The outdoors is a great place for your loved one to reap all the benefits of engaging with nature. Regardless of where you live, you can usually find an open space outside within a short distance from your loved one’s house. Even those who live in urban areas can enjoy the outdoors in public parks which are typically free to access. If you are wondering what are the benefits of being outdoors, here are just some of them.
Minimizes Effects of Aging
It is difficult to be outside and not engage in some level of physical activity. Whether walking or jogging, any form of physical activity is critical in reducing the effects of aging. The fresh clean air also helps to improve respiratory health and also reduces stress. Getting some sunlight will also help to improve the health of your loved one’s skin while at the same time helping to fortify their immune system.
Cardiovascular Health
When it comes to the health of the cardiovascular system, few things are as beneficial as physical activities outdoors. The fact that you have far more space outside means that your loved one can do more activities or even play some form of sports. All this helps to lower blood pressure, reduce harmful cholesterol and lower the risk of stroke.
Sleep Benefits
Being outdoors helps your loved one to sleep better at night through the following ways. First, physical activity helps them to expend extra energy leaving them tired and ready for a good night’s sleep at the end of the day. The fresh air also helps to reduce stress, a major factor when it comes to insomnia. if you combine outdoor visits with social activities such as a picnic, you will further help your loved one reduce stress and thus sleep better.
Better Balance
If your loved one is struggling with balance issues, then being outdoors can go a long way in helping them regain their sense of balance. This is because being outdoors involves putting more focus on activities such as walking because outdoor surfaces generally tend to be more uneven than indoor surfaces. The other beneficial aspect of being outdoors when it comes to motor skills is that physical activity alone is great for joints and muscles, all of which helps to improve your loved one’s balance.
Improves Respiratory Health
Being outdoors generally means breathing fresh air and this can be very beneficial for your loved one’s respiratory health. Being active helps your loved one to manage their breathing and the fresh oxygen promotes blood circulation, metabolism, and much more.
Encourages Water Intake
Nothing gets people drinking water more than being outdoors, especially on a hot day. Increasing one’s consumption of water, in turn, confers a host of benefits including improved metabolism, better skin health and so much more.
As you encourage your loved ones to spend more time outdoors, you must also be careful to ensure that they are safe. If your loved one suffers from memory loss problems, you should ensure that he or she is always under supervision when outdoors as people with memory loss problems can sometimes forget their way home. You should also make sure that your loved one has the right clothes and footwear for outdoor activities.
