17 Minutes Outdoors Can Make a Positive Difference for Older Adults and Caregivers

We spend a surprising amount of our lives indoors.

According to Dr. John La Puma, a physician and author of The Indoor Epidemic, about 93% of our time is spent indoors, leaving only about 7% outdoors.

But even that outdoor time is often incidental such as walking to the car, getting the mail, or picking up a delivery.

That leaves very little time spent intentionally outdoors.

Dr. La Puma encourages people to spend time in green and blue spaces because being in natural environments can have a direct effect on our sleep, focus, and mood.

Green spaces include parks, gardens, and other areas surrounded by trees and plants.

Blue spaces include the ocean, lakes, streams, and other bodies of water.

Going outside also naturally creates opportunities for other healthy habits. We get to move, socialize, and get daylight.

What This Means for Older Adults and Caregivers

Dr. La Puma recommends spending about two hours outdoors each week, which works out to roughly 17 minutes a day.

If you're a caregiver, you can take your care recipient for a brisk walk through a local park, sit in the garden, walk around your neighborhood.

If you're lucky enough to live near a place with running water, spend some time there and enjoy the surroundings.

The key is making that time intentional.

Here's a fun idea for older adults: Why not try gardening as a new hobby?

Gardening can be a great way to spend more time surrounded by greenery while staying active and engaged. Even tending to a few plants on a patio or balcony can bring more nature into your daily routine.

Caregivers can also look for simple ways to make the home environment greener. Adding houseplants, creating a small garden, or arranging a comfortable outdoor space can help bring nature closer, especially for older adults who may have difficulty going out regularly.

There are many other interesting topics covered in Dr. La Puma's conversation with Oprah. It's a good listen for anyone looking for simple ways to bring more outdoor time into their everyday life.

This article was made by  Elder Love USA.

As the only nonprofit agency in California offering home care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate affordable in-home care.  

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