Do you have an aging parent, grandparent, etc., who is spending more and more time indoors as their life begins to slow down? For many retirement age individuals, a lot of time is taken up by reading, crossword puzzles, television, and just idly sitting. What could benefit them greatly, however, is a walk in the park.
The benefits of public parks for the elderly are many. It’s time to step outside! Get some fresh air, move those muscles around, and enjoy Mother Nature. You could get an entirely new lease on life by filling your lungs with fresh air and pumping blood through your system.
A regular walk through the park is particularly good for those living in assisted living communities or alone at home. When retirement age individuals walk through the park, they can expect to enjoy the benefits included here.
Longer Life
Compared to those not living in or near significant vegetation/forestation, those who can regularly expose themselves to nature have a chance to live longer – by about 12%. This comes to us courtesy of a Harvard University study using people of the same socioeconomic status, race, and basic age group. Imagine, you can add years to your life with a simple weekly stroll through the park.
Memory Boost
Both memory processes and attention spans have been proven to increase by interacting with and spending time in nature. All too often, it takes considerable effort to interpret and understand a confusing and overly stimulating urban environment. For good mental health, enjoy the restorative and simple effects of nature.
Assist Illness and Injury Recovery
To recover from illnesses and injuries, older adults take a longer time, in most cases. Getting that blood flowing, increasing motion, and getting out into nature speeds up recovery time.
Increased Energy
No, a regular walk through the park will not make you tired and worn out (well, maybe a little, at first). For the most part, it will actually have quite the opposite effect. It can increase your energy because you’re getting fresh air and encouraging blood circulation. You’ll feel more alive and have a greater sense of vitality thanks to nature, the sun, fresh air, and more.
Immune System Improvement
Stronger immune systems are linked to spending time in nature. Blood pressure and stress levels decrease while white blood cells increase. On both your cardiovascular and metabolic health, you should see a positive change, in fact.
Improve Eye Health
If you stay inside all the time and rely on TV and movies for entertainment, your eyes may begin to get sore, tired, and dry. For good eye health, spend some time in the park each week. Watch the birds instead of television!
Get a Better Night’s Sleep
With a little bit of exercise – like a walk through the park – you will likely experience better sleep. Your mental and physical health will be improved when your body has enough time to rest, rejuvenate, and refresh.
Emotional Health Improvement
The risk for isolation and depression increases for those who spend every day indoors. For your brain and your body, get that blood flowing! While you’re at it, you’ll surround yourself with nature and have the opportunity to socialize with others while they’re taking their routine walk through the park, too. Reduce stress and experience an overall calming effect with a good walk.
Vitamin D Level Increase
Naturally, you’ll want to wear sunscreen when you go outside but you’ll still receive beneficial vitamin D through the sun’s rays. Many older adults are at a higher risk for diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and other diseases because they are deficient when it comes to vitamin D levels. Additionally, vitamin D helps fight off viruses (the common cold, flu, and more) and infections.
Regency Pointe Offers a Picturesque Park-Like Atmosphere
Can’t get to the park today? No problem. Regency Pointe offers an abundance of enjoyable amenities and a gorgeous outdoor setting.
See for yourself the beautiful, park-like atmosphere at Regency Pointe. Schedule a tour with us and view for yourself the ravishing sites and stylish décor that makes life at Regency Pointe invigorating and inspiring.
