Why Spending Time Outdoors Benefits Seniors in Memory Care Communities
Watching your senior loved one slowly develop a memory-related issue like Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the emotionally challenging experiences. You see them struggle with basic things, like remembering fond memories, taking care of their daily living activities, and, most importantly, going outside without supervision.
What most family members mistakenly do is limit their loved one’s outdoor time to try to prevent them from wandering and getting lost. However, it does more damage than it saves, which is why many memory care communities provide secure outdoor spaces to ensure their residents can spend time outside.
In this post, we’ll discuss why it’s so important for seniors in memory care communities to spend time outside.
Importance of Spending Time Outdoors for Seniors in Memory Care Communities
Improves Memory
As your loved one’s cognitive function declines, one of the first signs you notice in them is forgetfulness. It’ll start from forgetting small details of the day to losing memories of events that were the highlights of their life. Memory care communities are full of seniors living through similar situations. Some still remember their favorite songs, while others are unable to recognize their families.
A study by the American Psychological Association suggests that spending time in nature can help improve memory. Watching birds fly or taking a morning walk in the community courtyard can enhance focus and cognitive stimulation, which may help your senior loved one take trips down memory lane.
Boosts Heart Health
Unfortunately, many seniors in the US spend most of their days idly surrounded by concrete walls and a television to keep them entertained. But is that healthy for their physical well-being? According to a study published by the American College of Cardiology, having a sedentary lifestyle can have adverse effects on the heart, which may lead to heart failure.
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may not be able to exercise as intensely as they could when they were younger. However, memory care communities provide access to secure courtyards, which encourages them to move out of their room and take a walk. Even if it seems like a small activity, walking or spending relaxing time outdoors in fresh air can boost your loved one’s overall heart health.
Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress and Agitation
Your senior loved one may not clearly express their feelings, but the sudden shifts in their moods and emotions are a sign that something is wrong in their surroundings. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s often experience feelings of stress and agitation when they feel a change in their routines or when they feel they are not in control of their lives.
Spending time outdoors in a secure community courtyard is one of the ways older adults with dementia can feel in control of their lives. Unlike their traditional homes, where family caregivers limit them in the house for safety reasons, memory care communities allow residents to spend time outside with more freedom.
Enhances Sleep
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s are dealing with challenges on many forefronts, including their sleeping routine. They’re more likely to struggle to sleep during the night, and when they do, a little noise can disrupt their slumber, causing great stress and agitation. A study published by NIH shows that around 25% of seniors with dementia experience sleep disturbances where they go through excessive daytime sleepiness as they’re unable to sleep through the night.
However, research suggests that daily exposure to natural light can enhance sleep, helping older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s fall asleep better and have more quality sleep time. Moreover, spending more time outdoors in a secure environment can promote physical activity, which may lead to better sleep at night.
Many memory care communities understand the importance of spending time outdoors for your senior loved one. That’s why they’re more than happy to provide safe and secure outdoor spaces instead of confining them in a building complex at all times.
Looking for a Safe and Secure Home for Your Loved One With Dementia? Explore Brayden Park Assisted Living & Memory Care Today
As your loved one ages, they may experience a cognitive decline and potentially develop a memory-related issue like Alzheimer’s or dementia. While you may want to keep them fully safe and secure, cutting down on their outdoor time is not the right strategy. Spending time outdoors has lots of benefits, including improved emotional, physical, and overall cognitive well-being.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety and comfort, consider moving them to Brayden Park Memory Care. Here at Brayden Park, we offer a safe and secure courtyard where your senior loved one can relax and feel the fresh air.
Want to learn more about our amenities and services and how we can help your loved one in their journey? Schedule a tour of Brayden Park Assisted Living & Memory Care and meet us today!
