Summer time is fun time especially at assisted senior living communities.
Active adult communities have many different amenities for residents to enjoy with their neighbors, visiting family members and friends. During warm weather months, assisted senior living communities take the fun outdoors by hosting outdoor events and activities.
Benefits of the great outdoors
Assisted senior living communities recognize the benefits the outdoors has for older adults. Research conducted at University of Minnesota showed that outdoor green spaces have the potential to improve the overall health and wellbeing of seniors. According to research, older adults who spend time in outdoor areas taking in the sights and sounds enjoy increased feelings of connectedness and happiness.
There are many benefits to going outside for residents of assisted senior living communities.
Boost Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps us fight osteoporosis, prevent cancer and reduce depression. Another benefit is that vitamin D helps older adults in assisted senior living communities absorb calcium which strengthens our nails, teeth, bones and muscles. Our bodies require just a few minute of direct sunlight exposure every day to get our vitamin D requirement.
Improve Mental Wellbeing
Seniors who spend time outdoors may feel less depressed and anxious. Mother Nature can conquer the blues by boosting mood and overall levels of happiness. Most senior communities offer outdoor amenities to encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Support physical health
Physical activity bumps up production of our brains’ “feel-good” neurotransmitters-endorphins. Generally seniors living in assisted senior living communities are more active when they are outdoors and not sitting in front of a television.
Getting outdoors encourages seniors in assisted senior living communities to increase their physical and mental activity levels, warding off dementia, cognitive decline, mobility challenges and other chronic illnesses.
Strengthen the immune system
Being outdoors can increase white blood cell count which helps our immune system fight off colds and viruses. The mental boost which comes with outdoor activities also help maintain a strong immune system.
Lower Stress
Science has proven that sunshine increases the blood flow to the brain triggering the release of serotonin, also known as the “feel good” hormone. Lowering stress levels is very important to cardiac and pulmonary health for seniors living in assisted senior living communities. Serotonin influences our mood, increases self-esteem, lowers stress and anxiety levels and makes us feel happy.
Taking the fun outdoors at assisted senior living communities
Outdoor exercise stimulates all five senses in ways that cannot be replicated indoors. Prior to living at assisted senior living communities, many older adults spent their lives enjoying outdoor hobbies. Many of these hobbies continue to be encouraged while living at assisted living communities. Going outdoors creates opportunities for social interactions while doing activities such as playing games or going for walks.
Gardening
When living in their own homes, many seniors planted gardens every summer to grow vegetables and beautiful flowers. Assisted senior living communities have community gardens for residents to enjoy digging in the dirt, planting seeds and enjoying the harvest. In-house gardeners take pride when the produce they grew right on campus is used by chefs at the senior assisted living community where they reside.
Nature walks
Walking is a low-impact activity that boosts the heart rate, making it a great way for individuals in assisted senior living communities to get daily exercise. Many assisted senior living communities have paved walking trails which meander in and around natural areas on campus. Adding an activity such as bird watching and cataloging makes nature walks even more enjoyable.
Fitness Classes
Most assisted senior living communities have on-campus fitness centers that offer fitness equipment and exercise classes. Taking fitness classes outdoors combines all the benefits of nature with physical fitness making it a win-win for everyone.
Outdoor Games
Games such as pickle ball and Bocce ball are gaining popularity and game courts are being added to assisted senior living communities all the time. The spirit of friendly competition and gathering with friends make outdoor games a great outlet to enjoy time outside.
Special Events
Assisted senior living communities offer events every summer for families and friends to gather with residents and co-workers to bond in nature. Country Meadows campuses offer summer picnics in beautiful campus common areas and other locations offer fun carnivals. Regardless of the event, gathering outdoor for fun, memorable experiences contribute to quality of life.
Country Meadows offers beautiful outdoor amenities for residents, co-workers and guests to enjoy at its nine locations in Pennsylvania and one campus in Frederick, Maryland. Our retirement communities also offer a wide range of services including independent and assisted living, personal care, memory support and restorative care. If you would like more information about how we can support you or a loved one, please contact us today. Our co-workers can answer questions and provide information on our services.
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