Nature therapy is a holistic approach to wellbeing that involves spending time in a natural, outdoor environment (imagine vibrant trees, parks, wild flowers, gardens, and lakes or streams). Taking time to be outside can dramatically improve mental, emotional, and physical health. Research has shown that exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve sleep quality.

When it comes to seniors living with Alzhiemer’s or dementia, the benefits of getting outdoors are numerous. Depending on the activity, time outside can reduce their negative emotions, improve mood, increase cognitive function, and enhance physical health. It can be particularly effective for supporting the overall wellbeing of seniors with memory loss, and can help improve their quality of life.

Spending time outdoors with your loved one is an easy, accessible way to deepen your connection, while contributing to supporting their overall health. Here at Haciendas at Grace Village, we believe in the power of spending time outdoors and offer beautiful outdoor spaces for our residents and their loved ones to enjoy.

Looking for new ways to connect with your loved one? Read on to explore ideas for outdoor activities, benefits, and some important safety tips to keep in mind.

Outdoor Activities to Choose From

There are numerous activities to engage in outside that you can choose to enjoy with your loved one. Whether they are interested in gardening, or simply taking in the scenery that surrounds them, there is no shortage to what you can do.

However, it’s important to consider the individual needs and abilities of seniors living with memory loss when planning outdoor activities. Some fun and accessible ideas for nature therapy include:

Walking in a park or nature trail
Gardening or tending to plants
Birdwatching
Fishing
Nature photography
Outdoor picnics
Yoga or Tai Chi

What are the Benefits?

The benefits that result from spending time outside don’t just impact physical health. Importantly, older adults can see positive impacts on their physical, mental, social, and even spiritual wellbeing by regularly spending time outdoors. Maintaining a well-balanced regimen that considers all aspects of health is important throughout all stages of life, but especially important in later years or when facing certain health challenges.

Improve Physical Health

One of the key benefits of nature therapy for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia is the opportunity to engage in physical activity. Walking or hiking in nature can help to improve cardiovascular health and even reduce the risk of heart disease.

Physical movement can also support improving balance, strength, and flexibility, all of which are important for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Studies have found that spending time in nature can reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

Beyond chronic disease prevention, exposure to natural light and fresh air can also help regulate sleep patterns, improve respiratory function, and increase vitamin D levels. Having the proper balance of vitamin D ensures optimal bone health and immune function. Moreover, walking in nature or practicing yoga outdoors can have powerful impacts on the physical body of aging adults.

Increase Cognitive Function

Stimulating the brain is important for seniors, especially if they are experiencing memory loss. Exposure to natural environments can help improve memory and attention span, as well as provide an opportunity to engage in sensory stimulation.

The natural environment provides a range of sensory experiences, including the sights, smells, and sounds of the outdoors. These experiences can help to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function, which can be particularly important for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Numerous studies have found that spending time in nature can reduce agitation, aggression, anxiety, and depression levels in these individuals, leading to a more calm and peaceful state of mind.

Gain a Sense of Purpose

Spending time outdoors can also provide a newfound sense of purpose and meaning for seniors. Engaging in activities such as birdwatching, gardening, or fishing can help to provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can be important for maintaining a positive outlook and sense of self-worth.

Imagine watching flowers bloom after some weeks of nurturing them, or watching a bird visit a birdhouse you worked hard to build or simply placed outside. Getting to watch something grow or benefit from something you did can be extremely encouraging and can cultivate a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Increase Socialization

There are also social benefits of spending time in nature that seniors can enjoy. Participating in outdoor activities can offer opportunities for social interaction and connection, which can be important for maintaining relationships and preventing social isolation.

If you are desiring to deepen your relationship with your loved one, engaging in an outdoor activity that interests you both can develop a feeling of connectedness. For all humans, it's important to feel a sense of belonging in a community, and to feel valued by others.

Person-centered care is at the core of our work at Haciendas. We enjoy providing opportunities for our residents to socialize with their peers and caregivers, which can improve their overall sense of community and belonging.

Boost Mood

Spending time outdoors can help reduce agitation and disruptive behavior in seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Being in nature can have a calming effect, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

This can also help reduce stress levels, leaving seniors feeling more relaxed and in control. Time outdoors stimulates the production of serotonin. This “happy hormone” can significantly improve the overall energy and mood your loved one experiences. The mood-boosting benefits of getting outside with our residents make it an important, accessible, and enjoyable option for engagement.

Safety Tips

When spending time outside with your elderly loved one, it’s important to keep in mind the environment and to implement some important safety precautions.

Ensure your loved one has had an adequate amount of water and access to some if needed, and pack a few snacks. Make sure to use sunscreen and bug spray, and to be mindful of allergies. If it’s summer time, be sure to check the temperature and avoid spending too much time outside during the hotter hours of the day. Depending on the time of the year, you will need to adjust how you prepare to enjoy some nature time with your loved one.

Additionally, in order to provide effective nature therapy for seniors facing memory loss, it is important to tailor the activities to the individual’s needs and interests. For example, some seniors may be able to participate in more strenuous activities such as hiking, while others may need, or desire, to engage in more gentle activities such as bird-watching or nature walks. Ensure the safety of these environments by making sure there is appropriate supervision and assistance as needed.

Spending time outdoors is an easy, fun, and accessible way to connect deeper with your loved one, while also prioritizing their health and wellbeing. We hope you’ve gained some valuable insight and are inspired to get outdoors! Connect with our team and schedule a tour to learn more about the amenities available to our residents at Haciendas at Grace Village.

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Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Seniors Living with Alzheimer's and Dementia