The passing of time may bring people wisdom, but it can also bring a sense of isolation. With men often less willing to openly discuss mental health matters, the UK Men’s Sheds Association provides spaces in which older blokes can bond and build, all the while overcoming their loneliness.

Social prescribing – wherein patients are told to try creative workshops, regular exercise, and volunteering to improve their wellbeing – has been around for years, but it’s gaining the attention of policy-makers. How can it proactively tackle physical and mental health problems?

Gen Y is embracing gardening, with growing plants and herbs indoors becoming a popular pastime for urban dwellers. Whether to boost wellbeing, bring a sense of calm to urban spaces or simply for its ease of maintenance, gardening is brushing off the soil of its previously stuffy image.

The Plant Hotel – the brainchild of online plant shop Patch – is taking care of people’s plants while they go on holiday. Given people’s growing love affair with house plants, which allow urbanites to connect with nature, brands can cater to green lifestyles and help people outsource domestic tasks.