By Louise Karch
Liz Cyarto was a teenager when her grandmother disappeared into dementia. Three decades later, the disease stole her mum.
“I know what it’s like to watch someone you love slowly leave. It’s prolonged grief multiplied by caregiving demands. That’s why I wanted to do something nurturing for this community.”
Dr Liz’s Hobsons Bay Trailblazers is launching four free, nature-based walks for people living with dementia and those who care for them. Supported by a Hobsons Bay City Council Make It Happen Grant, one walk includes an Ocean Therapy element led by her co-facilitator – me – Louise Karch. It uses the same slow, sensory approach, done on the coastline instead of a forest, possibly a first in the West.
Caring for a loved one with dementia takes a toll. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found 45 percent of primary dementia carers experience physical or emotional impacts: 38 percent report fatigue or low energy, 28 percent feel worried or depressed, and 15 percent have been diagnosed with a stress-related illness.
Nature-based sensory walks provide proven relief.
A 2017 review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found time in nature linked to lower stress hormones, steadier blood pressure and heart rate, and immune activity that stayed elevated for more than a week afterwards.
These walks are easy, simple and short in distance. “There’s nothing to get right,” Dr Liz says. “Nature does the nurturing.”
The Walks
Logan Reserve / Altona Beach
Wednesday 4 November, 10:00 am
Newport Lakes
Saturday 14 November, 10:00 am
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Thursday 19 November, 10:00 am
Tickets are free. Registration required. https://bit.ly/walkwithdrliz
Liz Cyarto, PhD
thehealthysenior@gmail.com
