Could a Prescription for a Bushwalk or Art Class Be the Secret to Better Health Outcomes?
New social and nature prescribing hubs connect locals to community activities to combat loneliness, improve wellbeing and complement clinical care
As Australians become increasingly connected online, many are feeling more disconnected in real life.
The World Health Organization has identified loneliness and social isolation as a growing global public health challenge, with social disconnection affecting nearly one in six people worldwide and contributing to an estimated 871,000 deaths annually1. Young people and older adults are among the most affected, with loneliness impacting around one in five teenagers and a significant proportion of older people experiencing social isolation1.
“We are inherently social beings and to be happy and healthy, we require meaningful human connection,” said Davis Lemke, CEO of Clarity Health Care.
“Social isolation and loneliness have real-life impacts on mental health, physical health, mortality and society overall. That's what prompted me to create a series of social and nature prescribing databases as a free resource for GPs, link workers and patients,” he said.
Social and nature prescribing is gaining momentum internationally as a practical way to improve health and wellbeing by reconnecting people with community, purpose and nature.
Hobart couple go bush
As lifelong keen bushwalkers, Hobart couple, Graham McLean, aged 84, and his partner Carol Emden, aged 82 recently assisted the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (University of Tasmania) to help them identify and equip suitable outdoor and bush spaces for people living with dementia and care partners for the University’s initiative, The Venture Out Nature Hubs.
Having worked as a wilderness tour guide for 21 years, Graham is well acquainted with the benefits of nature subscribing.
“Carol and I love spending time in nature and find it helps to centre and calm us. We both have mild cognitive impairment, but the bush is so cathartic and relaxing, it rejuvenates and refreshes you and makes you feel all is right in the world.”
Carol agrees saying ‘going bush’ lifts her spirits and takes her mind off the worries of the world. “As a girl growing up in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, I would roll around in the paddock watching clouds go by. I may not roll around on the ground anymore, but I still enjoy taking time out to watch clouds.”
Graham and Carol are an adventurous couple and regularly seek out outdoor bonding experiences. In recent years, they have hiked to Iceland, Newfoundland in Canada, and the Kamchatka Peninsula, a remote area on the east coast of Russia, camping in tents and encountering grizzly bears and volcanos along the way.
“I highly recommend getting out into nature to help with your physical and mental health,” says Graham. “Shared experiences like these have strengthened our relationship, plus you get to meet new and interesting people along the way, which is great for your mental health.”
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing refers to the referral of individuals from healthcare settings to non-clinical community activities designed to improve health and wellbeing. It addresses the social, emotional and practical factors that influence health but are often beyond the scope of traditional clinical treatment. When integrated into healthcare, social prescribing can help prevent challenges such as loneliness and social isolation before they contribute to more serious physical or mental health conditions2.
Building impactful connections to improve health outcomes
Clarity Health Care’s new online hubs connect people across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Adelaide with community organisations, support services and activities designed to build wellbeing, reduce isolation and complement traditional healthcare.
“Some of the biggest influences on health happen outside the doctor's office,” Mr Lemke said. “Social and nature prescribing recognises that health is shaped not only by medical care, but also by our relationships, environment, financial security, sense of purpose and connection to community. By connecting people with meaningful activities and support networks, we can help prevent loneliness and social isolation, build confidence and resilience, and improve wellbeing before health problems escalate,” he said.
Research has shown that social prescribing can improve wellbeing by increasing a sense of belonging, strengthening self-worth and confidence, and providing people with a renewed sense of purpose, pride and achievement2.
The Clarity Health Care social and nature prescribing hubs are searchable across a broad range of categories, including:
• Social connection and community groups
• Nature and green prescribing activities
• Mental health organisations
• Arts and creativity programs
• Financial wellbeing services
• Housing and support services
• Cultural and community organisations
• Alcohol and other drug support services
As healthcare systems increasingly recognise the impact of loneliness, isolation and social determinants of health, social and nature prescribing is emerging as a practical, evidence-informed way to help people reconnect with their communities, improve wellbeing and lead healthier lives.
Visit the new social and nature prescribing databases here: https://www.clarityhealthcare.
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