You may have heard about the myriad health benefits of being outdoors—from reducing your risk of cancer to strengthening your immune system and giving you a higher quality of life overall. This article will break down some key health benefits of being outdoors and how to make the most out of your time outside as an older adult. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish by simply stepping out your front door!
Physical Health Benefits
Aging family members who regularly get outdoors to walk, bike, and take in fresh air and sunlight can reap many physical health benefits. Over time, regular exercise may help boost strength and balance. Being outdoors can also reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis that can be exacerbated by too much sitting. Additionally, studies show that older adults who get regular sun exposure have higher vitamin D levels than their peers who don’t—and having adequate vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of depression and lower rates of heart disease and other chronic diseases.
Mental Health Benefits
Not only does spending time outdoors offer a plethora of physical health benefits, but it can also do wonders for your mental health, especially true if you’re an elderly person, as activities that get you up and moving can boost your mood and overall sense of well-being. One study found that retirees who engaged in regular outdoor activities displayed fewer signs of depression than those who stayed indoors. Another study demonstrated that outdoor activity improved older adults’ self-perceived mental abilities by challenging them to think quickly on their feet.
Outdoor Activities
Exercising outdoors has several health benefits. Research has shown that exercising in natural environments can improve your mood, help you relax, and give you an energy boost. The colors smell and sounds of nature are linked to lower stress levels and improvements in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. You might also enjoy added peace of mind by knowing that there’s less risk of injury due to equipment malfunction or accidents while working out outside than there is indoors. Exercise is also known to reduce pain and improve sleep, which contributes to your overall well-being.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to spend some time outdoors. Elderly Americans spend more than $3 billion annually on gardening supplies—yet there are plenty of benefits to be had even if you don’t tend to your yard. By getting our hands dirty in garden soil, we can lower our blood pressure and increase our immunity. And let’s not forget about vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is common among aging family members (it accounts for half of all weaknesses), and lack of it can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis, certain cancers, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Swimming
Swimming has many health benefits. Studies have shown that swimming is good exercise and can help with physical fitness. Swimming increases your flexibility and endurance levels while helping to improve muscle tone. If you’re looking to improve your aerobic fitness levels, swimming is a great way to build a more fit body without stressing your joints too much. Plus, it’s a fun activity that can keep you going strong for years to come.
