10 Outdoor Activities That Are Good for the Soul

By Marlo Sollitto, AgingCare.com Contributing Editor

Enjoying a breezy spring day or the warm summer temperatures can lift the spirit and make you feel lighter, happier and less stressed. After being cooped up in the house for possibly months at a time, take advantage of the weather: breathe in the fresh air. For older people who have mobility problems, outdoor activities may take some advance planning – but the benefits of getting out of the house and into the sunshine far outweigh any inconvenience.

The benefits of getting outside

A main advantage of heading outdoors, even for a short period of time, is being able to soak up the sunlight, which generates Vitamin D – necessary for the brain, bones and muscle function, says Dr. Michael Raab, a geriatrician with Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, Fla. Some doctors even prescribe sunlight as a source of Vitamin D, which research also finds can improve cognitive function. Raab adds: “Whatever you can do, it’s going to be mentally uplifting.”

Taking a Cruise with Your Family
10 Easy Ways to Boost Brain Power
The Healing Power of Pets

How Elders and Caregivers Can Take Advantage of Summer Weather originally appeared on AgingCare.com.

Next: ten great activities!

1 of 2

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kathy P.

12:55PM PDT on Aug 17, 2012

great tips. thanks!

August 17
send a green star

Sarah M.

9:08AM PDT on Jul 11, 2012

thanks

July 11
send a green star

John S.

4:12AM PDT on Jun 29, 2012

Thanks.

June 29
send a green star

Ela V.

2:53AM PDT on Jun 24, 2012

sounds like fun :)

June 24
send a green star

Jagoda K.

4:34AM PDT on Jun 21, 2012

Thank you, really good ideas.

June 21
send a green star

Mari G.

7:26PM PDT on Jun 15, 2012

Great ideas. I wouldn't do a sporting event unless it was for my kids.

June 15
send a green star

Tia P.

6:37AM PDT on Jun 15, 2012

Thanks!! Iwould fish for survival or just food though. Not fun. That's a NO, NO!!! Don't like deer hunting either. I think it's selfish to kill an innocent animal for sport.

Tal H.

6:36PM PDT on Jun 14, 2012

Thanks for the article!