Why Getting Out of the House Is Good for Seniors
As people grow older, it is common for them to spend more time indoors. However, there are myriad benefits to leaving the house. Recent research has found that leaving the house is even linked to greater longevity in older adults.
The study of people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s found that more time spent outdoors comes with health benefits similar to treating high blood pressure or cholesterol with medicine. People who spend more time at home typically have higher rates of poor health, loneliness, poor sleep, and chronic pain, and are at a greater risk of falling down.
Senior transportation is one key to spending more quality time outdoors, given that many older adults no longer drive. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the benefits of spending more time outdoors and tips on fun activities you can do.
Benefits of Spending More Time Outdoors
By spending more time outdoors, you will get a boost of vitamin D. One of the main benefits of vitamin D include regulating the amount of phosphate and calcium in the body, which helps to keep teeth, bones, and muscles strong and healthy.
Another clear benefit of spending time outdoors is the extra exercise it brings. Light physical work and walking can help to reduce muscle mass loss in older adults and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and other diseases.
Other benefits of getting out of the house include:
- Lower stress
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve mental wellbeing
- Reduce mental fatigue
- Speed up recovery
Spending even 30 minutes extra a day outdoors can have a positive effect on your health and your quality of living.
Tips for Fun Outdoor Activities
Taking daily walks around your neighborhood, either alone or with friends, is an easy and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors. Another rewarding option is to work in your garden, which can include planting flowers or even some vegetables/fruits. Bird watching is a popular pursuit among people of all ages and can be performed in a garden, a park, or in the countryside.
Other fun activities include:
- Outdoor theatre/concerts
- Fruit picking
- Picnics with friends/family members
- Nature photograph
- Metal detecting
- Fishing
- Golfing
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Senior Transportation: Get the Most Out of Your Golden Years
As noted, senior transportation options can make spending time outdoors easier. The above-listed benefits and tips highlight not just the health and well-being advantages of spending time outdoors, but they also highlight just how fun it can be.
Joining a community group or a club can also make it easier to find activities to do outdoors, as well as friends who are interested in similar activities as you.
Like this blog post on transportation for seniors? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.