 | Oakland Nature Preserve |
Walking is a great way to improve overall health, make new friends, and strengthen our community. Join us at Oakland Nature Preserve for this free, informal walking group for ages 50+ and walk your way to better health!
When: Thursday Morning 9:30 a.m.
Where: Oakland Nature Preserve (log cabin porch)
747 Machete Trail, Oakland, FL
Our walk will take place on the beautiful boardwalk at the Oakland Nature Preserve. All participants are encouraged to move at their own pace and ability level.
Caregivers and friends are welcome!
Please check with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.
Why walk in nature?
Improvements in Mental Health
Seniors who spend time outdoors may experience less depression and anxiety. Individuals who run, bike or walk in natural settings have a reduced risk of mental health problems compared to people who do their exercise inside.
Participating in nature walks with others is linked to more positive feelings and better mental health, along with lower levels of depression and stress. Seniors who are unable to exercise can benefit from getting outdoors by enjoying the change of scenery, smelling freshly cut grass and seeing beautiful, natural vistas.
Experts advise that seniors should try to spend time in natural areas like parks on a regular basis. The relaxation that nature provides can improve mood and increase overall feelings of happiness.
Abundant Energy
Being outside in nature makes you feel more alive and provides a greater sense of energy and vitality, which can help make you more resilient to illness.
Spending time outdoors may boost your memory. One study found a 20-percent improvement in attention span and memory after spending just one hour in a natural environment. More time spent outdoors resulted in even greater gains in memory, and it may improve creativity as well.
Better Overall Health
Being outside can help increase levels of Vitamin D, which often is low among seniors. Low levels of this important nutrient are linked to pain in muscles and bones, inflammation, higher risk of Type 1 diabetes and several types of cancer.
Getting sufficient Vitamin D can help reduce your risk of a number of physical ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and heart attack. By spending just 15 minutes outside in the sunshine each day, you help your body receive the recommended dose of Vitamin D.
Being outside may also improve your overall immunity by boosting your count of white blood cells, and the improvements may last for a week or more. In addition, time in nature may help you recover more quickly from an injury or illness.
https://eldercarealliance.org/blog/seniors-benefit-spending-time-outdoors/
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| Address: 747 Machete Trail Oakland, FL 34760 |
Funding for the acquisition of this site was provided by the Florida Communities Trust using Preservation 2000 funds.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.