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As we age, we have to put our health first. Luckily, getting outside is an easy way to support your physical and mental health. Today’s blog provides some tips about how to get outside this summer!
Getting outside makes a huge difference to our health. This is particularly true for seniors. As we age, many seniors tend to retreat inwards—becoming less social, more sedentary, and spending more time indoors. However, spending as little as 30 minutes a day outdoors has big benefits such as:
Getting outside helps you improve your mood for many reasons. It increases feel-good hormones like endorphins and helps us boost our vitamin D levels which supports mental and physical health.
When you are sedentary, your body becomes less equipped to handle the daily stress you put on it. By getting outdoors and moving around, your body gets a little bit stronger every day as you build balance, strength, and mobility.
As you gain strength, you’ll feel more confident and capable. You’ll build stability and be able to keep up with your grandchildren (or at least try!).
Getting outside helps us connect with other people in fun ways.
Getting outdoors looks different at every age, so we have a few ideas for you to try out. Pick one that fits with your interests, activity level and physical capabilities!
Walking is an easy way to stretch your legs and move your body. If you have been sedentary this winter- don’t overdo it. Even a 5-10 minute walk during the cool morning hours is a great starting place. Take breaks as you need and soak in the sunshine. As you continue to walk, challenge yourself to walk a few minutes longer, and you’ll build your stamina in no time.
You can even use your walks as an opportunity to bond with your littlest family members or catch up with friends and family. It’s a great way to get active and connect!
Whether you live in a house, apartment, senior living, or another location, consider gardening! Your garden might look like a few potted plants on your balcony, a windowsill herb garden, or even repotting indoor houseplants. Try growing a determinate variety of tomatoes, a bush cucumber, a pepper, or some lettuce for some patio-sized plants that produce healthy foods later in the summer. We recommend growing what you like to eat!
Check out summer fairs, fireworks, drive-in movies, farmers markets, and other local events that are taking place outdoors this summer. Likewise, backyard BBQs, birthday parties, or reunions all give you a wonderful reason to spend time outdoors.
There are so many benefits to getting outside. It really doesn’t matter how you get out—just that you spend time in the fresh air and sunshine. Even just sitting outside can make a big difference to your physical and mental health!
Just remember, you don’t need to push yourself too hard to get outdoors. Take it easy, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen as needed, and take breaks. Along the way, know that you are reaping the benefits of the outdoors. So get outside this summer!
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At Mary Wade, our expert staff works to create an individual care plan for each resident, including stimulating ways of getting outdoors. In combination with programming like tai chi, sports with Yale students, and more, our residents soak up the sun in safe and engaging ways every single day. Schedule your visit today: (203) 562-7222.
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