DOCTORS are to prescribe fresh air and exercise for the elderly under plans being considered by the Scottish Government.

Issues stopping older people from enjoying the Scottish countryside have been highlighted by a new report, including the loss of friends to walk with and fear of falling while out alone.

Now Scottish Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has said she wants to find ways for people of all ages to benefit from Scotland's "natural health service".

So-called "green prescriptions" giving patients realistic opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors are among the recommendations of the report which was commissioned by the Scottish Government to examine the barriers older people face getting out and about.

Some schemes already exist with Forest Enterprise Scotland running a 10-week programme of woodland activities for people with early-stage dementia including walking, fire lighting and photography.

The report authors also interviewed patients who had taken part in walking groups, with one saying their blood pressure had dropped "remarkably" after joining such a scheme.

However, they also found other frail elderly people had curbed all their activities as health problems arose and were worried about going outside.

The report said: "It was found that participants began to feel more frail and vulnerable as they aged and this had a direct impact on their willingness to go outside. A very common theme within this barrier was a fear of falling."

One pensioner said they had fallen once and struggled to stand up again for three-quarters of an hour before a passer-by was able to help.

Another told the researchers: "It's not the same... Since my husband died, well I did a lot of walking and cycling and that with him, but it's not the same just going out yourself."

Ms Cunningham said: “Scotland has a spectacular natural environment and I want to ensure that its many health and social benefits can be enjoyed by young and old alike. This research shines a light on the barriers faced by older people and identifies a number of ways of maximising opportunities for outdoor recreation in both rural and urban areas...

“We want to make the most of our ‘natural health service’ and so the Scottish Government will now look at these recommendations very carefully with our delivery partners including Forest Enterprise Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and local authorities.”

The report found large numbers of elderly people were living in remote towns and rural areas and many accepted limiting their outdoor activities in a stoic fashion.

It suggested it might therefore be necessary to actively encourage people to venture further afield via a form of prescribing.

John Nugent, senior medical officer for the Sottish Government, said: “We have been able to identify a number of potential interventions, such as green prescribing which should be integrated with existing initiatives like health walks that offer opportunities for overcoming social and motivational barriers. It may be useful to tailor interventions to suit people of different abilities and preferences, and to target people at key moments of life change such as retirement, or friends or spouses passing away.”

The report also says: "Organisations managing places for outdoor recreation should ensure that spaces are kept obstacle free, clean and well-lit, offering basic facilities such as toilet, benches and rest spaces. These aspects are especially important for older people and more so for those with physical disabilities."

The need to provide forms of transport to suitable parks and woodland was also noted.

Gordon Harper, community ranger with Forest Enterprise Scotland, said:

“We’re very pleased that the National Forest Estate is increasing opportunities for older adults and people with dementia to access and enjoy the great outdoors for health and wellbeing.

“The woodland environment offers a natural sensory experience which stimulates reminiscence, creates conversation and promotes engagement.”