What Are the Benefits of Going Outside?
Spending time outdoors can be a simple yet meaningful part of maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For older adults and individuals recovering from an illness, injury, surgery, or hospitalization, getting outside can provide an opportunity to move, socialize, enjoy nature, and experience a change of scenery.
At Riverside Post Acute, we understand that recovery involves more than medical treatment. A well-rounded recovery plan can include rehabilitation, physical activity, social engagement, and activities that promote a person’s overall quality of life. When appropriate, spending time outdoors can be a valuable part of that process.
What Are the Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors?
Going outside can provide several benefits for seniors and individuals recovering in a post-acute care setting. Even a short amount of time outdoors may provide an opportunity to get fresh air, move the body, and participate in enjoyable activities.
1. Going Outside Encourages Physical Activity
One of the most important benefits of going outside is that it can encourage people to be more physically active. Taking a short walk, spending time in a garden, or simply moving around an outdoor area can help break up long periods of sitting or resting.
For individuals participating in physical therapy or rehabilitation after an injury, surgery, stroke, or illness, appropriate movement can help support strength, balance, coordination, and mobility.
The type and amount of physical activity should always be based on an individual’s abilities and care plan. A physical therapist or healthcare provider can recommend safe activities based on the person’s condition and recovery goals.
2. Outdoor Time Can Support Mental and Emotional Wellness
Spending extended periods indoors can sometimes feel repetitive, especially during a recovery period. Going outside provides a change of scenery and an opportunity to enjoy natural surroundings.
Fresh air, sunlight, greenery, and time away from the usual indoor environment can make outdoor time a positive part of a daily routine. For seniors in post-acute care, these simple experiences can contribute to a greater sense of enjoyment and engagement.
3. Going Outside Provides Opportunities for Social Interaction
Outdoor activities can also create opportunities to connect with other people. A walk with a family member, conversation with a friend, or participation in a supervised outdoor activity can help encourage social interaction.
Maintaining meaningful social connections is an important part of overall well-being for older adults. Combining social interaction with an enjoyable outdoor activity can make the experience even more rewarding.
4. Sunlight Helps the Body Produce Vitamin D
Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, a nutrient that plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and supporting normal muscle and immune function.
However, safe sun exposure is important. Too much sun can increase the risk of skin damage. Seniors and individuals taking certain medications may also need to take additional precautions when spending time in the sun.
Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and following recommendations from a healthcare provider can help make outdoor activities safer.
5. Outdoor Activities Can Help Reduce Time Spent Sitting
Recovery often involves periods of rest, but excessive inactivity can make it more difficult to maintain strength and mobility. When medically appropriate, getting outside can provide another reason to get up and move.
Even a short walk around an outdoor area or spending time sitting outside can provide a change in routine. For individuals who are unable to walk independently, simply spending time outdoors with appropriate assistance can still provide many of the benefits of a change of environment.
6. Going Outside Can Support Healthy Aging
Remaining active and engaged is an important part of healthy aging. Outdoor activities can provide opportunities for seniors to participate in enjoyable activities while maintaining movement and social connections.
Depending on their abilities and interests, seniors may enjoy gardening, walking, bird watching, spending time with family, or simply sitting outdoors and enjoying the scenery.
For individuals recovering in a post-acute care setting, activities should be tailored to their abilities and coordinated with their healthcare and rehabilitation team.
Outdoor Activities for Seniors in Post-Acute Care
Outdoor activities do not have to be difficult or physically demanding. In fact, some of the simplest activities can provide meaningful benefits.
Depending on an individual’s mobility and care plan, activities may include:
- Taking a short supervised walk
- Sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air
- Spending time with family members outdoors
- Gardening or caring for plants
- Visiting a nearby park
- Bird watching or observing nature
- Enjoying an outdoor meal
- Participating in gentle exercises recommended by a therapist
- Spending time in a courtyard or outdoor recreational area
The most important consideration is safety. Individuals recovering from an illness, injury, surgery, stroke, or other medical condition should follow the recommendations of their healthcare providers before beginning new physical activities.
How Outdoor Activities Can Complement Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery following hospitalization, surgery, injury, stroke, or other medical conditions. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services can help individuals work toward improved strength, mobility, balance, and independence.
When appropriate, outdoor activities can complement these services by giving patients opportunities to practice movement and everyday activities in a different environment.
For example, walking outdoors may provide an opportunity to work on balance and mobility, while gardening or participating in recreational activities may encourage coordination and functional movement.
The goal is not simply to spend more time outside. Instead, outdoor activities can be incorporated into an individual’s overall rehabilitation plan when they are safe and appropriate.
Safety Tips for Seniors Spending Time Outdoors
While spending time outdoors can be beneficial, seniors and individuals recovering from medical conditions may need to take additional precautions.
Before heading outside, consider:
- Checking the weather and temperature
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing comfortable and supportive footwear
- Using mobility equipment as recommended
- Applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing
- Avoiding excessive heat or direct sunlight
- Taking breaks when needed
- Having assistance available when appropriate
- Following the recommendations of the individual’s healthcare team
Safety should always come before activity. A healthcare professional or rehabilitation therapist can help determine which outdoor activities are appropriate for each individual.
Supporting Recovery at Riverside Post Acute
At Riverside Post Acute, we believe quality post-acute care should address the physical, emotional, and social needs of each patient. Our goal is to provide compassionate care and rehabilitation services that help individuals work toward their personal recovery goals.
Whether a patient is recovering from surgery, illness, injury, stroke, or hospitalization, rehabilitation and daily activities can play an important role in the recovery process.
When appropriate, something as simple as spending time outdoors can provide an opportunity for movement, social connection, relaxation, and enjoyment.
Make Time for the Outdoors
The benefits of going outside can be surprisingly simple. A few minutes of fresh air, a conversation with a loved one, or a short supervised walk can provide a positive change to a person’s daily routine.
For seniors and individuals recovering in a post-acute care setting, outdoor activities can be one small part of a larger approach to rehabilitation and wellness.
If you or a loved one needs rehabilitation or post-acute care following an illness, injury, surgery, or hospitalization, Riverside Post Acute is here to help. Contact our team to learn more about our rehabilitation and post-acute care services and how we can support your recovery.
