How Does Being in Nature Benefit Seniors?

The natural world is full of beautiful plants and wildlife just waiting for people to get out of the house and experience them. Seniors sometimes need help with spending more time in nature, but the efforts are worth it. Whether you or a caregiver takes your senior loved one out during the week, you’ll see him or her enjoy these amazing benefits of visiting natural spaces.

Feel the Relaxing Power of Nature

People who regularly spend time outside tend to have better mental health compared to those who spend all day indoors. Spending time in green spaces filled with plant life has the effect of sending signals to the brain that decrease stress. Your loved one might enjoy walking through the park on a day when he or she is experiencing more anxiety about his or her health or finances. Looking at the beautiful plants is a reminder that all is well with the world.

Make Exercise More Enjoyable

If your loved one balks at riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill, he or she might be trying to tell you something. Many older adults spent hours outside when they were younger, and they likely stayed fit during childhood by riding their bikes and playing sports. You might need to find safer forms of outdoor exercise now, but there are several options. Try taking your loved one fishing to give his or her arms a workout, or plan a brief hike on a safe trail.

Provide Safe Exposure to Sunshine

Too much time spent indoors is one of the main causes of vitamin D deficiencies in seniors. Your loved one can enjoy nature from his or her patio or garden space if he or she can’t go too far from home. For seniors, it might be safer to limit sun exposure to only about 15 minutes a day, and always make sure they wear sunscreen. However, those few minutes can add up to better health and increased energy. If you usually help your loved one get out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air but you need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.

Break the Boredom Cycle

Life in the house gets boring, and seniors need to explore the world just like everyone else. One of the best things about nature is that it’s always changing. Your loved one might enjoy going to a botanical garden where he or she can view seasonal blooms, or he or she might just love visiting a community garden. Doing something new can break up the monotony of your loved one’s day, and he or she will have something to look forward to when you plan a nature-themed activity during the week. Boredom and other mental and emotional challenges are common for many aging adults, but seniors don’t have to handle them alone. Elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Encounter New People Outdoors

Nature has a funny way of helping people connect. Campers often chat with other people who are camping nearby, and it’s common to see people have quick chats when they’re walking in the park. Taking your loved one outdoors lets him or her see different people than he or she would normally encounter. From admiring a fellow walker’s dog to catching a kids’ sports game outdoors, going out in nature fills your loved one’s time with opportunities to connect with others.  Seniors with mobility issues or health conditions who need assistance getting outdoors can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Winnipeg homecare experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000.