Getting out and enjoying mother nature and the fresh air is invigorating and a healthy choice at any age. However, the many benefits of going out in nature can and should be appreciated by retirement-age individuals in particular.
From physical to emotional health, it doesn’t take long to feel the effects of being outdoors. Here are just a few fast facts about spending time outside:
- Particularly for retirement-age individuals, for psychological well-being, access to nature is beneficial.
- By regulating your natural wake/sleep cycle, being outside can help you sleep.
- To help alleviate stress, spending a mere 10 minutes in mother nature’s surroundings is sufficient. (But why stop at 10 minutes?)
When we are surrounded by natural, beautiful scenery, most of us feel good. We know instinctively that being in nature enhances our happiness, immunity, and our health. Truth be told, to improve your emotional well-being, it’s one of the most effective methods.
Those in their golden years can experience health benefits from spending time in their natural environment. Here’s how.
Well-Being and Overall Health
Let’s compare two types of individuals:
- Those who spend no time in natural environments
- Those who get out in nature at least two hours per week
What’s the difference between the two? Better psychological well-being and health were experienced by those who spent time in nature (according to a recent study). In fact, benefits were equal whether they broke those two hours into shorter time spans or experienced it all at once.
Well-Being and Mood
Rumination levels can be lowered by a 90-minute walk in nature. What is rumination? Associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and negative mood, you may have heard it referred to as “negative mind chatter”. A particular effect can be achieved by not only mother nature, but by the sea’s calming benefits. For more positive body and mind benefits, spend time by blue spaces like fountains, waterfalls, the lake, a river, or the ocean. These can all help to calm the nervous system, slow breathing, reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and lower anxiety and stress.
Mental Health
Psychological well-being can be benefited when a person has access to nature. It can help protect against stress-related issues, erratic behavior, depression, and mood disorders. Regular exposure to nature may reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders and mental health disorders: think rural settings, woodlands, forests, and parks.
Stress Levels
“Nature Therapy” can help if you’re feeling stressed. You can lessen the effects of mental and physical stress, and feel happier, by being in a natural environment for as little as 10 minutes. Your breathing, heart rate, and brain waves slow down just by being in green space. You’ll feel less stressed and calmer, and your blood pressure may drop.
Stress hormone levels can be reduced by, at least three times a week, spending 20 to 30 minutes in nature.
Sleep
Sleep quality can be improved by spending time outdoors. Additionally, to promote better sleep, if you spend time outside, you’re more likely to partake in some kind of physical activity.
Step Outside and Enjoy Nature at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh!
The residents at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh have but to step outside and stroll the magnificent grounds to appreciate mother nature and get some fresh air. The palm trees, covered walkways, shrubs, and all-around greenery are a sight to behold. We even feature outdoor games, swimming, and other outside activities if you’re feeling particularly energetic. If it gets a little chilly outdoors, come on inside, sit by our glorious fireplace, and enjoy a cocktail if you wish. See for yourself all we have to offer by scheduling a tour today. We’d love to show you around.
