Outdoor Programs & Adventures

Benefits of the Great Outdoors for Seniors

We all know instinctively that spending time outdoors is restorative and invigorating, and increases vitality. Many studies over the years have shown that getting out into nature has many benefits for the mind, body and soul for all ages, and especially in the elderly population, including boosting feelings of happiness and spirituality and energizing the body with fresh air. 

Some benefits documented in these studies are especially relevant to the senior population in our assisted living communities:

• Just 10 to 20 minutes a day of exposure to sunlight boosts vitamin D which can protect against osteoporosis, some types of cancer and heart disease
• Taking a break in nature can improve memory and cognitive function
• Spending time among plants and trees can boost immunity by lowering cortisol (a stress hormone), pulse rate and blood pressure
• Getting outside improves sleep, mood and energy

This is why Senior Living Residences’ communities help our residents embrace the outdoors with dedicated spaces, programs and outings. Our courtyards, fountains, gazebos and gardens are places that excite and inspire with concerts, al fresco dining, summer barbecues, gardening, walking and communing with nature.

Special Programs & Outdoor Spaces Connect Seniors with Nature

Residents at every one of our communities have access to wonderful outdoor spaces. Here is a sampling:

• The Certified National Wildlife Habitats in the expansive courtyards of the Cambridge Homes and Nashoba Park encourage visits from butterflies and many species of birds
• In a city location that feels like country, residents of the Goddard House work at “Growing the Farm”
• Mature apple trees on a site rich in local history thrive at Cornerstone at Milford 
• The walking trails and guided nature programs at Cambridge’s Fresh Pond are right outside the back door of Neville Place
• Armbrook Village encourages active aging and visits with grandchildren with an outdoor bocci court and playground
• The picturesque Assabet River in historic Concord flows through the backyard of Concord Park with easy-to-navigate walking trails 
• The paved sidewalk along Carson Beach at Boston Harbor beckons the Compass on the Bay walking group 
• Tucked into a serene location within the Downtown Historic District, residents of Methuen Village enjoy expansive views of the Spicket River and Riverwalk Park
• Resident gardeners grow flowers and vegetables in raised planting beds at Cape Cod Senior Residences and Forestdale Park
• The residents of every Compass Memory Support Neighborhood enjoy easy access to an enclosed courtyard with rich landscaping, gardening activities and comfortable seating