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>
Seeing the green grass and trees is a welcomed sight after a rough winter. I enjoy the outdoors and looking at the beauty around us. The other day on the way home from work I saw a Doe and her two fawns grazing in the fields in Fairfax. What a beauty to witness. The outdoors is refreshing and healthy for the soul.
ReplyDeleteBrenda Hale-Office Reception/ TLC Nursing/ South Burlington, VT