Walt Whitman was a poet known for his poetic reflections of nature, he would take daily walks to get in touch with his natural surroundings and find inspiration. He was definitely onto something that meant more than simply creating his form of art, and San Jose seniors and older adults worldwide can benefit from following his example in order to improve their health, both body and mind.

Here’s how seniors can benefit their health, body and mind, by getting in touch with nature:

• Attention and memory spans improve by 20% after a 50 to 55 minute walk in a natural setting
• Sights in nature cause reflection and mental stimulation
• In nature, your mind can focus on stimulus rather than tuning out other surroundings in the environment when it’s overwhelming in a busy city environment
• Being in an environmental surrounding provides the brain with “active rest”
• Getting out into nature generally involves some form of physical activity and weight bearing activities like walking can help with osteoporosis and muscle strength
• Body weight, body fat and cholesterol is lowered when San Jose seniors get active by hiking or walking outdoors reducing the risk of stroke, and heart conditions
• The boomer generation has a strong sentimental to the outdoors based on Woodstock and other events, so it can take them back to fond memories of their youth

Sources:

1. AARP

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Call Home Instead Senior Care serving elders in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga when seeking help for your aging parents - 408-370-6360.