The Benefits Of Outdoor Activities For The Elderly

Summer is on its way, which makes it the perfect time to get our residents outdoors, where they can enjoy some light exercise, nature and all of its wonderful scenery. Spending time outdoors for even a short amount of time has many positive affects on the mind, body and soul. By having fresh air and exposure to the sun improves ones cognition and mood, due to the body absorbing vitamin D.

Recognising the importance of outdoor activities, we have a beautiful, peaceful an therapeutic garden. Our independent living, assisted living and memory care building sits on wonderful grounds where residents are encouraged to relax outdoors, taking a peaceful stroll or even birdwatch.

During the colder, winter months, where we’re inside for more than we are outside, elderly can become susceptible to a vitamin D deficiency, suffer from physical and mental fatigue, depression, bone pain and/or muscle weakness. Boclair is a luxury care home in Bearsden and we have many gardening activities across our home which help our residents get outside. In the summer residents could get involved in growing fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as herbs such as thyme and mint.

Although we provide gardening activities all year round, they increase once spring comes around, residents plant starter seeds in pots indoors, transferring them outside once the weather is better. Once the vegetables are ready, they can be used for our resident’s meals which then provides our residents with a sense of satisfaction for contributing to their community.  

Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

For older people who can get outdoors and take part in outdoor activities or light exercises, there are endless amounts of health benefits…

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing: When you’re sat outside in the sun, breathing in the fresh air, you’ll find it’s an excellent way to fight depression, stress and anxiety. Those who spend time outside will have a reduced risk of mental health problems due to being outside in the nature and exposed to the sun has been associated with good health and wellbeing.

Physical Health: When the elderly are outside, they’re more likely to take part in a physical activity, even if it’s a frequent walk around the home. A healthier body can help your loved one feel less tired and sore, increasing their balance and motor skills, with more strength and better mobility, your loved one will be less likely to have falls.

Protect Cognitive Functioning: For those with ADHD, the nature and peaceful surroundings can help them stay calm and focused. These effects are seen in all elderly, but even more beneficial for those who struggle with racing thoughts and short attention spans. Those with memory diseases can maintain their memory and cognition longer than those who are isolated and not engaging in outdoor activities. 

Promoting Socialisation: Those who are living at home, especially alone, are less likely to socialise, setting them up for loneliness and isolation. Yet, when they get outdoors or transition into a community where they can, they’ll have many opportunities to make new friends and participate in life enrichment activities. Together, it can increase their quality of life and wellbeing.

Prevents Diseases: Many diseases can actually be prevented through light exercise and activities, some common diseases are linked to inactivity, sitting inside for too long, possibly bringing on strokes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. When you engage in outdoor activities it could prevent cancers of the colon, breast, uterus, kidneys and oesophagus. 

Reduce Pain & Illness: There have been studies that show those who spend time outside take less pain medication, recover from illnesses quicker and experience fewer complications. This then can result in a stronger immune system, boosted through sun exposure and time in nature.

Stress Free Outings

Whilst an outdoor activity has many benefits, you still need to be careful with the surrounding elements. It’s a good idea to pay attention to the time of day and length of time that a resident is outside for, for example, they should go out before or after the sun is in full effect, preventing them from burning and getting heat stroke on very hot, sunny days. Sun cream and a hat is always essential and there should always be a shady spot nearby for them to sit in. 

Those with allergies may need to take some medication before going outdoors an its essential to keep residents hydrated, especially those with dementia, as they might forget they need to drink water.

Outdoor Activities That The Elderly Will Enjoy

There are many fun activities that our care home in Glasgow offers for our residents, especially in the sunnier, warmer months…

Bird Watching: The great thing about bird watching is that residents can take it at their own pace, learning about the different species of birds and catching a glimpse of a rare bird can be very exciting! 

Gardening: Gardens, flowers and plants can all be therapeutic. Gardening can give residents a sense of purpose, keeping them in shape as it does require some strength, dexterity and mobility. 

Picnics: Picnics are a great way for residents to bond with one another, for social interaction, whilst experiencing the beauty of nature. Residents can also invite family members and friends along, choosing from a range of locations if they wanted a change of scenery. 

Photography: Nature really is beautiful. Some residents enjoy sightseeing, trying to capture the perfect picture Photography is a creative hobby which can improve memory and overall give a resident something to look forward to on their trips outdoors. 

Walking: Walking is a simple hobby which benefits residents within a mental, emotional and physical way. A brisk walk a day can help residents strengthen their bones, muscles and joints, overall improving their sleep habits and moods, helping them maintain a healthy weight.

Our Landscaped Garden

Within our private care home in Bearsden, we have a beautiful landscaped garden which is spacious, full of pathways for those who enjoy a stroll either alone or with a friend or loved one. Our garden is wonderful that even during the summer months, it can be used for dining Al Fresco. 

Having outdoor spaces for residents to utilise is so important for us and we love to make use of the garden for other events and special occasions. In the summertime, a lot of our activities will be carried outside, we like to make good use of the weather when we can. From outdoor arts and crafts to BBQs and summer fairs for all our residents, loved ones and the local community, meaning we can all reap the rewards of the brilliant weather.

For more information on our wonderful care home, care services we provide or anything else, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us today.