You should have heard by now that going outdoors and staying in nature can do wonders for your physical health.
For the elderly especially, being in nature can be good for their physical, mental, and even spiritual health.
Going out into nature for a stroll can become part of their routine and structure, and improve their quality of life.
Taking Nature Walks Improve Your Memory
Participants who took a memory test and then went for a walk in nature performed 20% better than those who took the exam and then went for a stroll about the city, according to a University of Michigan research.
Nature Makes You Feel Happier
A Finnish researcher said that spending even just 15 minutes in nature helped to cheer people up. And if you were walking while surrounded by nature, the process is even faster.
Nature Can Help You Heal
A study has found that people who are exposed to more natural light had a quicker recovery from spinal surgery, and with less pain. They also took fewer pain medications, suggesting that nature might even be a natural pain killer.
Improves Your Concentration
Give your brain a break by going into nature for a while. Step away from the screens, and let your mind decompress from the overstimulation.
Helps with Weight Loss
While it’s not exactly being outside that triggers weight loss, but exercising outdoors is certainly more fun.
You may enjoy incorporating hiking into your routine, especially at higher altitudes – it actually increases your metabolism and reduces your appetite.
Boosts Vitamin D
You need sunlight in order to create Vitamin D. This vitamin actually helps to prevent cancer, osteoporosis, and heart attacks.
Reduces Stress
The amount of stress you feel is actually reduced when you set foot into nature. Spend more time outdoors and surrounded by nature, as it lowers your heart rate – a rapid heart rate is often one of the signs of stress.
Keeps You Feeling Young
Aging gracefully is the goal of many, and keeping yourself surrounded by nature might be the key.
According to research, older people who spent time outside every day had fewer complaints of common aging issues (such as aching bones and difficulty sleeping) than those who didn’t.
Improve Immune System
Spending more time in nature can improve your immune system. There are increased white blood cells, which help to fight viruses and protect your body.
Improves Your Mood
Going for nature walks can even improve your mood. Many studies have in fact linked nature walks with much better mental health.
