Seniors Head Outdoors for Better Health

Spending time outdoors is a major stress buster that can help make seniors happier and healthier. Here are just a few of the benefits that seniors may enjoy from being in nature. 

• Sunlight elevates mood! Summer brings longer days, more sunshine, chirping birds and lush greenery. Simply spending time in natural sunlight can chase away the “winter blues” and make folks cheerier. A sunny day may do more than just boost your mood — it may increase levels of a natural antidepressant in the brain. Studies show that the brain produces more of the mood-lifting chemical serotonin on sunny days than on darker days.


• Vitamin D from sunshine helps fight osteoporosis, cancer and heart attacks. People ages 65 and over generate about a fourth as much vitamin D as people in their 20s! Soak it up carefully in small doses and don’t overheat.


• Being outdoors promotes exercise. Pathway communities are designed with inviting outdoor spaces that include patios, gazebos, and walking paths. The communities’ Victory Gardens are equipped with raised planters for easy gardening. 


• Fresh air may promote faster healing. University of Pittsburgh  researchers found that being outdoors can encourage quicker healing and lessen pain.

When shopping for a senior living community, make sure it features easy access to usable outdoor spaces. It’s also a good idea to see what programs and activities the community offers to encourage time spent in nature.

For example, Pathway Senior Living’s award-winning Camp VIVA! offers seniors  a complete immersion in nature with the opportunity to go camping for a day or overnight. Campers enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, outdoor crafting and cooking, bonfires and more.   

To learn more about Pathway Senior Living and/or to  set up a tour to see VIVA! in action, visit www.PathwaySL.com or call the community nearest you.