Sunshine, fresh air and green space can do wonders for your mind, body and spirit. The health and wellness benefits of spending time outdoors may even exceed those from eating an apple a day!

This is especially true for older adults in their 70s, 80s and older, who tend to spend the least amount of time outside than any other age group.

Five Benefits of Being Outdoors

Here are five reasons why this summer older adults should hurry up and head outdoors—while wearing sunscreen, sun hats and bug spray, of course! Oh, and don’t forget a water bottle.

1. Uplifting – Let blue skies and sunshine chase away any trace of a blue mood. Natural light is known to boost your mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
2. Energizing – Trade an afternoon power nap for a power walk to spend time in nature and feel more alive. You will experience a greater sense of energy and vitality, which can help make you more resilient to illness.
   
3. Inspiring – A change of scenery can do you wonders. You’ve heard this before, but it’s true! When looking for a creative boost or to gain a fresh perspective on an issue you are facing, spending time in nature can inspire the new outlook you seek.
4. Strengthening – Step outside on a sunny day for just 15 minutes to get a much-needed dose of Vitamin D, which is typically low among seniors. Getting sufficient Vitamin D can help reduce your risk of certain illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and heart disease.
5. Promising – Spending time outdoors may help you enjoy a longer life span. According to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, more exposure to green spaces was associated with a 12 percent lower mortality rate and a reduced risk of dying from cancer, kidney disease or lung disease.

A Lifestyle that Encourages Quality Outdoor Time

Pathway to Living’s signature VIVA! lifestyle offered by all its senior living communities provides several options, from simple to extreme, for residents to be in nature.

Pathway communities’ outdoor amenities—that include gazebos, patios and walking paths—make getting outside to stroll, sip a beverage or visit with friends and family easy and convenient. Victory gardens give gardeners a chance to flex their green thumbs while providing residents with access to fresh-grown foods. Among the extreme offerings, adventurous residents participate in annual Camp VIVA! trips for day and overnight excursion or even saddle up for horseback riding!