Independent living today, whether a retirement community or assisted living, places greater focus on creating a comfortable environment for residents. It is about providing resort-style, resident-focused indoor and outdoor settings for relaxation and activities. The goals are to create an inviting place for residents and their loved ones and better health and well-being.
It is important to make residents of independent living in Goochland, VA feel comfortable by offering a hospitable and welcoming environment. The environment should feature a range of specialty care services, in-house amenities, and outdoor living spaces. That is why senior living designers constantly innovate to ensure the highest quality spaces. Below are a few reasons why outdoor living is prevalent in independent living.
Memory Care
Community gardens and outdoor living spaces help residents feel more relaxed. They also increase engagement and stimulate activity. Some studies suggest that outdoor living may slow the progression of dementia or trigger minor improvements in memory function.
Increased Social Interaction
Outdoor spaces can help increase social interaction amongst community residents by providing a peaceful and comfortable meeting spot. They offer an excellent place to meet with family and friends when they visit. The design of the space can also help stimulate conversations.
For example, outdoor furniture placement can signal how individuals want to interact. It is best to make some chairs in the garden portable. Place some together for larger gatherings and separate others for anyone who wants to spend time alone.
Creates Routines
Outdoor spaces can create a sense of normalcy or routine for residents. From picking vegetables to planting flowers to watching plants grow, it can make you feel like you are a part of something.
Better Quality Sleep
Spending time outdoors daily and enjoying natural sunlight can improve your sleep quality. As little as 30 minutes of daylight exposure can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, contributing to a better sleep cycle.
Therapeutic Benefits
Outdoor environments are more than just visually appealing. A brief visit to the garden can increase vitamin D, lower your blood pressure, and give you more stability. A garden with saturated colors like yellows, reds, and oranges can stimulate your memory.
Beneficial for Dementia Patients
For those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, outdoor spaces and activities can provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. That can lead to improved memory and verbal expression, higher self-esteem, improved sleep, and lower agitation and stress.
Conclusion
Any outdoor feature that gets residents out and about or socializing in an accessible and safe way is beneficial to them. After all, no one wants to live in a dull environment. An independent living community should be a haven for people seeking peace of mind and flexibility in their retirement years.
At our independent living community in Goochland, VA, we take pride in being inventive while maintaining comfort and functionality. That is handy when designing a safe, enjoyable, and purposeful outdoor living space. Visit us to learn more about the benefits of outdoor living.
