Your retirement years should literally be filled with as much sunshine and happiness as possible. Especially for aging adults, exposure to sunlight has benefits to overall health. This is one of the reasons why you should consider retiring in one of the independent living retirement communities in Florida.
The importance of sunlight should not be underestimated as aging adults are more receptive to the health benefits it offers. Below are some of the vital benefits sunlight offers:
Increased Doses of Vitamin D
The body usually synthesizes less Vitamin D as it ages, leaving the body deficient in the vitamin as time does on. Luckily, vitamin D is a unique essential vitamin that can be triggered by the ultraviolet radiation of the sub. This means that the body synthesizes vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. Exposing your skin to sunlight for 10 minutes can supply your body with the amount of vitamin D it needs to boost your immune system and perform other functions.
Boosts the Mood
When the body is exposed to sunlight, the brain produces more serotonin—a chemical that contributes to feelings of wellness and happiness. Similarly, the vitamin D your body synthesizes while exposed to sunlight can help reduce feelings of depression. Aside from the vitamin D supplement, the body gets from direct sunlight, being outdoors is generally known to help improve mood.
Improves Memory health and Brain Function
Exposing the body to ample sunlight helps to boost the growth of the nerves in the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that forms and stores memories. This means that exposure to sunlight improves the brain’s cognitive function. Since sunlight can lessen depression and improve the brain’s cognitive functions, symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases.
Boosts Immune System
Another benefit you can enjoy from exposure to sunlight is a boost in your immune system function. Since the body will receive supplements of vitamin D through sunlight, you will experience a reduction in autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of breast and colon cancer. Sunlight exposure may help to prevent the formation of cancer cells in the body.
Lowers Blood Pressure
When the body comes in direct contact with sunlight, it produces nitric oxide—a compound that helps to lower blood pressure—into the blood vessel. This can help to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and stroke.
Strengthen Bones
Vitamin D is known to aid an increase in the production of calcium and phosphorus in the skin. The body needs these chemicals to build strong, healthy bones. Likewise, the presence of vitamin D3 in the body helps to prevent too much absorption of calcium to promote bone density.
While you prepare to go out every day into direct sunlight to participate in daily events and activities, ensure that you apply sunscreen of at least SPF-30 on your skin. Doing this every morning will help to protect your aging skin from sun damage. Looking for an independent living in a sunny area in Florida? Look no further than Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay. We organize daily outdoor activities and events for our residents to get out more and have fun. Feel free to contact us today for inquiries about our community.
