During the last several years, Americans who already tended to spend more time indoors than out became even less likely to go outside and enjoy the natural environment. Unfortunately, this had a negative lasting effect on mental health, especially for seniors. Now that the health scare is mostly behind us, professionals are once again extolling the many benefits of being outside in nature, enjoying the sunshine and beauty. Seniors in assisted living and memory care require fresh air and sunshine as much as anyone, and they enjoy significant benefits to their cognitive health when they spend time in nature.
In today’s article, we discover how ensuring that your choice of senor living residence should include natural surroundings and beautiful grounds, in order to guarantee their best possible mental health.
Nature Boosts Mental Health
One tried-and-true way to inspire serenity and an overall sense of well-being is to spend time in nature. Studies have shown that exposure to natural elements such as water features, flowers and greenery lowers the incidence of mental stress. The simple act of sitting or walking in a natural environment for only 10 or 15 minutes enhances mental health significantly. Assisted living and memory care centers in this part of the country enjoy the benefits of temperate weather and clear skies even throughout the winter – permitting the usage of landscaped grounds, shaded walkways, and outdoor activities to their residents year-round. Those who reside in these communities can join walking clubs, stroll at their leisure or simply sit outside with friends to enjoy the fresh air.
There are also notable cognitive rewards to being outside in nature. Most people experience sharpened focus and cognition, as exposure to nature is also beneficial for our brains – boosting working memory, mental agility, and attention span. Individuals in assisted living or memory care facilities are looking for ways to protect their mental health should consider walking through gardens with friends or spending time listening to a fountain.
Residents in adut communitis also have frequent opportunities to join their friends on off-site daytrips, often beaches, botanical gardens or nearby parks.
Integrating Nature Into Daily Life
Many senior adults still living at home do not have access to the needed supervision to be outside – or their limited mobility may make going outdoors challenging. Family members can help by incorporating natural elements into their infoor living spaces. (Read here about how container gardening may help your senior to love nature again. )
Some other ideas on how to incorporate natural elements into an indoor space include:
- Cultivating green plants: Plants – especially greenery – are famous for their ability to eliminate toxins from the air and enhance concentration, both of which are vital for elderly adults. Studies show that those wwho have a lot of plants experience more feelings of empathy and compassion toward others and experience healthier relationships.
- Hang depictions of nature: Experts agree that even photos or paintings of natural vistas can work toward reducing stress levels. If there are places that your loved one enjoyed visiting when they were younger, decorating their room with photos of thse beloved places canhelp encourage peace and comfort.
- Generate nature sounds: Adding natural soundscapes, such as rain or waterfall sounds, invokes relaxation and serenity while increasing attention spans and enhancing mental performance. Ocean waves and chirping crickets have also been shown to improve cognitive health, focus, and a sense of overall well-being.
If you are looking for the perfect assisted living or memory care center in
