Stepping Outside: How Nature Enriches Senior Living By Dori Laack, Arbor Terrace at Crabapple
How many times a day do you read a book? How many times a day are you on your phone/iPad looking at social media? How many times a day do you go outside to get a breath of fresh air?
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many people spend most of their time indoors. This could be because of family dynamics, careers, or other factors.
Did you know that going outside, even for a short time, does have an impact both physically and mentally. Nature or as I like to say, “the great outdoors” has a remarkable way of improving health, restoring balance, and bringing a sense of peace that is often difficult to find inside four walls. Connecting with nature or spending time outdoors can greatly improve the quality of life for all of us, though especially for older adults. Fresh air and sunshine can support physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive functions in very meaningful ways.
Physical Health Benefits:
Supports heart health
Improves mobility and balance
Strengthens joints and muscles for stronger bones
Supports the immune system
Increases Vitamin D from sunlight - helps reduce the risk of Osteoporosis, a common condition that weakens bones in older adults
Stress and Anxiety Reduction:
Reduces the feelings of anxiety
Creates a sense of peace and relaxation
Lowers stress hormones
Sleep Improvement:
Increases consistent sleep patterns – regulates the body’s internal clock (Circadian Rhythm)
Improves quality of sleep
Decreases daytime tiredness
Cognitive Health Support:
Increased sensory engagement (colors, smells, and sounds) – helps keep the brain active
Creates more curiosity and observation (mental stimulation)
Improves and provides focus, attention, and memory recall
Enhances Emotional Well-Being and Mood:
Increases feelings of freedom
Greater sense of purpose when caring for plants, flowers, etc.
Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression- sunlight and fresh air can increase the production of mood-boosting chemicals in the brain
Encourages Social Connection:
Increases engagement with family, friends, and neighbors
Creates sense of community
Increases group activities participation
Even small amounts of time outside, ie. sitting on a patio / balcony, walking in a garden or a park, feeding the birds or just feeling the sun on your face… can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being. Any of these outdoor moments can create meaningful routines and moments of joy. These experiences can bring even more comfort, especially for older adults adjusting to life in a senior living.
Arbor Terrace Crabapple, an assisted living and memory care community, is home to two (2) beautiful courtyards with mature gardens, flowers, and an established tree line and is one of the many differences that creates meaningful moments for residents. Many of the community residents enjoy sitting outside and talking with one another. Many also invite their family and friends to visit them outside in the courtyard so they too can enjoy nature and maybe a rabbit or a hummingbird will be seen. Known as an active community offering various types of engagement daily, 7 days a week… many residents take part in the walking club as well as other different outdoor group activities that are offered throughout the year to encourage the residents to feel the sun on their faces! If you are interested about learning more about Arbor Terrace Crabapple, please contact the community at 770-649-1009.
Learn more: https://www.arborcompany.com/locations/georgia/alpharetta-crabapple
