The Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act is here. There’s no better time to go on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature, and what better companions to share this adventure with than our beloved seniors? It is a time to enjoy the outdoors and take in the natural world. Going outside is an excellent way to unwind and take in the serenity of our nature.
Seniors’ health and wellbeing could be enhanced by outdoor areas, according to research done by graduate students at the University of Minnesota. According to the study, seniors who spend a lot of time in parks or other blue-and-green outdoor spaces experience more feelings of renewal and connection. Since summer is well underway, it is more likely to provide clear sidewalks and warm fields, making it much easier for everyone to enjoy going outside.
How to Enjoy the Outdoors
Start hiking
There are a ton of fantastic, simple-to-walk pathways to get to know in the USA. Many of these trails are paved and simple to navigate, making them excellent places to spend time outdoors.
Start a new hobby
An excellent approach to spending more time outside is through hobbies like photography and bird watching. The time you spend outdoors shooting pictures or searching for new birds to identify has many benefits. Simply go for a walk to explore the view or relax on your favorite park bench and take in the local scenery; it will positively affect your health and mind.
Walk your dog
Having a dog to walk is the perfect excuse for going outside. If you or a friend has a dog, you may use your four-legged buddy as an excuse to get some exercise and fresh air during the day. Dogs need to spend time outdoors for exercise and fresh air.
Find a yoga class outside
Yoga outside is an amazing idea! Through this, the stresses of everyday life seem to melt away, replaced by a profound sense of gratitude for the world’s wonders. It’s a powerful reminder that in the midst of our busy lives, we can always find solace and rejuvenation by connecting with nature and embracing the peace it offers.
Visit a historic or downtown area.
There are art and historic centers in many towns. These can be enjoyable locations to go for a walk and find local treasures. Visit these places along with your family to explore history and art together!
Take up a sport
Sports and games are enjoyable forms of exercise that are healthy for our mental and physical health. You can take up tennis, golf, or any of your favorite games to play outside daily. Playing daily helps you stay active and energetic throughout the day!
Health Benefits to Getting Outdoors
Improved breathing
You may already be aware that air pollution can cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. However, you might be surprised to learn that interior air pollution concentrations are frequently two to five times higher than outside concentrations. That’s why it’s important to spend more time in outdoor green areas; they help to reduce your risk of respiratory issues.
Better sleep
Your body’s internal clock often runs in sync with the sun, causing you to feel awake during the day and sleepy at night. The intensity of direct sunshine is 200 times greater than that of office lights in a contained space, although artificial lighting can simulate natural light. Sunshine has a more significant impact on your circadian rhythm than electric light.
Exposure to sunshine can help you sleep better by:
- Making you feel more exhausted at night
- Making it easier for you to fall asleep
- Enhancing the quality of your sleep,
What is pleasant about sunlight? It is free of charge. You merely have to go outside to get your daily dose.
Mental recovery
The modern world is full of distracting stimuli that want our limited attention, such as flashing screens, vibrating phones, and rumbling roads. Your stress levels could increase as a result of this constant overstimulation without you noticing it.
On the other side, the natural world can be a place of mental and emotional solace when you need to relax and rejuvenate. The pleasant sights of greenery, sounds of nature, singing birds, and floral scents all help us to feel lively.
Just Do It
It’s simple to overlook the fact that there is a real world outside your window at times.
Regular outdoor activity, especially in natural settings, can greatly improve one’s mental and physical health. It can also significantly improve your relationship with the earth or Mother Nature herself.
Everyone benefits greatly from time spent outside. This national month-long holiday might be just what you need to encourage you to spend more time outside and benefit from all that fresh air and regular exercise.
At Sequoia Senior Solutions, we believe that every senior deserves the opportunity to experience the beauty of the outdoors. Our respite care services aim to enhance the quality of life for older adults by providing them with the freedom to connect with nature and enjoy all the wonders it has to offer.