Being outdoors and taking in the natural beauty around us is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating activities you can do these days. Many doctors & healthcare professionals are extolling the benefits of spending time in nature. Seniors, in particular, would benefit from walking around in parks, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the sunlight.
At TerraBella Shelby, we do our best to incorporate a lot of outdoor activities into the lives of residents living in our senior living community. We believe that connecting with nature will help your loved ones feel happier and more relaxed. Find out why spending time in nature is especially important for seniors.
Boosts Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the immune system. This vitamin is synthesized as a result of being exposed to sunlight. Therefore, spending as much time outdoors as possible is beneficial for health, particularly for seniors.
Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium which is needed for building strong bones. It also plays a key role in immunity because it helps the body fight off infections and diseases. It stimulates the production of antibodies that capture viruses and prevent them from damaging our health. Our team members encourage seniors to spend more time in nature, so they can get more vitamin D.
Improves the Immune System
Some studies show that the immune system gets stimulated by exposure to natural surroundings. When our loved ones spend more time outdoors, they become more physically active which helps to improve blood circulation and strengthen their natural defenses against viruses and bacteria.
Breathe Fresh Air
Spending more time outdoors also gives your loved ones the opportunity to breathe fresh air. Do you know that fresh air can do wonders for our health? Breathing fresh air can rejuvenate the lungs, help the body eliminate toxins, improve blood pressure, and aid digestion! It can also energize our loved ones, giving them better focus and improving their mental health.
Connect with Nature
On top of enjoying the sunlight and breathing fresh air, seniors also get to reconnect with nature when they spend more time outdoors. By admiring the wonderful shapes of the clouds, listening to the wind and bird chirps as well as being amazed by the diverse colors of plants and flowers, our loved ones can reap unmatched therapeutic benefits.
Reduces Depression and Anxiety
An increasing body of evidence suggests that spending time outdoors can reduce depression and anxiety in seniors. This is probably accomplished because your loved ones won’t have the sensation of feeling trapped. It’s also difficult to worry about things when you’re surrounded by magnificent scenery, green trees, and vibrant blue skies. Such breathtaking landscapes might make you take out your camera and snap a few photos!
As you can see, there is nothing more therapeutic and beneficial for seniors than spending time in nature, in the company of family and friends. If you or your loved one is considering a move to a senior living community in Shelby, we have different senior living options to suit your needs. Contact TerraBella Shelby today to learn more about our senior living programs or schedule a tour with us. We would love to show you around our beautiful community!
