inclusivity perspective, financially it makes sense too. Recent figures from the charity Scope suggest that the Purple Pound is worth over £249 billion annually, so ignoring this is not only doing a disservice to disabled visitors, but commercially to us as a destination too”. Open to All Project Manager, Abi Marriott, adds, “2024 was a busy and successful year gearing up to launch the new Open To All Resource Hub. Somewhat of a project legacy, this new website brings together the multiple strands of our work, offering access to business case study examples, training materials, toolkit and templates, plus a place where people can connect for ongoing specialist advice. It will also feature an inclusive media library for businesses to enrich their own marketing materials. We hope it will be an extremely useful resource for both visitors and businesses alike, adapting and expanding as we continue on our path to creating a more inclusive destination that is truly ‘Open to All’”.
“I grew up in a wheelchair, now I run a £3.5m health tech business”
Born with a rare muscle-weakening illness, Josh Hough was written off by doctors at an early age and grew up in a wheelchair. However, this fuelled his fire and today, he is the founder and CEO of Sussex-based home care software company CareLineLive, which produces revenues of over £3.5m and has 42 staff “I hated being disabled and was determined to get out of my wheelchair. I would hear the doctors telling my parents that I might not be able to have a job,” says Josh Hough, founder and CEO of Slinfold-based home care software company CareLineLive. “I think it made me very determined and single-minded. From an early age, I learned I could prove people wrong. Josh Hough was born with a rare genetic condition called Minicore Myopathy. It meant walking was difficult and he needed a lot of treatment. Also, going to school in a wheelchair was often an unpleasant experience. “It was just bloody bad luck. It’s a condition which you only get when both parents have a specific gene. I had a lot of specialist treatment when I was young. I went to school in a wheelchair which wasn’t nice as kids can be very cruel.” Nonetheless, Hough did well at school and considered university. But he was also entrepreneurial, setting up a publishing company with his sister Zoe when he was just 14. “I was more interested in business than in studying and had a desire to change things. I think I saw the world differently to a lot of people. I was often looking for new and different ways of doing things. You have to when you literally can’t do things in the same ways everyone else does,” he says. Indeed, when Josh was young, he was often exasperated by the inefficiencies of the healthcare system. “I was visited by countless nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals. “Every time I met someone new, I had to go through the same routine – answering the same questions, explaining my condition. It was very repetitive and boring. “Meanwhile, they were filling out paperwork or leafing through thick folders of information. It wasn’t very efficient and even as a young child, I was thinking: ‘this could be done better’.” In January 2010, when he was aged 18, Hough set up the MAS Group, providing managed IT services to companies. The company was doing well, but the idea of improving home care wouldn’t leave Hough. “My grandfather was receiving care and the family struggled with the lack of communication from carers. Everything I felt and saw as a child came flooding back. I just felt there needed to be a better system and, ultimately, that I had to be the one to create it.” Hough had a client in the home care space that was still using a paper-based system for much of its client work. It became CareLineLive’s first client and the idea of creating a ‘circle of care’ emerged. “We created an app that joins up everything in a home care business, from patient notes and visits to invoicing and staff rotas. Family members can access it so they know what’s going on. But also, critical healthcare professionals like ambulance drivers can access it, too. Because, if they are attending an emergency, they really need to know whether or not someone has had their medication that day. “The idea of the ‘circle of care’ is that everyone a patient needs is brought into the loop. People no longer need to spend long periods of time hunting down paperwork. All the information is in one place, it’s very efficient and it provides a clear audit trail.” CareLineLive was launched in 2018 with a mission to transform a sector lagging behind much of the digital world. There’s substantial demand for its services but business growth hasn’t been without challenges. Initially, Hough took out personal loans and used credit cards to get the business going. He’s gone through several funding rounds and, at the time of writing, has raised £6.7m. “Funding is an ongoing challenge, I spend a lot of time fundraising,” he says. Also, as a tech business, Hough is engaged in the battle for talent for much needed coders and software engineers. But Hough has created a culture and sense of mission among his team. Since launching commercially in 2018, CareLineLive has expanded rapidly, now supporting over 600 home care agencies across seven countries, including Australia and Ireland. Ultimately, Hough’s own experiences have shaped how he approaches business. “I’ve been through a lot of surgeries and challenges, so I understand the importance of flexibility,” he explains. “If a member of staff or their child needs to go to the doctors then I tell them to ‘just go’. People might think I’m too lenient, but we have a team that sticks with us and, sometimes, even returns, because they appreciate the flexibility and support we offer.” Reflecting on his journey, Hough says: “I’ve had to prove myself repeatedly – to investors, customers and employees. It’s a vicious cycle of needing experience but not being able to get it. But that’s been my driving force – proving people wrong and showing that something is achievable. Building CareLineLive is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Accessibility Tips For Relatives With Mobility Needs This Christmas
