Summer has arrived, and with it, the many outdoor pleasures and benefits of this time of year.
Longer, Lighter Days
Most parts of the United States see an average of over 14 hours of daylight at the height of summer. Longer, brighter days bolster health and well-being in several ways.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by long nights and cold, dreary weather, is greatly alleviated by extended daylight in the summer months. Even for those who don’t experience SAD, sunlight makes most people feel better by increasing the brain’s release of serotonin, a hormone responsible for better mood, relaxation and cognitive focus. The “winter blues” seem far away when the sun rises before 6:00am and sets well after 8:00pm.
Safe exposure to sunlight also naturally boosts vitamin D, which lifts our spirits, energy levels and maintains bone health. Vitamin D also reduces the risk of heart disease and multiple sclerosis as well as colds and flu.
Other health benefits of sunshine include more consistent sleep patterns, improvement of some skin conditions (be sure to protect yourself from harmful UV rays!), better eye health, lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.
Perhaps it goes without saying that warmer, lighter hours lasting well into the evening encourage us to get outside and be physically active, commune with nature, have fun with friends and family and relish all the splendors of the Great Outdoors. Venturing out during the summer months brings significant physical, emotional and social advantages.
The Wonders of Walking
A recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) took an in-depth look at the multifaceted benefits of walking on healthy aging. A low-intensity form of exercise that can be done almost anywhere and is especially enjoyable outside, regular walking affects various health outcomes, including:
Reduced risk of…
- Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, stenosis, aneurysm and vascular malformation
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Cognitive impairment and dementia
- Depression and anxiety
- Various age-related diseases
Improved…
- Overall well-being
- Sleep
- Circulatory, cardiopulmonary and immune function
- Longevity, as evidenced by a high concentration of centenarians in Blue Zone regions where walking is an integral part of life
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging
- Socialization, as group and even solo walkers encounter other people, pets, local happenings, etc.
The Goodness of Gardening
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow,” said Audrey Hepburn. Indeed, gardening is tangible hope of good things to come, but it is also excellent practice in the mindfulness of here and now. There is no time of year like summer to dig your hands in the dirt and get things growing!
Another study from the NIH revealed what many green thumbs already know: tending a garden cultivates much more than beautiful flora. According to the study of 331 participants aged 60-95, leisure gardening enhances self-esteem from nurturing thriving plants, productivity, purposeful activity, social engagement, physical exercise, stress relief and holistic well-being – body, mind and spirit.
Furthermore, a garden requires planning and patterning, aiding cognitive function and mental acuity, as well as creativity and ingenuity. Gardening is also good for cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
The Healing Power of Trees
Recently, we blogged about the benefits of trees on our planet. Now, let’s take a look at the positive effects of trees on human health.
Trees in full summer splendor beckon us outside, inclining us to walk, bike or run alongside their leafy beauty. On trails, in parks and in our neighborhoods, trees inspire us to get out and get moving.
Trees also clean the air of pollution that is dangerous to our lungs, allowing us to breathe more easily. They give us life-saving shade when we’re overheated (especially vital during this time of grave climate change), and they store and filter over half of America’s tap water supply.
The Magic of Memories
Summer evokes some of our fondest childhood memories. Be it setting up a 5-cent lemonade stand, splashing in rain puddles, skipping rope, playing outside all day, running excitedly toward the ice cream truck…nostalgic reminiscences of the carefree days of summer give life meaning and continuity, bridging the past with the present.
Memories are especially important to share with younger generations who benefit greatly from knowing their family’s history, traditions and stories. Seniors who share remembrances, particularly those with memory issues, engage more, smile more and become more communicative.
According to Howard Thorsheim and Bruce Roberts, who wrote I Remember When: Activity to Help People Reminisce, recalling positive past experiences can even lower blood pressure and heart rates. What’s more, stress levels come down when people give voice to their memories, as this affords them an opportunity to process difficult emotions such as grief at the loss of a loved one.
Summer at Collington
Collington’s 125 wooded acres (an accredited arboretum), six-acre lake and miles of hiking trails make for a beautiful community all year ‘round. But during the summer, when our native trees and hilltop gardens are in full bloom, the campus is particularly picturesque. Summertime is also when our residents can take advantage of outdoor amenities such as pickleball, croquet and bocce ball, not to mention walk or bike our sun-dappled trails from early morning well into the evening.
