Benefits of Nature Therapy for Seniors: How “Green Time” Heals

When we think about health and wellness in seniors, we tend to picture prescriptions and doctor’s appointments. But, there’s another powerful tool that can be used for wellness: nature therapy, which is also called “green time.” 

For seniors, time spent in nature can be more than just a nice-to-have. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost physical health. In fact, research continues to show that the benefits of nature therapy for seniors is more than just fresh air and breathtaking views.

In this blog, we’ll go over why a simple walk in the park or time in the garden can be a powerful way of healing.

What Is Nature Therapy?

Nature therapy uses outdoor environments, such as parks, gardens, or natural landscapes, to promote emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. It doesn’t necessarily mean hiking in the mountains or camping in the wilderness. For many seniors, it can be as simple as sitting in a sunny backyard or walking on a tree-lined path.

The important part is being exposed to natural environments, especially when combined with movement and mindfulness.

Proven Health Benefits

One of the most well-documented benefits of nature exposure for older adults is its impact on mental health and well-being.

An umbrella review of research that looks into the effectiveness of nature-based interventions (NBIs) found that there was strong evidence that it supports mental health and wellbeing. Their findings also suggest that having social interactions and/or active engagement with the natural environment can increase benefits.

Importantly, the research also calls for greater access to nature, highlighting that having biodiverse environments can lead to more benefits for human health.

In addition to well-being, the benefits of nature therapy for seniors extend to physical health as well. Time outdoors is linked to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improved immune function
• Increased mobility and balance
• Better sleep quality
  

These outcomes are especially valuable for those aging in place or receiving home care, where consistent wellness interventions can make a big difference.

Small Ways to Bring Nature Into Daily Life

The beauty of nature therapy is that it doesn’t need any big changes or expensive hardware. Here are a few simple ways to add green time into a senior’s daily routine:

• Daily Walks: Even a short 10-15 minute stroll around the neighborhood can help elevate mood and benefit joint health.
• Time in the Garden: Having even just a small container garden on a balcony or patio offers sensory engagement and physical activity.
• Window Views & Indoor Plants: For seniors with limited mobility, sitting nearby a window with natural light and plants can still provide the cognitive and emotional benefits.

Caregivers and family members can join in and make green time feel safer and enjoyable. Accompany your loved one on a nature walk, bring a sun hat to the garden, or bring a chair and sit next to them to help them feel supported.

Why It Matters

As the aging population grows and more families look for senior care solutions, it’s easy to primarily focus on medical and logistical needs. But the benefits of nature therapy for seniors remind us that healing is holistic. Something as simple as sunlight basking on the skin can be nourishing.

At AmiCare Services, we believe in caring for the whole person. That means tending the body and mind by encouraging meaningful time outdoors and supporting clients in reconnecting with nature.

If you’re exploring ways to enhance your loved one’s well-being at home, consider how some “green time” might be the gentle treatment they didn’t know they needed.