Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by
As we get older, getting outdoors regularly can become more difficult. Without work to go to, there’s less need to leave the house, and mobility and health concerns can make it more difficult. If getting out is hard, and you don’t need to do it, it’s tempting to stay at home with your favorite TV show and keep warm and comfortable.
But failing to get outside can mean that you face fatigue, depression, anxiety, loneliness, hearing loss and weight gain. Over time you might lose confidence, friendships, and muscle tone and a lack of vitamin D can have a huge impact on your body and your immune system. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of getting outdoors, even if it’s just for a short time each day.
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Improves Mental Health
Getting outdoors can be great for your mental health. Being out in nature can lower your stress levels, boost your mood, and help you to put worries into perspective. It can also boost creativity and positivity and help you to feel more alert and focused, which are all great for mental health. Getting outside into the fresh air can also reduce mental fatigue, which can help you to feel calmer, happier, and less tired.
A Chance to Socialize
Getting outside can be a great way to socialize, make new friends, and build relationships. Look for outdoor groups, like gardening or walking clubs in your local area. For greater opportunities to spend more time outdoors with like-minded people, moving into assisted living can be a great idea. Belmont Village Senior Living assisted living in the area of Albany offers some fantastic opportunities to explore and enjoy life outdoors while meeting new friends.
More Time Outside Boosts Energy Levels
When we get tired, we can feel a little fuzzy and drained. Life becomes more difficult. Getting outdoors is a great way to flush out these feelings and feel more alert and energetic. Getting outside also means that you are more likely to exercise and burn calories, which can help you to sleep and improve your quality of sleep.
Exercise
Going outside can help you to get more exercise without really feeling as though you are doing it. Go for a short walk and you’ll stretch out your limbs and joints, tone your muscles, improve flexibility, and burn calories. Spending time pottering in the garden is another fantastic workout that you won’t know that you are doing.
Exposure to Vitamin D
Getting outdoors is a great way to boost vitamin D, which has several advantages. These include improved immunity, better skin tone, and help to regulate calcium and phosphate in your body which helps to keep your bones healthy and is very important as you get older.
If going for long walks, spending hours in the garden, or traveling far away from home is overwhelming, start small. You’ll get some of the benefits of being outside simply by enjoying a cup of coffee in your garden or walking around the block, and you can always build up as you become more comfortable and confident.
