Lifestyle Value of Time Outdoors – Plus Ideas for Seniors 10/31/2023 | By Nick Tambellini While spending time outside combats the release of stress hormones, the average American spends 93% of their time indoors. By understanding the value of time outdoors and learning some enjoyable ways to get out, you can begin to reap the benefits. The value of time outdoors “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” – John Muir “When we take mindful steps on the earth, our body and mind unite, and we unite with the earth.” – Thich Nhat Hanh One primary benefit of spending time outside is simple: relaxation. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., driven by high blood pressure, diet, and sedentary lifestyles. In the short-term, our natural response to stress balances the human in the moment, but continued stress response over the long-term raises the risk for heart disease. The great outdoors helps lower cortisol levels and decrease muscle tension, with studies showing an increase in focus and attention from prolonged periods in nature. Older adults can appreciate another value of time outdoors: it can be protective against the risk of dementia. A study of nearly 62 Medicare beneficiaries suggests that older adults who lived in an area with significant green space had lower rates of hospitalization for neurodegenerative disorders. This includes Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias. Thirty minutes of sunlight, especially early in the morning, can lift serotonin levels, helping to naturally treat conditions like seasonal depression or provide an energy boost. Gardening provides additional benefits – even more so a community garden. Digging in the dirt, planting trees, restoring natural areas, and pulling weeds help create a reciprocal relationship to nature is formed through. Working alongside others in a community garden adds the benefits of social interactions. The sharing process puts nature in human nature, through bounties of healthy vegetables for consumption, restorative green spaces in urban areas, and the beauty of blooms. Related: The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors Low-impact outdoor hobbies, such as biking or kayaking, supports mental health practices and exercise habits. Local parks often line pedestrian trails with fitness stations such as pull-up bars and sit-up benches. Outdoor activities, or “green exercise,” have been shown to improve working memory, focus, and creativity – more so than working out indoors. Outdoor opportunities for seniors Some senior community developers recognize the value of time outdoors and embraced older adults’ desire to get outside. Related: Community Gardens: An Ideal Option for Seniors Some of these developers have created community gardens for residents to use, offering the benefits of outdoors time. Others have created what they call “agrihoods,” lacing communities with walking trails, clustered homes, and a central market area open to the local community. The arrangement combines an urban-like living experience with a rural feel, including produce sold from an on-site farm. As of 2018, agri-community constructions have reached 27 states and Canadian provinces, according to ULI. “Forest bathing,” a Japanese mindfulness practice (aka, shinrin-yoku), offers a simple way to soothe the soul. Pick a spot in nature, leave your phone and any other digital items in the car or at home, and begin walking, allowing your mind and body to guide you. Forest bathing, hiking, walking meditation, and other intentional outdoor exploration prods the five senses, allowing nature to bathe one from within. You don’t have to live near large parks to embrace the value of time outdoors. Neighborhood streets, city sidewalks, and local park trails can provide your dose of exercise, sunshine, and nature therapy. Smartphone apps, such as community-driven trail maps or wildlife identification, also create new avenues for people to engage with the outdoors. Popular ones to start out with include AllTrails, iNaturalist, or Merlin Bird ID. Nature is beautiful, wild, and ever-changing, a deep thread of connection to our own internal nature. To realize the value of time outdoors, begin simply by stepping out of your front door. Read More Nick Tambellini Nick Tambellini is a competitive sports and outdoor lover from Richmond, Virginia. He lives with his partner and an adorable tuxedo cat near the James River. He is an avid reader who supports elementary age students as a reading teacher in Henrico County Public Schools.