Is your elderly loved one cooped up inside all the time? Do they get bored, depressed, or lonely sitting around their home? If this is the case, it is important for you and their home care provider to encourage them to get outdoors more often. There are so many ways that getting outdoors can help your elderly loved one.

Seeing Green

Research shows that there are positive effects of seeing green. Not only does it help to boost the length of time that someone can exercise, but it also helps to boost mood, as well. If your elderly loved one needs to exercise more or improve their mood, encourage them to get outdoors often.

More Vitamin D

Does your elderly loved one need more Vitamin D? Maybe they recently went to the doctor and were diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency. One of the best solutions is to have your elderly loved one get outdoors more often. The natural light from outdoors can help to raise your elderly loved one’s Vitamin D levels. It can help to reduce the risk of breaking a bone. Increased Vitamin D can also reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Similar Effects of Caffeine

Does your elderly loved one need more energy? Are they feeling overly tired during the day? If so, they need to get outdoors more often. Research shows that going outdoors for even 20 minutes can provide people with similar effects to that of caffeine.

Relieving Stress

Research also shows that being outdoors can help one to naturally relieve stress. This is because the sunlight and fresh air can help to relax the mind. It can help to restore attention so that your elderly loved one can concentrate. If your elderly loved one is overwhelmed with stress, it would be beneficial to have their home care provider take them outdoors for a bit.

Combatting Depression

Has your elderly loved one been feeling depressed? If so, it would be helpful if they went outside for at least 20 minutes every day. Studies have shown that being outdoors can help someone to feel more energized, happier, calmer, less depressed, and more in touch with the world.

These are some of the ways that getting outdoors can help your elderly loved one. When you talk to your elderly loved one, encourage them to go outside for at least 20 minutes every day.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Allen, TX please contact the caring staff at Sunlife Home Care today at (877) 888-1311. 

Sources

https://time.com/4881665/green-spaces-nature-happiness/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/7803320/20-minutes-outdoors-as-good-as-cup-of-coffee.html

The healing power of nature – Studies show being outdoors reduces stress, depression and anxiety