Enjoying Nature: Critical for our Health and the Health of our Elders
Being free in nature is good for mental health at any age. We have heard it time and again. "Soak up some vitamin D", "Fresh mountain air", or "Reconnecting with mother nature".
Studies have shown that getting outdoors has many health benefits. It gives us an opportunity to relax, disconnect from the fast-paced lifestyles many of us live and find peace in the beauty that surrounds us that often times is overlooked.
"I go to nature to be soothed, healed and have my senses put in order."
– John Burroughs
Getting outside is especially important for elders. One study conducted by University of Minnesota and published in the journal Health and Place found that by incorporating outdoor settings in urban developments for elders to utilize on a daily basis, can offset chronic illness.
At ExquisiCare, our homes provide opportunities for our elders to enjoy nature. Our yards are secure and beautifully landscaped. We have gardens for our residents to enjoy with their families and caregivers. There is seating available on the verandas to enjoy the sounds of our communities, the fresh air, and the sunshine.
"People don’t have to head for the woods to enjoy nature’s restorative effects. Even a glimpse of nature from a window helps."
- Rachel Kaplan, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan
The Life Enrichment Coordinator at ExquisiCare understands the importance of nature and how it effects our lives and the lives of our seniors. With the assistance of the elders, she has built bird feeders and together they have strategically placed them throughout the yards of our homes to enjoy bird watching no matter the weather. The sight of birds eating at a feeder can easily break up the daily routine and offer mental and spiritual relief for seniors.
Weather permitting, we also provide our elders with opportunities to get out and explore new places or revisit places they once loved. We don’t want them to feel isolated or stuck in a mundane routine. Recently, our elders took a trip to the Muttart Conservatory. Outings like this bring joy to our elders which then in turn brings joy to us, their caregivers.
According to Richard Ryan, a prominent psychology professor at the University of Rochester, "research has shown that people with a greater sense of vitality don’t just have more energy for the things they want to do, they are also more resilient to physical illness. One of the pathways to health may be to spend more time in natural settings." By breaking up daily routines, exposing seniors to new things, and providing an outlet for frustration and sadness, exposure to the outdoors can improve a senior’s sense of well-being and increase happiness across the board. What’s more, seniors who get outside on a regular basis feel less tired – Ryan’s research reports that a whopping 90% of people feel more energized after a day connecting with nature.
Source: Community Homecare
Some other ways our elders can enjoy the outdoors are by going for a walk with a caregiver to pick up the mail, enjoying the colorful flowers on the veranda, or by having a picnic with their families in the yard.
There are many simple ways for us to take the time to enjoy nature. We hope that you get to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities often.
