Spring has officially arrived, which means nicer weather and more daylight hours. As the snow begins to disappear and temperatures rise, many older adults are eager to get outdoors. Whether you plan to work in the garden, go walking in your neighbourhood, local park or trails, people of all ages report experiencing relaxing or invigorating effects after enjoying the great outdoors. We have compiled a few ways to make the most of the Spring weather and reap the health benefits too.
Cultivate health and well-being by gardening
As the ground thaws, and the temperatures rise, gardeners around the country are starting to get busy. They are designing their garden, thinking about timelines to execute their plans, and starting to prepare their seeds indoors. While you might think of gardening as a simple hobby, it is an activity that can have positive impacts on your health and well-being. If you don’t have a garden of your own, many communities have a local garden provide space for people to work together.
Make walking a regular part of your routine
If gardening is not your thing, there are other ways to get outside, enjoy the weather, and improve your health and well-being. Did you know that older adults in Canada are more likely than any other age group to live a sedentary lifestyle? Walking has many positives, including improving heart health and physical function, increasing motivation to be more physically active, helping with stroke recovery, and reducing pain. While on your walk, remember to maintain a distance of 2 meters from people outside of your household.
Take a stroll through a tree-lined path or a forest
If you are an avid walker and want to add something fresh to your regular routine, consider trying a new route, such as a safe and well-lit trail through a forested area. Trees are associated with several beneficial effects on both physical and mental health and provide an environment that allows for relaxation and stress reduction.
While we may be tempted to socialize when outdoors, we should be vigilant and maintain 2-meters from people outside of our household. To learn more about the ways getting outdoors can improve your mental and physical health, read through our featured resources below.
