How Being Outside Can Help Memory

Learning how being outside can help memory retention can guide you in building a routine of activities that promote a healthy mind and body. Ecotherapy, or nature therapy, is a form of holistic therapy that benefits mental health and increases neural activity. It can help senior adults living with dementia slow the progression of the disease and decrease the risk of depression, stress, and anxiety.

At Ventana, we are a full-service retirement community providing memory care for seniors and a wide range of programs to benefit mental and physical health. We have several secure outdoor areas where our residents can enjoy the great outdoors with their friends and family. We also provide weekly outings to different parks in the areas so seniors can reconnect with nature and improve memory retention. To learn more about our memory care services, call 214.225.6197 today to speak with one of our friendly team members. 

How Nature Helps Your Health

Does going outside improve memory? Recent research has shown that being outside has many therapeutic benefits for men and women of all ages, but especially for seniors. Seniors can easily slip into a sedentary lifestyle without a structured routine, including stimulating activities that get them out of the house. 

You can help your memory by going outside and spending part of the day breathing in the fresh air and getting plenty of sunlight. Here’s how nature helps your health: 

• Improves mood
• Reduces stress and anxiety 
• Promotes physical activity
• Decreases loneliness
• Helps you reconnect with nature

Walking outdoors with friends gives you an easy workout, increases social interaction, and gives seniors something to look forward to daily. During nature walks, you can collect items to build collages. You might also take up bird watching and read about the birds in your area.

At Ventana, we understand how being outside can help memory retention and provide our residents with plenty of outdoor spaces in a secure environment. We combined holistic therapies and medical and therapeutic support to create a whole-person senior living experience. 

How Being Outside Can Help Memory

Learning how nature helps your health can give you some new activities to try out that can increase your physical activity and give your mind something to focus on during the day. Here are several outdoor activities that can help boost memory retention and give you plenty of other health benefits:

• Gardening – Ask anyone who gardens, and they will tell you there is something very therapeutic about digging your hands into the soil and making something grow. This activity is physically and mentally stimulating and provides plenty of opportunities to spend time outside and connect with nature. 
• Go for a picnic – On nice days, grab your favorite foods, friends, and family and head outside to enjoy a meal. You will get a boost in dopamine, plenty of vitamin D, and mentally stimulating conversations. During the summer, many local parks have outdoor concerts and shows that are fun for the whole family. 
• Bird watching – Learning about the local birds can be educational and gives you a good excuse to turn off the TV and get outside. This activity can help with mental clarity and focus, hand dexterity, and increases memory retention. 
• Arts and crafts – Pick up leaves, small rocks, or other interesting natural items during nature walks to create a fun art collage. You get to be outdoors and get plenty of physical activity, then spend a few hours socializing with your friends while putting together your artwork.

You can help your memory by going outside more and reconnecting with nature. Sitting in nature and listening to the wind can be therapeutic and reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and other negative emotions. 

Ventana: Help Your Loved One with Memory Care for Seniors in Dallas

Does going outside improve your memory? At Ventana, we believe nature can be very beneficial for our residents and provide them with plenty of activities they can do outdoors without the risk of wandering or getting lost. Our memory care residents get plenty of time to socialize and be active outdoors to boost their mental activity and happiness. 

If you want to learn more about our memory care services and other programs, call 214.225.6197 today or complete our web form to schedule a tour and meet our friendly team.