Staying Active in Spring
How Outdoor Exercise Boosts Your Health
A brisk walk in the park or a leisurely cycle along a quiet path can do wonders for your health. Recent research reveals that outdoor exercise boosts physical fitness and offers significant mental, cognitive, and social benefits, making it an excellent choice for older adults looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Mental Benefits of Staying Active Outdoors
Recent studies indicate that exercising in natural settings leads to feelings of rejuvenation and energy. Spending time in nature can lower stress levels, reduce tension, and even help ease symptoms of depression. For many, the soothing sounds of birds chirping and the gentle rustling of leaves create a calming atmosphere that enhances overall well-being. Nature is a natural stress reliever, which can help your exercise routine be more enjoyable and sustainable.
How Staying Active Supports Cognitive Function
Beyond the mental boost, outdoor activities can lead to improved cognitive function. Even a short 15-minute walk outside has been linked to better attention and working memory for short duration afterwards. This is particularly important for older adults, as maintaining cognitive sharpness is key to enjoying an active and independent lifestyle. Natural environments stimulate the brain and encourages a positive outlook, which can be vital as we age.
Social Benefits of Staying Active in Nature
Social interaction is another benefit of exercising outdoors. Many older adults find that joining group walks or community gardening projects leads to new friendships and a stronger sense of belonging. These social ties are essential for mental health and can motivate you to stick with your exercise program, ensuring you reap the long-term benefits. Those who exercise outdoors often report higher enjoyment levels and a greater likelihood of making exercise a regular part of their lives.
Staying Active Safely: Precautions to Consider
While the benefits are substantial, it’s important to take precautions.
- Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are a concern, particularly on hot, humid days. Older adults naturally have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature, so exercising during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late evenings is wise, as is maintaining sound hydration levels.
- Air pollution is another issue, especially in urban settings and in the context of the recent wildfires. Exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can affect lung function, brain, and cardiovascular health. When planning your outdoor exercise, consider choosing parks and green spaces away from heavy traffic, and monitor local air quality forecasts to ensure you’re exercising in a safe environment.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Exercise: The Best Approach to Staying Active
Simple precautions can go a long way for those eager to embrace the great outdoors safely. Start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase your pace. Stay well-hydrated and take breaks as needed. Indoor exercise can also deliver the majority of similar brain, psychological and physical benefits that outdoor exercise can, so try not to get stuck deciding between the two.
Just because one cannot exercise outdoors, does not mean you should not exercise at all! In addition, there have not been any studies showing that outdoor exercise is superior to indoor exercise, so keep this in mind when deciding what environment to exercise in.
By combining these sensible measures with the proven benefits of outdoor exercise, older adults can enjoy improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and better physical health.
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Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Brain Wellness & Lifestyle program offers virtual and in-person, individual and group sessions.
To learn more about participation, contact us:
lifestyle@pacificneuro.org | 213-344-2037
1301 20th St. #100, Santa Monica, CA 90404
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Last updated: March 8th, 2025