Engaging in outdoor activities, such as walking or gardening, offers numerous benefits for seniors, particularly in supporting cardiovascular health. Any activity that elevates the heart rate can have a positive impact. Here’s how spending time outdoors can boost heart health for older adults.
As we age, so does the heart. The likelihood of developing conditions like heart disease or heart failure increases over time. Aging also brings physical changes to the heart, including a slower heart rate, stiffening arteries, and thickening of the heart wall. By staying active outdoors, seniors can help combat some of these age-related changes and support a healthier heart.
What are the benefits of a healthy heart?
Seniors who engage in outdoor physical activities enjoy a multitude of health benefits, especially when it comes to heart health. A stronger heart not only reduces the risk of chronic illnesses but also contributes to a longer, more fulfilling life. Even if chronic conditions do arise, their impact on quality of life is often significantly lessened.
Regular physical activity also boosts energy levels in seniors. A well-conditioned heart pumps blood more efficiently throughout the body, enhancing overall cardiovascular function. Additionally, exercise helps lower blood pressure, increases good cholesterol, and reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke, making it a vital component of a healthy lifestyle for seniors.
What are the heart health benefits of spending time outdoors?
1. Improved Physical Health
Seniors who stay physically active preserve muscle mass—and muscle mass is essential for strengthening the heart and lungs. In fact, a higher muscle mass protects against heart disease. Older adults should engage in resistance training at least two times per week.
2. Enhanced Quality of Sleep
Spending time outdoors is shown to regulate sleep/wake cycles. The elderly need 7 to 9 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep to stay alert and focused the next day. Per the National Institute on Aging, getting a good night’s rest helps older adults reduce their risk of developing heart disease.
3. Exposure to Sunlight
Outdoor activities increase a senior’s exposure to sunlight, which delivers numerous health benefits, including vitamin D. Staying outside for 15 minutes provides the elderly with their daily dose of this essential vitamin—and vitamin D is linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Improved Emotional Well-Being
Stress is a leading cause of heart disease, as it causes high blood pressure and inflammation that increase the risk of heart attack. Reducing stress is key to maintaining heart health—and spending time outdoors lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones.
5. Increased Social Interaction
Gardening and other outdoor pursuits promote social health, providing seniors with opportunities to interact, whether via casual conversations or group activities. Strong social ties are linked with improved cardiovascular health. In contrast, loneliness is linked with an increased risk of heart disease.
How do seniors spend more time outdoors?
Spending time outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air offers undeniable benefits for heart health. Seniors have countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, many of which are specifically designed to be accessible and suitable for individuals with limited mobility.
The following are activities that seniors can do to spend more time outdoors:
1. Outdoor Tai Chi or Yoga
Tai Chi or yoga sessions held outdoors are excellent ways for seniors to stay active outside. Sessions of these gentle exercises are guided, allowing the elderly to follow as they enhance their flexibility, balance, and strength. Plus, they enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings.
2. Walking Paths
Paved walking paths are built into many communities. Taking walks along these scenic paths makes it easy for older adults to stay active and enjoy the sights. Walks are more comfortable when benches are installed strategically along the path, allowing for rest when needed.
3. Community Gardens
Planting or harvesting cucumbers and strawberries can be a shared outdoor activity when done in a community garden. If a community garden is not nearby, seniors can still work in an outdoor potting area and reap the numerous health benefits of being outdoors.
4. Outdoor Family Gatherings
Picnics in the park and family celebrations held outdoors provide the elderly with a chance to be active outdoors. Even playing with the grandkids outside is an enjoyable way to get in exercise and social time with the family. Plus, seniors create positive memories to return to time after time.
5. Outdoor Leisure Activities
Seniors can wade into an outdoor pool for a dose of heart healthy sunshine and exercise. If swimming isn’t appealing, the elderly might golf, bike around the block, or birdwatch. Any activity that gets seniors outside provides an effective way to boost heart health.
Senior Companion Care from Assisting Hands Home Care
Whether seniors join a walking group, hike the trails, or garden in the backyard, spending time outdoors improves cardiovascular fitness. Older people who hesitate to become physically active outdoors benefit from the support and companion care provided by caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care.
Our reputable home care agency offers mobility support to elderly individuals to increase their confidence outdoors. With senior companionship, caregivers build meaningful bonds with the elderly through pleasant conversations, enjoyable outings, fun recreational activities, stimulating games, and their favorite hobbies.
Trust and connection develop between our caregiver and care recipient as a result of regular social interactions. Equally beneficial is that senior companionship prevents the elderly from spiraling into loneliness, social isolation, and depression. We also help seniors stay connected to their community.
Along with companionship, our dedicated caregivers provide a range of practical supports, such as help with hygiene tasks, healthy meal preparation, grocery shopping, and medication reminders. We offer transportation and escort to nearby areas, such as the medical clinic and pharmacy.
Care options are flexible and customized to meet the unique needs of seniors. Our home care services include options such as overnight care, post-operative care, and compassionate Alzheimer’s care, among others. All of our caregivers are licensed, bonded and insured to provide peace of mind.
Assisting Hands Home Care is the premier choice for families and their aging loved ones in Schaumburg, IL | Elk Grove Village, IL | Rolling Meadows, IL | Des Plaines, IL | Palatine, IL | Hoffman Estates, IL | Inverness, IL | Niles, IL | | Park Ridge, IL | Chicago, IL | Norridge, IL | Harwood Heights, IL and the surrounding areas. We ensure seniors spend enough time outdoors via scheduled activities that promote heart health. Call us at (224) 258-0736 to schedule a free in-home consult today to learn how senior home care enhances health.
Daniela has master’s degree in electronic engineering with a pedagogical specialty and master’s degree in marketing management.
After completing her schooling, Daniela worked at a hospital for 6 years as the Director of Business Marketing Development and Public Relations.
Starting Assisting Hands Home Care
Daniela spent more than 14 years as the Assistant Vice President of a national bank before becoming a co-owner of Assisting Hands Home Care of Schaumburg.
Her background in public relations and marketing along with her personal experience caring for her mother motivates Daniela to be passionate about helping families in the Schaumburg, IL area find exceptional caregiving services for their elderly loved ones.
Besides providing home care, Daniela enjoys giving back to the community in her free time, supporting various events at St. Peter Parish in Geneva, IL such as fundraising, school projects, charity events, and more. She also enjoys volunteering for the Humanitarian Service Project in Carol Stream, IL. This organization provides seniors with meals as well as food and supplies for children living in poverty.
