A Heathy Way of Life
We all seem to sense on an intuitive level that there’s something special about being outside. Whether it’s the magic of crunching through leaves while walking on a crisp fall day, the exhilaration of a bike ride in the park, or the restful tranquility of reading in the garden surrounded by greenery and flowers, the outdoors seems to reach us on a visceral level.
In fact, spending time outside doesn’t just feel good, it actually is good for us! And often when we’re outside, we’re moving. Here are some of the many health benefits for older adults, according to the nonprofit Elder Care Alliance:
- Benefits to Mental Health: lower incidence of depression, stress, and anxiety; greater sense of positivity and happiness; those who exercise in natural, outdoor settings have a lower risk of mental health concerns than do those who exercise indoors
- Higher Energy Level: boost to immunity and improvements to memory, cognitive function, and creativity
- Better Overall Health: can help speed recovery from injury or illness; improves Vitamin D levels, which is of particular benefit to seniors; fresh air boosts stamina and lung function and can improve sleep
Finding Our Natural High
There are so many ways we can get outside—in all seasons! —and reap the many benefits of outdoor time. Here are some suggestions:
Gardening: using raised beds or “patio plants” can help make tending plants, veggies, and flowers more comfortable and easier on the knees and low back
Walking: perhaps the simplest of all outdoor activities, walking is so accessible and requires only a safe place to walk and appropriate footwear. Walking sticks, however, may be an option to consider for these reasons:
-can take up to 45% of pressure off knees
-help improve posture while moving
-provide greater stability and balance
-add additional movement to shoulders and arms
Hiking: if you’re up for something a bit more vigorous, consider taking a hike. Hiking poles can help with balance and, like walking sticks, can take pressure off the knees and back, particularly when hiking downhill
Biking: one of the appeals of biking is its kindness to our joints. Recumbent bikes, or three-wheeled bikes that allow the rider to sit in a semi-reclined position, have become popular with many seniors for these reasons:
-easier to balance
-easier on the back and posterior
-more comfortable riding makes for longer rides and more time outdoors
Fishing: being near water or in a “blue zone” has been found to have numerous health benefits, and fishing provides a great way to take in the relaxation of the water for alone time or to share with others
Birding: an opportunity to listen to and observe birds is as close as our own backyards! With apps like Merlin (bird identification) and eBird (bird list tracking) from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this fun and rewarding outdoor activity is even easier to access
Water Sports: beating the heat in a pool offers non-weight bearing exercise that’s easy on the joints and offers the opportunity for cardio exercise. Water aerobics, jogging in the water, or aqua dance are some options
Outdoor Fitness Classes: since the advent of Covid, some fitness classes—particularly those that don’t require a lot of equipment—are more likely to be offered outdoors. Yoga, tai chi, aerobic dance classes, and walking groups are some popular choices
Parks and Nature Tours
We have an extensive system of municipal, county, state, and national parks here in the US, offering many opportunities to safely enjoy being outdoors in all seasons. Guided nature walks, bird walks, night hikes, and other organized activities offer free or low-cost ways to get outdoors and learn about the natural world.
The National Park Service offers an annual Senior Pass for $20.00 or a lifetime Senior Pass for $80.00. US citizens or permanent residents 62 years of age or older are eligible.
The pass covers entrance and general recreational amenity fees and provides a discount on most expanded amenity fees. Travelling companions are also admitted free. Learn more about the Senior Pass on the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/senior-pass.
The only thing that makes being outside even better is heading out with a friend. Enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors—and socialization, too!
