8 Summary of Session 2

In this course, by examining the demands, both physically and mentally, of the caring role, it is hoped that you now have a greater appreciation of how physical activity can have a positive influence on the health and wellbeing of carers. By reflecting on case studies, and on your own experiences or that of carers you know, you will have gained an understanding of how physical activity, even in small amounts, both as respite for carers and alongside their care recipients, can have benefits to physical and mental health to those involved.

To recap on the learning outcomes, you should now be able to:

• understand the physical, psychological and emotional demands of the caring role, and the associated implications to physical and mental health
• describe the benefits of participation in regular physical activity on the health and wellbeing of carers
• identify a range of physical activity examples to improve, support and maintain individual health and wellbeing.