Getting outside has always been seen as a great way to relieve stress and feel better. The urge to step outside to get some fresh air when we don’t feel well has been shown to have real tangible benefits to both mental and physical health. Scientists have shown that when you spend time in nature, it can provide stress relief, promote physical activity, encourage social interaction, and have positive impacts on mental health.
Get a Boost from Green Spaces
Green spaces are particularly great for seniors, who have much to gain from spending time in nature. A recent study measured brain activity in seniors (aged 65 and over) as they walked between urban environments and green spaces. As they walked through the urban areas, the volunteers experienced varying levels of increased stress and frustration. As they moved to the green spaces, the volunteers in the study preferred them, as they felt calm and enjoyed the quiet. The results of this study suggest that regular access to green spaces can be highly beneficial for the brain health of seniors.
Green Spaces Encourage Exercise
Regular access to parks and other green spaces is essential for seniors. Not only do they have the potential to calm the mind, but they also promote physical exercise. Seniors who live close to parks will be more likely to head out for a walk so they can sit and enjoy the scenery. Parks and green spaces with trails and walking paths also give seniors a safe place to walk and exercise, away from traffic and busy streets.
Parks are Social Spaces
When physical activity has a social aspect, it can be a great motivator. Parks tend to function as gathering spaces in neighbourhoods, which makes them a great place to meet new people. When seniors regularly head to parks for a bit of exercise or just to spend some time outside, they’re likely to see many other people who are doing just the same thing. It’s a great way to meet new people, which can be wonderful for seniors. (Especially for those who live alone.) Parks also make great central meeting points for friends who live in the same area, which can encourage people to make an effort to get outside during the day.
Any Green Space Will Do
If you want to experience the benefits of time in nature, you don’t have to go far. If you don’t happen to have easy access to the beach or a forest, that’s okay! A local park, small yard, or any garden space can provide the same incredible health benefits as a huge park or nature reserve. Simply sitting outside in the sunshine and breathing in some fresh air for a few moments each day can leave you refreshed, re-energized and instantly in a better mood.
At Bria Communities, we understand just how important it is for seniors to have easy access to green spaces. Each of our residences is thoughtfully designed with this in mind. From rooftop decks and outdoor patios to communal gardening spaces, residents have many outdoor spaces to enjoy. We further encourage people to get outdoors through activities such as the Garden Club, where residents can plant and maintain their own garden spaces. In the warmer months, we often hold social events outside so all the residents can enjoy these areas together.
In addition to the many outdoor spaces that are part of our residences, we also encourage everyone to get out and explore the neighbourhoods they live in. There are plenty of parks and green spaces close to each of our residences, so there are plenty of options for those who want to venture out a little further.
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