Benefits of Nature During the Aging Process | Beehive

Aging can take a toll on us, even if we're healthy individuals. It is very rare in today's world, however, for those who are aging to escape problems that go along with it. Often, disease can cause more difficulty than any toll that the normal wear and tear of the years has done. While a simple walk in the park may not turn back the biological clock, in the following article, we're going to take a look at a few ways that getting into nature can help you alleviate some of the symptoms of common diseases or problems often associated with aging.

-Hypertension. There is something incredibly soothing about walking, or even sitting in nature that can calm nerves & slow heart rates. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Light exercise has been shown to have the same effect. So, whether it's taking a walk or working for awhile in the garden, get outside for a bit & feel the benefits!

-Diabetes. Being in nature requires a bit of effort from us. You can use those natural surroundings to fight against a very common disease that accompanies aging, diabetes. Walking or biking through the park on a regular basis, or simply puttering around in the yard can help regulate your blood sugars. If you garden, you can get a “two for one special” with exercise, plus having fresh, healthful fruits and vegetables to supplement your diet.

-Dementia. How could nature help with dementia, you ask? It's quite simple, although it does take a bit of effort at the outset. Bring along a book of birds, trees or flowers while you spend time out of doors. Challenge yourself while you are out by finding and identifying the things you see. The next time you are out, see if you can remember what they were before looking them up again. Many of those in #dementia care facilities could benefit from this. Something this simple can be done in almost any setting, from rural to urban. If outdoor spaces are not readily available, it would also be feasible to do with indoor plants and garden plants. Another great addition to this exercise would be to find books of poetry that address the beautiful things that you find while you are on your excursions.

-General Health. Most people are aware that outdoor air is less polluted than indoor air. Therefore, it stands to reason that anyone experiencing lung problems would benefit from more time outdoors. Vitamin D from the sun is also a healthful benefit of spending time outdoors. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium, helps regulate sleep & gives a general sense of well-being.

Certainly, there are a number of benefits from being in nature at any age. As we grow older, it becomes more challenging to spend times outdoors than it was when we were younger. But, consider, if you will, all of the different ways that it could improve your health & life. Then, get out in nature and start enjoying life!

Nature and Dementia

All of us have probably experienced the benefits of nature at one time in our lives or another. The calming sound of waves on the beach, the gentle rain on a roof or the canopy of the forest, or even the calm breeze through the pines can knock our anxiety levels down a few notches. What few people realize, however, is that there is genuine scientific evidence that reveals that which we’ve all experienced…nature is good for us! It’s even better for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

It is so good for us, in fact, that in Finland regular doses of nature incorporated in their governmental health policy. They may prescribe a walk in a natural area as treatment for anxiety, alcoholism, attention problems or depression. But Finland is not alone as a country finding ways to combat the ailments of our century. South Korea, Canada & the US are all studying nature’s effects on the human psyche. Many questions are being answered as scientists delve into these areas of study, but it is mostly confirming what we all seem to know intuitively. Nature is good for us. It calms us down & helps us become more thoughtful.

Because Dementia & Alzheimer’s can be diseases that have some social stigmas attached to them, the diseases themselves are often accompanied with extreme depression or anxiety. Regular outings into nature are incredibly helpful for those suffering from any of these diagnoses. When you’re in nature, none of those things matter so much. You can find a beautiful caterpillar, for instance, and be allowed time to pay attention to the exquisite detail of something that is currently in front of you without needing to remember its relationship to everything else in your world. You can watch it for a long period of time without needing to rush. You can remain calm & it will not judge your actions. You are given time to think, to wonder & to be amazed. You are given the freedom to be you.

Of course, it is prudent to have someone along with you on your trips into nature. We are not advocating that patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s wander in the woods alone as treatment. But, as often as possible help those you care about to experience nature in meaningful ways. Perhaps they’d like to bring along drawing supplies, or a camera for the outings. Meaningful occupations that will bring attention & mindfulness are never amiss with patients & loved ones that struggle with these diseases. It will likely improve their (and your) quality of life for years to come!