No matter your age or condition (unless advised otherwise by your physician), spending time outdoors, whether in a nature setting such as a state park or in a busy metropolitan area such as a jogging trail, can have many benefits on your overall health such as boosting your mood, improving your sleep, and helping you fight diseases/infections. Below is a list of some fun activities for seniors to do outdoors – in a group or solo.

In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The benefits of being outdoors for seniors

1. Boosts mental health: Seniors who occasionally spend time outdoors may experience less symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, seniors that exercise outdoors (e.g. walking or biking in a nature setting) have a reduced risk of mental health problems compared to individuals who exercise in an indoor facility. For example, ecotherapy is a form of auxiliary therapy that involves exercising or engaging in outdoor activities in a nature setting. It has proven itself as an effective method of treatment for individuals with mild cases of depression.
2. Improves your mood: Studies have shown on several occasions that our brains have higher levels of serotonin (a natural anti-depressant in the brain) on sunny days when compared to shady days.
3. Strengthen immune system: Our immune system is comprised of many intricate parts such as white blood cells, which help the body fight infections and diseases. Research suggests that spending time outdoors can increase your count of white blood cells, and stretch the effects over longer periods of time (days/weeks).
4. Improve your overall health: Spending time outdoors means you are engaging in some form of physical activity. It is no surprise that exercising can have many significant health benefits such as cardiovascular improvements and weight management.
5. Boost in vitamin D: About 42% of the US population is vitamin D deficient, especially people who are over 65. Spending time outdoors can give you a significant boost in vitamin D, which can promote calcium absorption in the gut and fight certain diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

• Gardening: No need for large spaces or professional set-ups, a small dedicated area in your back yard, a few essentials to streamline your experience (and save you unnecessary headaches), and you’re all set to become the horticulturist that you were always meant to be. Here are some pointers to help you get started.
• Visit a nearby park: These not so quiet neighborhood oases containing playgrounds, recreation areas, and some amateur hiking trails are perfect for an afternoon retreat. Perfect for extroverts looking for a casual chat, or getting to know your neighborhood inhabitants. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a bottle of water!
• Fishing or boating: Every fisherman, amateur or veteran, can vouch for the restoring effects that fishing can have on one’s mind and health. There’s definitely some therapy in spending time in nature, in solitude or a small company and away from civilization. If you lack a boat, a good alternative is to fish right off of a dock or along the banks of a pond. If this is your first time considering fishing, here is a good place to start.
• Nature Photography: Simply observing nature can improve productivity and concentration, and as well as reduces stress and anxiety. You don’t have to own an expensive camera to get started as an amateur, most smart-phones have cameras that are perfectly capable of handling outdoor sceneries. It’s recommended to go to your nearest state park, or find an outdoor recreation area that features a variety of animal species and unique scenes.
• Picnics: Eating food outdoors kills two birds with one stone: A healthy meal + benefits of spending time outdoors. Pack up a basket with some healthy & tasty foods, water for rehydration, and bring a large piece of cloth and you’re set for a lovely outdoor picnic.
• Paint a picture: Do you have a balcony or patio? Are you artistic in some ways? If you answered yes to both questions, then this one is for you. Take an easel with paints, a canvas and a comfortable chair, and prepare some materials to draw for reference.
• Stargazing: If you are located in a city with minimal light pollution – besides being one of the luckiest humans in the US – you are the perfect fit for this activity. A whole new world comes into life at night, awaiting to be explored. If you own a telescope it’s even better.
• Go to the beach: If you live in one of the southern states such as Florida, and are within close proximity to the beach, then grab a towel, a few bottles of water, some snacks, a chair and/or blanket and head out for the nearest beach.

• Group yoga: Group yoga classes are typically held indoors, so make sure you find ones that offer outdoor classes.
• Walking clubs: Perfect for seniors who are looking to stay active and social. Walking clubs can be a great way to meet new friends and make acquittances with like minded people.
• Outdoor book club: This activity is perfect for individuals who love to read and share ideas. Most book club meetings are held indoors, though some are held outdoors.
• Group exercise: Join a fitness club that offers group exercises in an outdoor setting.
• Field trips: Plan out a field trip, or go on a spontaneous mini-road-trip to a recreation park or a state park in your county.
• Live music events: Music has an undeniable power to heal our souls and bring people together. Simply typing into Google “find live music events near me” will bring a list of events that are planned for the near future, and you can always refine your search by click on the “Search more events” button at the bottom of the tab.
• Tradeshows: Trade shows are perfect for exploring sub-niches in an existing category of interests. Find a trade show near you by typing into Google “trade shows near me”, which will bring a list of events that are planned for the near future (follow the same advice above for refining searches).

Always ensure the senior is under full supervision when performing these activities. During hot hours (11 AM – 4 PM) make sure they are wearing comfortable and breathable clothes, drink plenty of water, and are not showing any symptoms of heat-related complications such as heavy sweating, nausea or vomiting, muscles cramps and dizziness or headaches.

• Visit an animal pet farm: Connecting with animals can have profound effects on one’s mental being. Seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may be able to reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure by petting different animals.
• Walking together: Find a trail in a nature setting that is both easily accessible and isn’t long. Make sure the senior is wearing breathable clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Eat out in a restaurant: Preferably a restaurant that has an outdoor area.