Take The Stress Out Of Christmas With These Accessibility Tips For Relatives With Mobility Needs By Mike Lord, Stiltz Christmas is a time of joy and family togetherness, but for relatives with mobility challenges, the festive season can come with additional hurdles. Ensuring everyone feels included and comfortable in your home doesn’t have to be difficult – it’s about thoughtful planning and small adjustments to create an accessible and welcoming environment. Stiltz Homelifts understands the importance of making Christmas a time for every generation to be able to celebrate without barriers. Here are some practical ideas to help you host a festive gathering that prioritises safety, comfort, and inclusivity for loved ones with mobility needs. 1. Prepare Your Home for Accessibility Before your guests arrive, take a moment to evaluate your space. Simple adjustments can go a long way in making your home safer and easier to navigate for those with mobility challenges. Key Preparations: Taking these steps can help your nearest and dearest move around with ease and reduce the risk of accidents. 2. Plan for Comfortable Seating Your living room often becomes the heart of Christmas gatherings. Create a space where everyone, regardless of mobility, can sit comfortably and participate fully in the celebrations. Tips for Comfort: 3. Rethink the Dining Area A Christmas meal brings everyone together, but mobility limitations can make traditional dining arrangements tricky. Adjust the setup to avoid anyone being left feeling awkward, ensure the dining area is inclusive and comfortable for all. Making the Table Accessible: 4. Adapt for Overnight Stays If your loved ones are staying overnight, prioritising their comfort and safety will make their visit more enjoyable. Small changes to sleeping arrangements can make a big difference. Ideas for a Restful Stay: 5. Enhance Outdoor Accessibility Christmas isn’t limited to indoor activities—if your plans include time outdoors, make sure those spaces are just as accessible. Outdoor Safety Tips: 6. Make the Festivities Inclusive Mobility or cognitive issues can sometimes leave older relatives feeling sidelined during busy celebrations. Focus on activities that everyone can enjoy together, ensuring no one feels excluded. Inclusive Activity Ideas: 7. Discuss Needs in Advance Open communication can help you prepare effectively and avoid any last-minute stress or awkwardness. Ask your relatives about their preferences and specific requirements before they arrive. See if they would like additional help or are happy to manage on their own. Questions to Consider: 8. Invest in Long-Term Accessibility If you frequently host relatives with mobility needs, making permanent changes to your home could be a worthwhile investment. Features like ramps, stairlift or even better, a homelift, can transform your home into a more inclusive space. Stiltz specialises in homelifts designed to blend practicality with style. The lifts provide a safe and convenient way for relatives to navigate between floors, ensuring every corner of your home is accessible. 9. Prioritise Wellbeing Christmas can be exhausting for everyone and even more so for those with mobility challenges. Encourage your loved ones to rest when needed and adjust the pace of celebrations to ensure nobody is becoming weary , stressed or overwhelmed. Wellbeing Tips: Celebrate Together with Confidence Christmas is about cherishing the time spent with our nearest and dearest, and with a little forethought, your home can be welcoming and accessible for all. By focusing on comfort, safety, and inclusion, you’ll create an environment where everyone can relax and enjoy the festive magic. Whether it’s a small adjustment like clearing walkways or a larger investment like installing a homelift, these changes show your commitment to family and togetherness. Stiltz is here to help make your home a place where everyone can celebrate with confidence and joy. Let’s make this Christmas truly special for every member of the family. For more inspiration and mobility solutions, visit https://www.stiltz.co.uk/.
Low-impact sports to improve overall health
Staying active and fit is key to maintaining our health, vitality, and overall well-being as we age. However, it’s equally important to choose activities that minimise the risk of injury. In collaboration with Occupational Therapist Stuart Barrow, Stiltz Homelifts highlights low-impact sports that can enhance health while being gentle on the joints. Occupational Therapists frequently recommend these low-impact sports / activities to those looking to boost their overall fitness without placing undue stress on their joints. Such sports not only provide a variety of physical benefits but also support mental well-being, making them suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities. Among the best options are swimming, cycling, yoga, walking, and Tai Chi. Swimming Swimming is a gentle full-body workout that is easy on joints due to the buoyancy of water. Research shows swimming enhances cardiovascular health, builds muscle tone, and increases joint flexibility. A study by Bartels et al. (2016) found that there is moderate quality evidence that aquatic exercise may have small, short‐term, and clinically relevant effects on patient‐reported pain, disability, and quality of life in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis. Cycling Cycling, whether done on a stationary bike or outdoors, provides aerobic benefits while minimising weight-bearing stress on the body. Taylor et al. (2006) demonstrated that cycling enhances cardiovascular fitness and lowers the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Walking Walking is an accessible and effective way to enhance cardiovascular health. A study by Murtagh et al. (2015) highlights that regular walking can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular function, particularly in older adults. One of the most remarkable aspects of walking is that it’s completely free! You simply need to step outside your front door to start exercising. You don’t have to engage in power walking to experience the benefits; gentle walking can also be highly effective. Aside from the physical advantages, walking helps maintain stability on your feet and significantly boosts mental well-being, especially when enjoyed in a park surrounded by fresh air. Tai Chi Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that focuses on slow and controlled movements, which promote balance and mental clarity. Although it may seem like a gentle form of exercise, its benefits are significant and should not be underestimated. Research by Wang et al. (2010) indicates that Tai Chi can reduce the risk of falls, improve balance, and enhance mental health among older adults. Additionally, the fluid and rhythmic movements practised in Tai Chi contribute to better coordination, flexibility, and cardiovascular function. Yoga Yoga can be practised at any age, either alone or in a class setting, and it offers numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Yoga promotes strength, balance, and flexibility, making it ideal for overall health. Research suggests that it helps alleviate stress and chronic pain. According to Ross et al. (2010), yoga improves physical fitness and psychological well-being in adults. Additionally, yoga is incredibly soothing for mental well-being, helping to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety as you synchronise your movements with your breath.