The Spruce

By the spruce, there is an opportunity to think about time and place.

Challenge

Using the shadow of the tree and knowing the time at the current moment, can you point northwards?

Put your hands on the tree trunk and back up as far as you can. How long can you stand?

Food for thought

A tree has its growth rings in its trunk. Similarly, we can imagine that as humans we carry our different ages within us. What age do you feel closest to right now?

What the research says

For the ageing generation, physical activity is an important aspect of maintaining good health. Even small amounts of exercise make a big difference and are shown to have positive effects on cognitive function, reducing the risk of falls, depression and pain.

Read more: Umeåforskare ger råd om fysisk aktivitet och åldrande (Umeå researcher gives advice on physical activity and ageing; article in Swedish)

The next physical movement challenge is not far away:

Map over stations for the physical literate campus

The various movement challenges challenge you to move and contemplate. The challenges are located around the campus pond and in the forest behind SLU.

What is physical literacy?

Physical literacy, or ‘rörelserikedom’ in Swedish, takes a holistic view of each individual’s ability to move.

Physical literacy is not the same as physical activity or fitness; it includes motivation, self-confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding. It allows each individual to develop their mobility skills and feel motivated and excited about movement.

The more daring and willing a person is to be physically active in different social contexts and physical environments, the better their chances of having an active, healthy life and to grow and flourish as a human being.

Latest update: 2023-09-07