How outdoor activities contribute to senior wellness
Outdoor activities play an important role in improving the wellness and mental health of senior people. As people age, maintaining physical fitness becomes increasingly vital and so does prioritising mental health and overall wellness.
Engaging in outdoor activities goes a long way towards achieving a state of wellness for older people, for various reasons.
What are the wellness benefits of outdoor activities for older adults?
Boosts mental health
Research has shown that spending time in nature can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression among people of all ages. For older adults, who can be more prone to feelings of isolation, loss, loneliness and despair, the effects can be even more profound.
The sights, sounds and smells of the natural environment can also evoke positive emotions, creating a sense of calmness and contentment.
Encourages physical activity
Spending time outdoors is a great opportunity to engage in activity that helps improve physical fitness and mobility. This can help seniors maintain cardiovascular health, muscle strength and flexibility, as well as contribute to mental health and overall wellness.
Exposure to sunlight also has plenty of positive effects, including providing vitamin D – essential for bone health and immune function.
Offers a change of scenery
Spending time outdoors can be hugely beneficial when it comes to introducing variety into a senior person’s life.
A change of scenery can invigorate both the body and the mind, giving a person a sense of newness and exploration that might be hard to come by in their everyday routine. This in turn improves mood, generates positive emotions and provides cognitive stimulation, all of which are key to wellness.
Activities for older adults to do outside
There are plenty of different pursuits that seniors can enjoy outdoors, depending on their physical capabilities and preferences. Some options include:
- Walking – even a short, gentle stroll has numerous benefits for both body and mind.
- Picnicking – enjoying a bite to eat in a scenic, natural environment promotes mindfulness as well as feelings of happiness.
- Birdwatching – learning and practising bird watching is a great way to connect with nature and keep the mind sharp.
- Gardening – gentle gardening can be excellent exercise in the fresh air, as well as very enjoyable.
- Gentle yoga – for those whose fitness levels are adequate, yoga can help improve mobility, flexibility, strength and balance.
- Nature photography – learning a creative new skill can be hugely stimulating.
- Fruit picking – fun and productive, picking strawberries, blackberries or other delicious fruits is a great activity for seniors to enjoy out of doors.
- Relaxing in the garden – you don’t have to go far to enjoy the outdoors. Relaxing outside with a book, good company or some music can reduce stress and improve mood.
For more tips and help keeping senior people happy and healthy, contact Wessex Care today.
