Moving into a retirement home in Austin, TX is an excellent retirement plan. It gives you the freedom to live your life without being tied down by other obligations such as maintenance and repair of your home. You also get easy access to amenities to improve your overall welfare. Outdoor amenities are particularly important for both mental and physical health. Living in a senior living community that has invested in outdoor amenities and activities would therefore be the best bet.
The importance of outdoor amenities for senior living community guests include:
It Is a Core Component of Memory Care
If you require memory care as part of your stay in a senior living community, outdoor activities and amenities are important. They are one of the different types of therapy needed to ameliorate memory care. Empirical studies have shown a positive impact on memory function and dementia when one is exposed to outdoor spaces. Spending time outdoors makes one feel more relaxed and increases neural activity in the brain. It is easier to socialize in the outdoors as well, which is beneficial for some cognitive illnesses including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
It Makes Social Interaction Easier
Some guests might naturally be shy or have cognitive illnesses which make it difficult to interact socially. Providing an outdoor facility for guests to meet and take part in activities such as games help solve this. Taking part in regular outdoor activities makes it easier to socialize.
It Can Boost Physical Health
Staying in the outdoors has that proven benefit on physical health. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun promotes the formation of vitamin D and calcium. The latter helps in the strengthening of bones which can have a modest effect on osteoporosis. Increased vitamin D synthesis is linked to improved mucosal immunity, which reduces the incidence of respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia. The latter has high morbidity in those over 60.
It’s Beneficial for Insomnia
Poor sleep hygiene has been associated with numerous cognitive disorders including depression, a propensity for infections, anxiety, and lethargy. Getting enough sleep is important for those over 55 to prevent these conditions. Spending time outdoors can help in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. This makes your sleep schedule more regular, and you will feel energized every morning when you wake up. As little as 30 minutes spent outdoors will have an impact on sleep after a few weeks.
It Helps to Establish A Routine
By having regular activities outdoors, a routine can be established for the senior living community guests. Having a sense of routine as a guest gives your life a sense of normalcy, and also makes you feel like you are part of something. The presence of many amenities helps you pick one that suits your personality. If you love nature, for instance, you could tend to the gardens or go pick flowers on a regular basis.
