Page 44 - The Indian EYE 090426

HEALTH & WELLNESS SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 | The Indian Eye 44

Nature emerges as luxury Maintaining

Muscle
wellness’s strongest appeal Strength

ature is increasingly becoming Can Make a
one of the most sought-after
Nelements of luxury wellness, Difference
as high-end hospitality and wellness
spaces move beyond conventional
treatments to offer guests direct ac- osing muscle strength with age
cess to greenery, natural light, fresh may be common, but becom-
air and outdoor environments. Ling progressively weaker is
The shift reflects a growing not necessarily inevitable, according
understanding that wellness is not to physiotherapy advice highlighted
limited to gyms, spas or treatment in a recent health report. Regular
rooms. Instead, the surrounding en- strength-based activity, performed
vironment itself is being viewed as an safely and consistently, can help older
important part of physical and men- adults maintain mobility and inde-
tal wellbeing. Luxury properties are pendence.
consequently incorporating gardens, The report focuses on sarcope-
forests, water bodies, open-air spaces nia, the age-related decline in muscle
and nature-inspired architecture into strength associated with ageing, re-
the guest experience. duced physical activity and hormon-
The emerging trend also aligns al changes. As per Physiotherapist,
with the principles of biophilic de- reduced activity, sometimes driven
sign, which seeks to reconnect people by fear of injury, can contribute to
with the natural world through build- opportunities to spend time outdoors wellness destinations are being de- muscle loss. People particularly en-
ings and spaces. Research and design can now form an important part of a signed. Rather than simply adding counters the problem in their late 40s
experts have increasingly highlighted wellness retreat’s appeal. plants as decoration, developers and and early 60s, when work, caregiving
the potential of natural elements to The trend comes at a time when hospitality brands are increasingly or retirement can significantly alter
support relaxation, reduce stress and urban lifestyles are increasingly integrating nature into architecture, activity levels.
improve the overall experience of dominated by screens, traffic and landscaping and daily activities. Difficulty getting up from a chair
built environments. enclosed spaces. As people spend The result is a broader defini- or climbing stairs can be among the
For the luxury wellness industry, more of their day indoors, access to tion of luxury: not necessarily more signs that muscle strength is declin-
this has turned nature into a premi- natural surroundings is becoming technology or elaborate facilities, but ing. Reduced strength can also make
um amenity. A quiet setting away less routine and, consequently, more greater access to something increas- everyday activities such as carry-
from crowded urban environments, valuable. ingly scarce in urban life — uninter- ing shopping or spending time with
uninterrupted views of greenery and This is also changing the way rupted time and space in nature. grandchildren more difficult, affect-
ing overall quality of life.
Strength work is recommend-
Kerala HC suggests renaming ed as a key way to slow or prevent
age-related muscle decline. The re-
mental health centres port suggests beginning with simple
movements such as controlled sit-to-
stand exercises and wall press-ups.
Resistance exercises can then be in-
he Kerala High Court has the state. Justices Devan Ramach- The proposal comes against the troduced gradually, preferably with
suggested that the state con- andran and Basant Balaji observed backdrop of Kerala’s broader efforts guidance from a physiotherapist or
Tsider renaming its “Mental that the stigma attached to the term to expand community-based mental qualified trainer.
Health Centres” as “Institutes of “Mental Health Centre” was evident healthcare. The state has adopted Experts also caution against in-
Behavioural Management” or adopt during their visits. a decentralised approach, integrat- creasing weights too quickly. Starting
another suitable name, saying the The bench noted that hospitals ing mental health services into the with manageable resistance and pro-
existing terminology can contribute treating physical ailments are not gen- general healthcare system. Its pro- gressing gradually can help people
to stigma around mental illness. The erally identified through labels such grammes include early detection and build strength more safely. Group-
court said a change in nomenclature as “Centres of Physical Health” and counselling through primary-level based resistance exercise may also
could help make such facilities more questioned why mental healthcare facilities, with mental health services improve consistency by providing
welcoming and focused on communi- facilities should carry a specific tag being expanded across the state. motivation and accountability.
ty welfare and recovery. that could reinforce social prejudice. The court’s observation high- The broader message is that
The suggestion came during a The court, however, made it lights how language and institution- maintaining strength requires regu-
hearing on issues concerning mental clear that changing the name would al identity can influence public atti- lar use rather than avoiding move-
health centres in Kerala. An amic- require a policy decision by the state tudes towards mental illness, with a ment, as professional assessment
us curiae proposed the alternative government. It therefore asked the more neutral name potentially help- can help identify the cause and
name, following visits by the division government to examine the proposal ing reduce fear, discrimination and determine an appropriate exercise
bench to mental health facilities in and communicate its position. hesitation in seeking care. programme.

www.TheIndianEYE.com