Nature is healing and healthy. If you’re working in senior living, you probably know how crucial fresh air and sunshine can be for residents.
You can just feel it. Getting outdoors into the sunshine and among the trees and plants is good for your physical and mental health. And while spending time outdoors is recommended for people of all ages, it’s harder to get out as we get older. Finding ways to encourage the seniors in your life to go outside can be difficult. So here are some ideas for getting more green space on site.
5 Benefits of Nature and Green Space for Seniors
Older people tend to spend less time enjoying the great outdoors and more time inside. Mobility issues can seriously limit seniors’ activity levels, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the benefits of nature and green spaces.
Study after study illustrates the many benefits of nature for older people and nature’s effect on specific mental and physical health topics, including sleep, social interaction, memory, and more. Here are a few great reasons you should consider adding green spaces to your senior facility.
1. Longer life
Can exposure to green space for seniors really prolong life? Researchers examined the results of twenty-two studies to find a correlation, and they did! Most of the studies showed that older adults who had access to green spaces were less likely to succumb to any kind of death and had lower heart disease, as well.
2. Lower stress and more well-being
A considerable body of research shows the positive effects of nature on well-being. Urban areas are notoriously stressful, and many studies focus on what can be done to improve the lives of urban dwellers. Across hundreds of studies, findings show significant improvement in mental well-being and lower stress from spending time in green areas.
3. Less anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
A New Zealand study clearly associated proximity to green spaces with reduced anxiety and mood disorder. In 2021, Harvard Health published an article supporting the same findings. Sources such as Johns Hopkins and The University of Minnesota Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing agree. Nature makes us happier and better able to cope.
4. Enhanced brainpower
As we age, our cognitive abilities tend to wane. The American Psychological Association cites many studies showing evidence of positive effects from nature. Research shows that exposure to natural environments improves memory, cognitive ability, and attention. Conversely, exposure to concrete jungles in urban environments is strongly linked to attention deficits.
5. Environmental improvements
In addition to direct individual benefits of nature for seniors, Improving Health and Wellness through Access to Nature from The American Public Health Association points out that trees and plants have secondary benefits that contribute to better health. “Trees and vegetation capture carbon dioxide and mitigate global warming. They buffer noise, offer shade, reduce the effects of heat islands, and trap particulates and other airborne pollutants. Parks and other natural areas filter groundwater, reduce stormwater runoff, and prevent combined sewer overflows, improving the functioning of both public and private water systems.”
How Much Time Should Seniors Spend Outdoors?
This answer will surprise you. In a study involving nearly 20,000 people, a research team from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter found that only 120 minutes of green activities for seniors per week makes a significant difference. That’s just two hours, and it doesn’t seem to matter if they spend it all at once or over several visits. Twenty minutes per day would exceed that threshold.
Green Space Ideas and Green Activities for Seniors
Healthy aging for your residents is a win all around. It seems pretty clear that your senior facility needs green space, but what’s next? You may not have the luxury of grounds, so you may have to get a little creative. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Plant a garden
Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor green space for seniors, your residents will benefit from exposure to plants and flowers.
Create a solarium. If you honestly have no outdoor space to plant a garden, take a tip from English country homes. Find your sunniest room with the biggest windows and turn it into an indoor garden worthy of British lords and ladies. Make creative use of space with hanging baskets, trellised walls, and plats on different levels. Include seating areas where residents can relax and socialize.
Outdoor garden spaces are ideal for seniors, and gardening may be a welcome activity. Seniors with more mobility might like a more significant role in caring for garden areas. However, even elderly residents with limited mobility can get involved with raised beds and easy-to-use tools at their disposal. If you don’t have space for a full garden, consider attractive plants along walkways, around the building, and hanging from windowsills. A variety of well-tended plants where everyone can see them will also serve as a wonderful selling point for your facility.
2. Create a sensory wood walk
If grounds are available, creating a nice, easy walkway through a garden filled with flowers and trees is invaluable. It doesn’t have to be expensive to organize, and the health benefits, both physical and mental, are worth the effort. Plant plenty of aromatic plants such as herbs and strongly scented flowers so that those who can’t see clearly can still get maximum enjoyment from their time in the garden.
If your facility allows pets, a shady, attractive dog walk is a great way to encourage residents to get exercise and commune with nature at the same time.
3. Add bird feeders
Bird feeders placed appropriately create points of interest. Bird feeders are especially popular when viewable from indoor areas. Placing feeders near windows and along outdoor pathways provides the feeling of nature for seniors who can’t go outside. Keep your feeders well stocked to attract a variety of birds and give interested residents bird identification handbooks and binoculars if needed. Bird watching is a popular green activity for seniors.
4. Plan gardening and green space trips
Planning visits to garden centers, nature paths, and other local places of interest give your residents something to look forward to. Highlight events and encourage participation for all, as getting out of the familiar environment beats the boredom that sometimes comes as problems with mobility and independence become more prevalent.
When organizing any excursion for elderly residents, you’ll need to consider the mobility of the least able members of the group. Before setting off, ensure there are appropriate facilities at your destination. Look for flat ground or ramps, toilet facilities, and somewhere to get refreshments. It’s imperative for their health that seniors stay hydrated.
Just two hours a week spent at a local garden or park can do wonders for the health and morale of your residents.
5. Outdoor meeting spaces
In warmer climates and summer months, having a functional outdoor meeting space can brighten everyone’s mood and be a practical use for outdoor areas. An area encompassing both sunshine and shaded spots is ideal, and if trees, shrubs, and flowers surround it, it’s even better.
When the weather is perfect, outdoor spaces can be concert or community theater venues, a great place to invite local children or church choirs to perform, or a nice place to set up tables with checkers or chess sets. Outdoor yoga or exercise classes are terrific for healthy aging. And don’t forget the social benefits of a good old-fashioned picnic or ice cream social.
Being surrounded by green space for seniors has wonderful health and mental benefits for everyone. Greening up your facility will pay off on all levels—your staff may be happier, healthier, and less stressed as well as your residents, and incoming residents will feel more relaxed and at home.
