Did you know that spending time outdoors can significantly benefit the health of older adults? Nature-based activities have numerous advantages, from getting vitamin D to increasing physical activity and improving sleep.
This blog explores five major health benefits of getting outdoors for older adults and provides examples of outside activities you can start today.
5 Benefits of Spending More Time Outdoors
1. Increases Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential as we age, and getting outside can be a simple way to add more movement to your day. Adults aged 65 and older need about 150 minutes of physical activity each week, including strength, balance, and aerobic exercises.
Staying active can improve your physical health and help prevent or delay health conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Physical activity can also help manage weight, improve brain health, and strengthen bones and muscles.
While outdoors, try incorporating some of the following physical and recreational activities into your routine:
- Walking
- Bicycling
- Gardening
- Pickleball
- Shuffleboard
- Golfing
2. Boosts Vitamin D
Spending time outdoors provides you with natural exposure to sunlight, a source of vitamin D. Our bodies need vitamin D to help regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D helps fight diseases, including hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.
Getting enough vitamin D can support immune health, reducing your risk of severe illnesses. Research has also shown that vitamin D may help regulate mood, decreasing your risk of depression.
Consider these sun safety precautions when spending time outdoors:
- Stay in the shade
- Wear a hat and other clothing to protect your skin from UV rays
- Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays
- Put on sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated
3. Improves Mental Health
Studies have shown that exposure to nature and spending time outdoors improves the well-being and mental health of older adults. This means that sitting outside on a bench or taking a leisurely stroll can increase your mood, reduce anxiety, and help alleviate stress.
Relaxing outside can help lower your blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and allow you time to focus and be mindful of your surroundings. Here are a few ideas for outdoor activities to improve your mental health:
- Bird watching or feeding
- Fishing or being near water
- Container gardening
- Enjoying a picnic
- Photography
- Painting or drawing
- Reading
- Journaling
4. Increases Socialization
Getting outdoors can increase opportunities for the socialization of older adults. Socialization plays a vital role in improving your overall health and well-being.
Seniors who are socially isolated or experience loneliness may be at risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and physical conditions in older adults. It’s important to find ways to increase opportunities for socialization. One way of doing so is to incorporate outdoor activities into your routine.
The following outdoor activities can help provide opportunities for socialization:
- Join a walking group
- Participate in an outdoor yoga or tai chi class for seniors
- Help in a community garden
- Attend an outdoor concert or event
- Take an outdoor art class
Related: How Socialization Helps Improve the Health and Wellness of Seniors >>
5. Improves Sleep
Some older adults may have difficulty falling or staying asleep throughout the night. Spending time outdoors can help regulate your sleep pattern. You’re more likely to engage in physical activity and exercise while outdoors, which is critical for good quality sleep.
Consider the following outdoor activities for a better night’s sleep:
- Swimming or water aerobics
- Star watching
- Visit a local zoo
- Stop by a local farmers’ market
- Pick fruit at an orchard
- Walk your dog or dogs from a local rescue shelter
Life at Sonrisa Assisted Living
If you’re looking at options for senior living, we invite your family to visit Sonrisa Assisted Living, designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life.
We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team — who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs, and an elevated secured courtyard.
Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible, and be reassured that help is available whenever needed.
In addition to our personalized services, we offer:
- Assisted Living dining room, bistro and two sitting lounge/living room areas
- Memory Care living and dining room
- Elegantly designed common areas
- Fitness and wellness center with physical and occupational therapy room
- A commercial kitchen
- Barber and beauty salon in both assisted living and memory care areas
- 24-hour on-duty care staff
- Secured community
- Art room
- Multipurpose room
- Large state‐of‐the‐art theater
- A large secured Assisted Living and separate Memory Care courtyard with walking paths
- On‐grade parking for immediate use of visitors and staff
- Dog Park
If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit Sonrisa Assisted Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour.
You may also download our complimentary brochure to get additional details about Sonrisa Assisted Living.
