Article supplied by Right at Home – Approved Provider of Home Care Packages and Support at Home

 

We all know the joys of being out in nature. The sights, sounds, smells, and fresh air are great for our state of mind. Research has even shown that simply being able to see nature from inside has a positive impact on our well-being.

In fact, the benefits of time spent outdoors may go deeper than merely improving our mental health. According to an article from the Washington Post, nature may also help protect against the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders.

The article cites a study of almost 62 million adults aged 65+ in the United States and the time they spent in nature or “green spaces” such as parks or gardens. A study in the United Kingdom showed similar results. Those who lived in an area with more green space had a lower rate of hospitalisation for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias such as vascular and Lewy body dementia. The presence of “blue spaces” like oceans, lakes, and rivers also had an impact, but only on hospitalisations for Parkinson’s disease.

The “whys” behind these results are still being researched, but experts believe that one of the biggest reasons is nature’s ability to reduce stress.

We have long known that when we are in nature, our bodies increase their production of certain feel-good hormones and other chemicals. This gives us a natural, lasting boost – increasing our exposure may help us build resilience.

 

Being Active Outdoors

 

Besides increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, being active outdoors can:

  • Reduce inflammation in the body. This has been linked to cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Promote neuroplasticity. The brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences. Outdoor activities that challenge the brain, such as hiking or learning a sport, can promote neuroplasticity and improve cognitive function.
  • Increase our intake of vitamin D. This has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Getting Fresh Air and Natural Light

 

  • Improves mood. Exposure to natural light and fresh air can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression, which has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Improves sleep. Exposure to natural light can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms and improve sleep, which is important for brain health.
  • Stimulates the brain. Being in nature can stimulate the brain and provide new and varied sensory experiences. That, in turn, can promote neuroplasticity, which we can also think of as resilience, and improve cognitive function.

For more information, or if you are wanting a home care provider that understands the importance of being in nature, Right at Home’s professional caregivers are happy to help you to get outdoors and enjoy nature – Right at Home 

Right at Home have 54 offices across Australia covering metropolitan and suburban  Sydney, Padstow St George, Macarthur Penrith, Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle, Southern NSW, Central West NSW, Dubbo, Northern Rivers, Brisbane, Greater Logan, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Moreton Bay Region, Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Central Queensland, North Queensland and Far North Queensland, Perth, Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt, Bunbury, Adelaide Central, Melbourne, Southwest Victoria, and two offices in ACT Canberra and Queanbeyan.  For more information call 1300 363 802 or visit www.rightathome.com.au