Spring is in the Air... Time to Head Outdoors

Although it may feel like warmer weather will never come, it is right around the corner. With warmer weather, comes the opportunity to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and get exercise. It is important for both the mind and body to be outside and away from the comforts of your own home, as long winters can make it feel like you have been stuck inside for months on end.

According to a study completed in 2010, time spent outdoors make people feel “more alive”. This study illustrated that spending time outdoors can lead to an increased sense of energy; which is vitally important for both the mental and physical health of an elderly individual. According to the study done by Richard Ryan, a psychology professor at the University of Rochester, "Nature is fuel for the soul. Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature."

It is evident that spending time outdoors is critical to a full and healthy life and there are numerous activities that elderly individuals can be included in. It will depend on individual preference and ability, but the following gives a plethora of ideas to choose from when you want to break away from being indoors and help your client feel lively and enjoy the great outdoors.

·         Outdoor Craft Shows and Flea Markets

·         Outdoor Theatre or Concert

·         Flying Kites

·         Picnic

·         Yard Games

o   Croquet

o   Shuffleboard

·         Fishing

·         Gardening

·         Berry or Apple Picking

·         Bird Watching

·         Take a Stroll!

Each one of these aforementioned activities can have positive effects for an elderly individual as physical activity has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce body weight and improve self-esteem. Stepping away from focusing solely on the physical activity aspect of spending time outside; research has shown that nature-based experiences have been found to be therapeutic, restorative and help contribute to the emotional and psychological intangibles of well-being.

As noted, there are numerous different reasons why it is important for elderly individuals to spend time outdoors, but is it critical to remember and keep detailed notes of their limitations and physical abilities, as you do not want to overdo it and put them in a potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situation.

Schulte, Marty. "Top Outdoor Elderly Activities." Elder-one-stop.com. OneSong, LLC, 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <http://www.elder-one-stop.com/outdoor-elderly-activities.html>.

Ryan, Richard. "Spending Time in Nature Makes People Feel More Alive, Study Shows." : Rochester News. University of Rochester, 3 June 2010. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3639>.

Chalfont, G. E. (2006). Connection to Nature at the Building Edge: Towards a Therapeutic Architecture for Dementia Care Environments. PhD Thesis. University of Sheffield. <http://www.chalfontdesign.com/media/why.pdf>